Villa Park, home to Aston Villa Football Club since 1897, has hosted Premier League, Champions League, World Cup and European Championship football, it has staged more FA Cup semi-finals than any other venue, the Three Lions have played here 11 times over the course of three different centuries and, it was the stadium where the last-ever UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final took place. 

Major boxing and American Football events have also been staged here, not to mention the ever-growing list of global music icons and religious gatherings to grace the Birmingham-based venue. Villa Park truly is a ground for all people and all seasons. 

The venue is striving to offer world-class experiences and over the last 18 months has implemented a host of transformational changes across the facilities; including additional seats in the stadium bowl taking the capacity over 42,800, increased concourse space in general admission areas, new and updated hospitality spaces – ranging from luxury suites to casual lounges – now offering 13 different hospitality options on a matchday, a redeveloped club store, additional LED perimeter screens in all stands and a Fan Zone situated next to the players entrance bringing fans closer to their heroes and levelling up the atmosphere pre-match.  

Looking ahead, Aston Villa Football Club has commenced work on a bold regeneration project at Villa Park ahead of its inclusion as a EURO 2028 venue, that will build on the Club’s 150-year heritage, while also creating the fan experience zone of the future.  

Expected to go live Christmas 2025, the new project includes the launch of The Warehouse, a new multi-use venue set to become a centrepiece of the matchday experience and a hub for year-round entertainment, along with a new ticket office, improved plaza in the North Grounds, and expanded footprint of the club shop, cementing its place as a leading events venue in the UK. 

https://www.villaparkstadium.com/about-us/our-stadium/

https://www.avfc.co.uk/villa-park

Levy is the leading sports and entertainment caterer in the UK and Ireland, boasting some of the biggest and best stadiums and leisure locations in Europe as its venue partners. These include Johan Cruijff ArenA, All England Lawn Tennis Club, The O2 Arena, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, ExCeL London, Twickenham Stadium, National Theatre, Edgbaston, Scottish Event Campus, Aviva Stadium, , and Principality Stadium.

Through strong partnerships, Levy Europe creates bespoke F&B concepts, service standards and pioneering design, implementing a guest-first approach and data-driven innovation at each site. With its company-wide passion for the planet and plates of delicious food, Levy’s culinary team engineer menus with a strong focus on seasonal dishes made with local ingredients.

Levy Europe is part of FTSE 100 company and global leader in food services, Compass Group PLC.

https://levy.co.uk/

Since 1994, Dawnvale has been dedicated to transforming designs into captivating and functional spaces and established itself as a renowned fit-out company with extensive experience in kitchen and bar strategy planning.

With over three decades of experience, we have become synonymous with excellence in transforming spaces to elevate the hospitality experience.

Our focus lies in partnering with clubs to enhance their hospitality offerings, ultimately driving revenue growth. Through our fast-track program and comprehensive one-stop-shop approach, we streamline the entire process, ensuring projects are completed seamlessly and on schedule.

At Dawnvale, we pride ourselves on our innovative approach and commitment to delivering results efficiently. This approach not only saves time but also minimises disruptions and any risk to ongoing operations.

Our team's depth of knowledge and industry insight allows us to offer bespoke solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. From concept to completion, we collaborate closely with our clients to bring their vision to life while maximising the potential of their spaces. With a track record of successful projects and a dedication to exceeding expectations, Dawnvale continues to lead the way in hospitality design and fit-out services.

https://www.dawnvale.com/projects/stadiums/

Contact Name: Denise Jones

denise@dawnvale.com

+44 (0) 771 4136672

Global Payments Inc. (NYSE: GPN) is a leading payments technology company delivering innovative software and services to our customers globally. Our technologies, services and team member expertise allow us to provide a broad range of solutions that enable our customers to operate their businesses more efficiently across a variety of channels around the world.

Headquartered in Georgia with nearly 27,000 team members worldwide, Global Payments is a Fortune 500® company and a member of the S&P 500 with worldwide reach spanning over 100 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.

For more information, visit www.globalpayments.com and follow Global Payments on X (@globalpayinc), LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Our globally integrated sports design studio spans London, Los Angeles, Kansas City and New York City. 

