This week, a number of visitors are coming to Falun. This is an important part of the preparations for the World Championships. On the agenda are the World Broadcaster Meeting and the FIS Coordination Group Meeting.
During two intensive days some of the rights-holding broadcasters and production companies will gather in Falun as Falun 2027, together with Infront Sports and FIS (the International Ski and Snowboard Federation), hosts the World Broadcaster Meeting (WBM) – an important meeting ahead of the FIS Nordic Ski Championships.
The purpose is to give international broadcasters a clear picture of the planning for the World Championships, while also giving the organizers an opportunity to capture the broadcasters’ wishes and needs ahead of next winter’s major skiing celebration.
During the WBM, which takes place next Monday and Tuesday, presentations will cover the organization behind Falun 2027, Lugnet as the competition arena, Medal Plaza, travel logistics, and accommodation solutions.
After the initial presentations, the program continues on-site at the venues. Participants will, among other things, visit Medal Plaza at Stora Torget before traveling the two kilometers to Lugnet for a closer look at both the ski jumping arena and the cross-country stadium. There, the central media facilities will also be presented: the IBC (International Broadcast Centre – the hub of international TV production), the Rights Holders’ TV Compound where broadcasters’ production trucks will be located, and the Main Media Center – the championship’s press center.
— It feels fantastic to bring together so many key stakeholders in Falun. This is an important opportunity to meet our international broadcasters and, together, create the best possible conditions for a strong and engaging TV production, so that we can deliver a world-class championship for both those following us from afar and those taking part in the celebration on site in Falun, says Anna Tynell Segerström, Head of Media at Falun 2027.
On Tuesday afternoon, the FIS Coordination Group begins, meaning that a number of FIS representatives will come to Falun to conduct the ongoing reviews that take place twice a year throughout Falun’s World Championship journey – from being awarded the championships through to next year’s major winter celebration. This will be the seventh meeting.
During the FIS Coordination Group-meeting, there will be follow-ups on what was discussed at the previous meeting in October, as well as discussions regarding this winter’s competitions in ski jumping (November), and cross-country skiing and Nordic combined (February–March).
— We in the organization have had a few intensive weeks behind us, during which we have devoted a great deal of time to preparing for this important meeting. It is all about reviewing every key area to ensure that we are on track. This includes everything from arena construction, facilities, transport, parking, accommodation, food, and all sporting and experiential elements. These meetings are about planning, together with FIS, for a fantastic World Championships both from a sporting and spectator perspective. As an organization, we are fully alert, and right now it feels a bit like preparing for an exam or a major test: Have we prepared as well as we possibly can at this point? I have a good feeling, and I hope for constructive dialogue. We have intense and long days ahead of us – important ones, says Sara Tigerström Monfelt, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer.
Kajsa Sjösvärd is CEO of Falun 2027.
— I look forward to welcoming FIS to Falun to review the road ahead. We feel strong momentum in our work, and the strength of our growing organization, together with the positive signals we are receiving from outside, shows that we are on our way to delivering a fantastic World Championships.