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HALF TIME Conference 2026: Shaping the Future of Sports Business

What to Expect
The much-anticipated HALF TIME Conference 2026, presented by HALF TIME Inc., will take place on July 15, 2026, in a hybrid format that includes both in-person attendance in Tokyo and online participation. This event promises to be an invaluable platform for sports industry professionals, offering keen insights into the latest trends and strategies in the sports business landscape.

Event Overview
This year's conference theme is "Stay Ahead: Leading the Future of Sports Business." Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with a lineup of influential speakers from various sectors, including professional sports clubs, e-sports, and global sponsorship. The event will feature representatives from major organizations such as Tokyo Verdy, Nagoya Grampus, REJECT, Visa, and Miller Insurance Services, fostering discussions that are sure to spark innovation and collaboration in the sports sector.

Key Sessions and Topics
The conference will address crucial subjects impacting sports business today, including:

• - Professional club management and development through digital transformation (DX)
• - The burgeoning e-sports market and possibilities for corporate collaboration
• - Japan's international sports expansion and growth models, starting from the Asia Championship
• - Risk management unique to sports
• - Creating local innovations through sports initiatives

Each session will bring together experts to share their knowledge, case studies, and strategies that can be applied across the industry.

The following program highlights the diverse range of discussions planned for the day:

• - Session 1: Risk Management in Sports Personnel, Events, and Venues

- Siva Krishnan (Miller Insurance Services)
- Tomoyuki Wakamatsu (Abeam Consulting)

• - Session 2: Current Trends in the e-Sports Market

- Shohei Kouyama (REJECT)
- Akihiro Satomura (Visa Japan)

• - Session 3: Redesigning the Japanese Sports Landscape

- Kentaro Komamiya (SHAPE Sports)
- Shogo Shibata (Asia Championship)

• - Session 4: Next-Generation Development and DX in Professional Sports

- Daisuke Kurita (Tokyo Verdy)
- Joji Morimoto (Tokyo Verdy)
- Kenichi Hasuda (hacomono)

• - Session 5: Innovations in Sports at the Local Level

- Goichi Sato (Nagoya Grampus)
- Tsuyoshi Morikida (Hakobun)
- Yoshihiro Kurauchi (Chunichi Shimbun)
- Eri Saito (Splat)

Networking Opportunities
As part of the conference, there will also be ample networking opportunities for participants and speakers to connect and expand their professional networks. The event is designed to foster collaboration across all sectors of the sports business.

Ticket Information
The in-person tickets for the Tokyo venue are priced at ¥12,000 (tax included) and are limited to the first 100 registrants. Meanwhile, online viewing tickets are free, but registration is necessary for both formats. Interested attendees can register through the official event website at HALF TIME Conference 2026.

A Legacy of Innovation
Since its inception in 2019, the HALF TIME Conference has become the premier event for professionals in the sports business, boasting a cumulative attendance of over 5,600 participants. As it celebrates its 15th iteration, the conference continues to serve as a vital hub for sharing cutting-edge trends and fostering innovation within the industry.

Contact Details
For inquiries regarding the event, please contact the organizers at [email protected].