Building smart stadiums, the rise of next generation sports, and how data science is helping athletes reach new heights were among the topics to take the field when QUT hosted the inaugural Future of Sport Conference in Brisbane on Friday (March 27).
The conference brought a stellar list of global sport experts to Brisbane, along with homegrown specialists from Queensland and interstate.
They included Las Vegas Raiders Vice President (Technology) Matt Pasco who discussed the expectations of modern sport spectators and the technology he’s infused into the US$1.9 billion Allegiant Stadium, which was designed and built in three years.
Other key speakers and panellists included Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Travis Auld, Los Angeles-based business technology expert Brenda Suh (SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park), and esports technology leader Dr Baro Hyun (LunaTone CEO) from Japan.
The conference’s central theme was how innovation, technology and research are shaping the future of sport ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil said the university was using sport as a real-world testbed for innovation, while keeping a clear focus on the long-term legacy beyond Brisbane 2032.
She said advances in data science, AI and performance analytics could be translated into practical outcomes for elite athletes, community sport and the future workforce.
“By embedding our researchers directly with elite sporting organisations, we are turning cutting-edge data science and AI into real-world impact – from helping athletes perform at their best to reducing injury risk and improving wellbeing,” she said.
“As Brisbane looks ahead to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will be headquartered in the area neighbouring our Kelvin Grove campus, our role goes well beyond the event itself.
“Through initiatives like our Virtual Cycling Centre and long-term programs under Elevate 2042, QUT is helping ensure sport delivers lasting benefits for health, skills, inclusion and economic growth across Queensland.”
Australian Grand Prix CEO Travis Auld was one of three keynote speakers at the Future of Sport Conference.
He shared how AI and sensor technology were used to improve fan access and experience at the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix – allowing higher fan numbers to the event, with reduced wait times and enhanced flow around the venue and between entertainment precincts.
SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park business technology expert Brenda Suh delivered a keynote that addressed designing stadium precincts for the future and treating every fan as a player.
LunaTone CEO Dr Baro Hyun’s keynote gave insights into his experience as an esports technology leader in Japan and Korea, how the rise of esports is rewriting the sport playbook, and turning over-65-year-olds into elite athletes.
Visiting MIT experts Ben Shields (MIT Sloan School of Management) and Stu Krusell (MIT Sloan Global Programs) also took to the stage to talk about AI and the sports fan experience.
An expert panel on smart stadiums (pictured at top of page) proved to be one of the conference’s most popular discussions.
It brought together Mr Pasco, Ms Suh, Mr Auld, Dr Hyun and Dr Shields for a discussion moderated by Manny Spanoudakis from the PMY Group.
QUT sport scientists Professor Glenn Lichtwark, Associate Professor Geoff Minett and Dr Mark Connick also took part in panels, along with internationally renowned QUT data scientist Distinguished Professor Kerrie Mengersen.
QUT Professor Sarah Kelly and the university’s Director of Sport Emily Rosemond also led discussions during the day, including a fireside chat with Sport Singapore’s Dean Tan, who shared learnings from the 2023 Olympics Esports Week.
AIS Director Matti Clements also interviewed two QUT students on stage, who gave insights into their high performance quests – Brisbane Roar player Grace Kuilamu and Paris bronze medal Paralympian swimmer Lewis Bishop.
The conference also attracted Skate Australia CEO Alex Anasson and Surfing Australia’s High Performance Director, Kate Wilcomes, who were part of a panel examining next generation sports being introduced to the Olympics.
The 2026 Future of Sport Conference was presented by QUT in collaboration with MIT Sloan School of Management, with Cisco as a major sponsor and PMY Group as a supporting sponsor.
Main photo at top of page: Smart stadiums panel members (pictured left to right) Manny Spanoudakis, Brenda Suh, Matt Pasco, Dr Ben Shields and Travis Auld.
Media enquiries: Mechelle McMahon, QUT Media, media@qut.edu.au