For over 60 years, we’ve partnered with clubs, leagues and communities to deliver transformational stadiums that elevate the matchday experience, drive revenue and create sustainable legacies. From world-class homes for Premier League and Championship clubs to stadium-led regeneration districts, we understand the fabric of UK football. 

Our approach puts supporters and clubs at the heart of every decision. We listen closely to shape designs that reflect each club’s unique identity, heritage and ambition, balancing unforgettable matchdays with year-round activation and sustainable operations. Offering end-to-end expertise in architecture, engineering, master planning, business and operations planning, sports economics and technology integration, we deliver bespoke solutions that transcend the sport and stand the test of time. 

Our proven track record includes Everton FC’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, Luton Town FC’s Power Court and Intuit Dome — the world’s first net zero, LEED Platinum, 100% solar-powered arena — home of the LA Clippers NBA team, exemplifying how a stadium can fuel passion, regeneration and a full calendar of major events year-round. 

Learn more about how we’re changing the game
 
Contact: Dan Meis 

Web: AECOM Sports 

LinkedIn: AECOM Buildings + Places  
Email: Dan.Meis@aecom.com  

Since 1994, Dawnvale has been dedicated to transforming designs into captivating and functional spaces and established itself as a renowned fit-out company with extensive experience in kitchen and bar strategy planning.

With over three decades of experience, we have become synonymous with excellence in transforming spaces to elevate the hospitality experience.

Our focus lies in partnering with clubs to enhance their hospitality offerings, ultimately driving revenue growth. Through our fast-track program and comprehensive one-stop-shop approach, we streamline the entire process, ensuring projects are completed seamlessly and on schedule.

At Dawnvale, we pride ourselves on our innovative approach and commitment to delivering results efficiently. This approach not only saves time but also minimises disruptions and any risk to ongoing operations.

Our team's depth of knowledge and industry insight allows us to offer bespoke solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. From concept to completion, we collaborate closely with our clients to bring their vision to life while maximising the potential of their spaces. With a track record of successful projects and a dedication to exceeding expectations, Dawnvale continues to lead the way in hospitality design and fit-out services.

https://www.dawnvale.com/projects/stadiums/

Contact Name: Denise Jones

denise@dawnvale.com

+44 (0) 771 4136672

Wicket enables a sensational event experience with a privacy-first facial authentication platform based on patented computer vision AI technology integrated into ticketing, credentialing, access control, and payment systems.

Wicket enhances fan, guest, and employee experiences by enabling frictionless touchpoints that delight users and strengthen security.

Wicket has been in use since 2020 and has delivered positive ROI for numerous sports stadiums, conferences, and corporate office environments. 

Contact details: https://www.wicketsoft.com/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wicketsoftware.com

HQ Address: 1 Broadway, 14th Floor Cambridge, MA 02142

20.20 are one of the longest-established experience consultancies in London and arguably, one of the first in their approach. Their work is globally renowned, acknowledged by a variety of award establishments and they have been on a long steady path with global brands since their existence.

By understanding human behaviours, they enable their clients’ businesses to be more experiential, successful and sustainable. They are strategic thinkers and creative problem solvers.

20.20 famously has worked with Premiership football clubs such as Manchester City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, West Ham, Liverpool, Newcastle United and led the transformation of the Emirates Stadium for Arsenal for over 15 years. Outside of football; 20.20 has worked in Canada with the Scotiabank Arena, for Churchill Down’s Kentucky Derby, and re-branded the Epsom Derby in recent years.

20.20’s latest projects are on a different scale. From master-planning an entire arena or stadium for every level of ticket price to strategically mapping the various customer journeys then layering and designing immersive story-telling and interiors:

Latest projects and clients include; AO Arena- various projects, Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club’s ‘Tunnel Club’, Newcastle United Football Club’s ‘Wings’ and ‘Rooftop by Fenwick’.

Contact details:

Jon Lee

jon.lee@20.20.co.uk

www.20.20.co.uk

Axess AG (Axess) is a leading international company that provides access control solutions for stadia, arenas and venues. New intelligent technologies which control venue entry, and the flow of visitors, are the focus. By offering contactless access control to venue operators Axess systems are ready for the new lifestyle that is defined by social distancing and touchless applications. Axess systems have been installed at several Olympic Games, FIFA, UEFA and WORLD CUP events, as well as more than 120 stadia and arenas.

