Exploring the Future of Sports Business at the AiSIA Seminar in Aichi

A Look into the Future of Sports Business

The AiSIA (Aichi Sports Innovation Consortium) is set to host an innovative seminar dedicated to the future of the sports business on February 12, 2026. As the industry continuously evolves, it is essential for businesses and organizations within the sports sector to keep abreast of emerging opportunities and frameworks fostering growth. This seminar will feature insights from prominent leaders, including Mr. Etsushi Tanoue, CEO of The Small Things Co., and Mr. Soichi Morita, Sports Division Director of Suntory Holdings.

Event Details

The event is not only an academic gathering but also practical in nature, targeting professionals who are either looking to enter the sports market or enhance their existing operations. It will occur in a hybrid format, allowing participants to join either in-person or online via Zoom. The in-person session will be hosted at the Aichi International Business Support Center located in Nagoya, featuring a capacity of 80 attendees based on first-come-first-served.

Schedule

- Date: February 12, 2026
- Time: 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM (Registration starts at 2:00 PM)

The seminar will kick off with opening remarks, followed by a series of enlightening discussions:

- 14:30 - 14:35: Opening Greetings
- 14:35 - 14:40: Introduction to Aichi Sports Innovation Project by the AiSIA Secretariat
- 14:40 - 15:10: Keynote Speech by Etsushi Tanoue on “Value Added by Athletes to Partner Companies and Partnership Models”
- 15:10 - 15:40: Presentation by Soichi Morita about “The Future of Suntory Sports through Co-Creation with Partners”
- 15:40 - 16:00: Interactive Discussion on the Future of co-creation partnerships in sports business
- 16:00 - 16:10: Q&A Session
- 16:10 - 16:20: Information Distribution
- 16:20 - 17:00: Networking Session

Who Should Attend?

This seminar is targeted at professionals from various sectors including sports teams, organizations, and businesses aiming to expand their reach within the sports industry. It welcomes participants from outside the AiSIA membership, making it an inclusive opportunity for anyone interested in the sports market. The inclusion of key players from leading firms like Suntory enhances the relevance and effectiveness of the discussions.

Registration Information

Participation is free of charge! Interested individuals can register through a dedicated form available here before the deadline on February 9, 2026, by 9:00 AM.

Contact Information

For further inquiries regarding the seminar, contact Deloitte Tohmatsu LLC at [email protected]. For any specifics about AiSIA, the Aichi Sports Bureau can be reached at [email protected], or you can call 052-954-6817.

Speaker Profiles

Soichi Morita

Soichi Morita has been a pivotal figure in the Suntory Group since 1995, engaging in multiple roles across various departments. His extensive experience in managing sports operations such as leading Suntory's volleyball and rugby teams has equipped him with a unique perspective on integrating business strategies within the sports domain.

Etsushi Tanoue

Etsushi Tanoue has an extensive background in sports business development, steering various initiatives at notable companies. His role in founding The Small Things Co. signifies his commitment to leveraging sports as a cornerstone for innovative projects.

The Vision Ahead

The AiSIA seminar marks a significant step towards fostering collaborative relationships within the sports industry, driving innovation, and creating new opportunities for businesses. We encourage all stakeholders to take advantage of this valuable opportunity, as participation might just pave the way for the next big step in your sports business journey.