GSIC’s participation at PEAK 2026 marked a key milestone in advancing its strategic priorities around member engagement, U.S. market awareness, and global ecosystem connectivity. With more than 1,300 attendees, the event provided a high-impact platform to position GSIC members at the center of industry conversations and unlock meaningful opportunities for collaboration.
Across multiple formats—from panels and keynotes to startup showcases and networking activations—GSIC ensured that its members were not only present, but actively contributing to the dialogue shaping the future of sport.
Strengthening Visibility and Creating Value for Members
A core focus throughout the event was to amplify the visibility of GSIC members and facilitate direct, high-quality interactions with key stakeholders across the sports industry.
At the event, we connected members with clubs, federations, technology providers, and global organizations, fostering conversations that extend beyond the event itself. These interactions are critical to helping members showcase their solutions, exchange knowledge, and explore potential collaborations in a highly targeted environment.
High-Impact Program Contributions
GSIC played an active role in shaping the PEAK agenda, curating and contributing to sessions designed to highlight innovation while creating tangible value for its members.
Sports Reimagined with AI
Sebastián Lancestremere (GSIC Chairman) explored how artificial intelligence is transforming performance, fan engagement, and operations. The session positioned GSIC and its ecosystem at the forefront of future-facing innovation conversations.
Testing and Piloting New Technology in Sports Organizations
Moderated by Juan Fuentes (GSIC Testing Lab Director), this panel featured leading clubs including Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla FC, and Villarreal CF. The discussion provided practical insights into how organizations are testing and scaling new technologies in Valencia and the word, offering valuable learnings for startups and tech providers within the GSIC network.
Groundbreakers Challenge
Led by the GSIC team, this initiative showcased 10 startups from the USA, Spain, Germany, Qatar, and Belgium. In collaboration with stakeholders such as FIFA, LALIGA, Sevilla FC, and Villarreal CF, the challenge created a direct bridge between innovators and rights holders—giving startups visibility, feedback, and potential pathways for collaboration.
FIFA Innovation Programme Keynote
FIFA shared its strategic approach to innovation, highlighting pilot programs and ecosystem collaboration. This session reinforced the importance of structured innovation frameworks and offered GSIC members insight into how to engage with global governing bodies.
A Platform for Meaningful Connections
Beyond the stage, GSIC’s booth became a central meeting point for the community. Through curated coffee networking sessions, GSIC facilitated direct engagement between members and partners, including Sherpa Sports, Machina Sports, ASTN, Fever, and RedFlag AI.
These moments created a more personal and accessible environment for exchange—enabling members to present their solutions, share challenges, and build relationships with potential collaborators in a high-trust setting.
Advancing Industry Initiatives: Anti-Piracy Observatory
During the session on next-generation anti-piracy and fraud prevention, GSIC officially launched the Anti-Piracy Observatory, in collaboration with key industry stakeholders including LALIGA.
This initiative responds directly to challenges faced by sports organizations and technology providers, addressing critical issues such as illegal streaming and digital fraud. By bringing together innovators, rights holders, and experts, the Observatory aims to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and accelerate the development of effective solutions—creating clear value for GSIC members operating in this space.
A Strategic Step Forward for the GSIC Community
GSIC’s participation at PEAK 2026 delivered strong outcomes aligned with its core mission:
- Increased visibility for GSIC and its members in the U.S. market
- High engagement with existing members and new stakeholders
- Direct connections with key players across the global sports ecosystem
- New opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation
As GSIC continues to expand its global footprint, its role remains clear: to act as a platform that empowers its members—connecting them with the right partners, opportunities, and environments to grow.
The momentum generated at PEAK reinforces this commitment, ensuring that GSIC members remain at the forefront of innovation in the sports industry.