Axess Headquarters are in Anif/Salzburg (Austria) where the departments of sales, marketing, finance and hard- and software development are located. At the Axess factory in Innsbruck (Tyrol) all innovative hardware products are produced. The company values are based on genuine partnership with customers and on the individuality of the systems and products.

This has served very well laying the foundation for the business success Axess has achieved worldwide. More than 400 employees are working every day for customers worldwide. Axess AG was founded 1998 and is operating with 21 subsidiaries.

Contact name: Christian Heidegger – Director of Sales International

Address: Sonystraße 18, 5081 Anif / AUSTRIA

Email: c.heidegger@teamaxess.com

Tel: +43 (0)6246 202 

Web/URL: teamaxess.com

At Diversified, we leverage the best in technology and ongoing advisory services to transform businesses. Our comprehensive suite of solutions is engineered to help our clients build connections that make a difference – whether by inspiring viewers, engaging associates, motivating audiences, or streamlining and safeguarding operations.

We connect people, technology and experiences, where and when it matters most. Our solutions reach millions every day. Founded in 1993, we’re a global organization serving local needs with associates worldwide.

Learn more at onediversified.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Contact:

Fran Williams, Technical Commercial Director (Media) EMEA

M: +44 (0)7701 303 146

e: fwilliams@onediversified.com

or find us at the event on our Exhibition Stand #9.

At Gensler, the value of our work stems from its positive impact on the human experience. We are a dynamic and collaborative design firm uniting creativity, research, and innovation to solve complex problems for our clients. Our work challenges conventional ideas about architecture and the built environment. We aren’t just designing buildings — we are reimagining cities and places that make a difference in people’s lives.

We at Gensler | SPORTS are designing the new era of state of the art sports and entertainment experiences. From ground-up stadiums to refreshed arena districts, sports and entertainment design can redefine the fan experience, drive economic growth, and set new benchmarks around the world.

Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in 100 countries each year. Everything we do is guided by our mission: to create a better world through the power of design.

Contact details:

Tayomara Gama, MAPM, Regional Sports Lead, email: Tayomara_Gama@gensler.com

https://www.gensler.com/expertise/sports

Elevating VIP Experiences

Matchday is more than just a game; it’s an experience. And for VIPs and business partners, it’s an experience that should feel effortless, exclusive, and premium. Yet, too often, clubs manage these high-value guests the same way they handle regular fans—through disconnected systems, spreadsheets, and last-minute coordination. The result? Frustration, lost revenue, and missed opportunities. 

The secret to elevating VIP hospitality lies in centralisation. When all VIP and sponsorship data is housed in one system, every department—sales, hospitality, finance, and operations—has real-time access to accurate information. No more miscommunication, no more inefficiencies. Just a smooth, personalised experience from start to finish. 

With this foundation in place, automation takes efficiency to the next level. Invitations, ticketing, catering, invoicing—every touchpoint is streamlined, ensuring VIPs receive the treatment they expect while clubs unlock new upselling opportunities and increase retention. 

iXpole provides clubs with a fully integrated ecosystem that centralises, automates and optimises VIP and sponsorship management. A powerful back-office system, combined with seamless API integrations, ensures flawless coordination. Role-specific tools like the VIP Portal, VIP Booker, and VIP Desk empower business partners and hospitality staff with effortless access to critical information, elevating service and boosting revenue. 

A world-class experience for premium customers isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. With the right strategy and technology, clubs can finally tap into the full potential of their most valuable audience, strengthening relationships and driving sustainable growth. 

Website: https://www.ixpole.com

Layrd Design is an award-winning interior design studio that prioritises creating engaging atmospheres to immerse and connect people. Each project is uniquely designed to resonate with the client's specific community and is future-proofed for lasting impact and limited future expenses. 

Layrd specialises in creating dynamic sporting experiences, including premium hospitality lounges, sponsor areas, fitness and changing facilities, executive boxes, receptions, sensory spaces and media facilities. 

Working across multiple sectors, from stadiums to gyms and workspaces, Layrd is uniquely positioned to design and fit out large-scale projects and deliver functional spaces that meet the diverse needs of its clients. Sustainability-driven, Layrd meets client requirements with a team passionate about creating interiors that are not only captivating but also environmentally responsible.

Contact Details:

Will Mayes

07969 658490 

will@layrddesign.co.uk

https://www.layrddesign.co.uk/sectors/stadia-interior-design

Light & Fury are a specialist sports graphics production company. Electrifying the fan experience through bold graphics, motion design, video and sound. We design and produce high-impact stadium visuals to build anticipation, spark joy, and amplify the emotion of sporting events. 

Our work transforms any screen from giant stadium screens to LED ribbons or portable devices into dynamic canvases, bringing brands to life and energising the crowd. Every project is crafted with creative flair and delivered with precision and technical expertise. 

We push the format forward, harnessing the best of technology to achieve the most creative outcomes, blending deep creative insight with cutting-edge tools to create unforgettable fan experiences.

Trusted by Australia’s biggest sporting codes and teams, including the National Rugby League (NRL), Parramatta Eels and Melbourne Racing Club we’ve created stadium graphics packages for our top sporting events including State of Origin, Caulfield Cup and the NRL’s recent push into the Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium.  

We also collaborate with brands to seamlessly integrate the thrill of live sport into their identity, crafting immersive in-stadium activations that resonate with fans and elevate brand presence.

We live for the energy of live sport—and we love what we do.

Contact:

Dave Cochrane – Director

hello@lightandfury.tv

lightandfury.tv

Formed in 2004, Qualflow is a leading provider of automated beer-line hygiene systems, and high speed dispense taps. Our Velx Swift Taps and keg changers allow our customers to pour thousands of pints of beer per hour, leading to shorter queues, less staff, and increased sales, simple operation and accurate metered dispense increases keg yield by up to 3% and sales by up to 100%.

The company’s automated beer-line cleaning equipment and line clean monitoring apps improve draught quality and sales by bringing beer-line cleaning into an automated digital era.

Venues already benefitting from our solutions include: Aviva Stadium, 3Arena, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, SSE Arena Belfast, Etihad Stadium, London Stadium, Stamford Bridge, St James’ Park, and Gallagher Stadium.

Contact details:

Thomas Minter, Head of UK Sales

Address: Unit 6, Turvey Business Centre, Donabate, Co. Dublin

Email: Thomas.minter@qualflow.com

Tel: +44 (0)779 9646424

Web: www.qualflow.com

When the game is on, so is your venue. Uniguest Sports Hub delivers the right content, at the right time, in the right place—keeping fans connected, engaged, and coming back for more.

As a global leader in stadium IPTV and digital signage, Sports Hub powers over 250 arenas and stadiums worldwide. Our solution integrates seamlessly with third-party systems to create a fully connected venue—whether you're lighting up LED walls, showcasing live game feeds, or driving F&B sales through digital menu boards.

With a modern interface, low-maintenance operation, and robust feature set, Sports Hub helps operators stay in control while delivering unforgettable, revenue-driving fan experiences.

From pre-game hype to post-game highlights—Uniguest keeps the energy high and the content flowing.

Contact information:

Tim Hoddy, VP of Sales - Europe

Email: tim.hoddy@uniguest.com

Tel: +44 (0)845 094 3326

Learn more at uniguest.com

QSR Automations® , headquartered in Louisville, KY, USA, with offices in the United Kingdom, is a global industry leader in kitchen automation and guest management services.

Since 1996, restaurant operators have turned to the brand’s signature platform, ConnectSmart®, for customised solutions to improve the guest experience and drive operational excellence.

Used in 21 of the nation’s top 25 casual dining chains, ConnectSmart® leverages data to create customised solutions that make calmer kitchens, simpler workflows, and happier guests. 

Contact details:

QSR Automations

Observer House, Caxton Way

Watford, WD18 8RJ

UK

Tel: +44 2038704571

sales@qsrautomations.com

https://qsrautomations.com