The Sports Network | Fields of Influence: Sport, Trade and Diplomacy in Action
Description
Sport has always been more than just a game—it’s a powerful force for connection, collaboration and influence on the world stage. Fields of Influence: Sport, Trade and Diplomacy in Action explores how sport drives relationships, economic opportunity and cultural exchange.
Join us for an engaging breakfast featuring keynote speaker Tim Harcourt, leading economist and host of The Airport Economist and Footynomics: The Business of Sport , who will share insights into how sport operates as a dynamic platform for trade and diplomacy. Drawing on his global experience and trademark storytelling, Tim will unpack the intersections between sport, business and international engagement—revealing how the playing field often shapes global partnerships and economic growth.
This event will bring together leaders across sport, government, academia and industry to explore the expanding role of sport as a vehicle for social, cultural and economic influence.
Event highlights:
Keynote presentation by Tim Harcourt
Panel discussion and networking opportunities, including chance to watch Adelaide United training (men's and women's)
Insights into how sport strengthens South Australia’s global influence and trade relationships
Fields of Influence is where sport meets strategy—showcasing the power of sport to build bridges, open markets, and shape our place in the world.
The Sports Network is proud to partner with Adelaide Venue Management, Comwire IT and Adelaide United to bring you this event.
Please note: Complimentary parking is available for guests in the designated area at Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Guests should enter via Gate 1 off Port Road and follow the signage to the undercroft car park. From there, please walk across to Coopers Stadium, following the signs to Gate 11.
Please note: Parking outside the designated area may incur charges.
Parking is also available in Holden, and the other surrounding streets.
Speakers and MC
Keynote Speaker | Tim Harcourt | Author and host of Footynomics: the Business of Sport
Professor Tim Harcourt is Industry Professor and Chief Economist at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). At UTS, Tim works for the Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG) and the Centre for Sport, Business and Society (CSBS) Tim’s main professional interests are International Trade; labour Markets, Climate Innovation and the Economics of Sports. Before joining UTS, Tim was Professor of Practice in Economics at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney and Chief Economist at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade). He has also worked for the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and as an economic advisor to three Federal Cabinet Ministers and two State Premiers. A prolific author TV host and globetrotter, Tim has worked and filmed in 60 countries. Tim hosts the TV series The Airport Economist and Footynomics: The Business of Sport, that are also podcasts on the Ticker News TV Network
Panellist | Carolyn Mitchell | Chair Netball SA & Deputy Chair SA Motorsport Board
Carolyn Mitchell is an experienced non-executive director. She is numerate and understands the drivers and levers available to grow businesses; she has, excellent communication skills, the ability to ask the important questions at the right times; she possesses legal knowledge and experience, coupled with commerciality and a practical problem-solving approach and she exercises diplomacy, the ability to tackle difficult conversations in a direct and honest way without causing offence. Carolyn currently Chairs the boards of Can;Do Group, Haighs Chocolates, Health Services Charitable Gifts Board, Netball SA. She is Deputy Chair of Sarah Group Holdings Advisory Board and The South Australian Motorsport Board and a member of the Transition Council of Adelaide University and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
Panellist | Tom Rischbieth | Chief Revenue Officer of Football Australia
Tom is an executive leader with global experience across sport, entertainment, and media. He is responsible for Football Australia’s commercial growth, forging major partnerships with iconic brands, and helping deliver culture shifting moments like the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023. Tom’s extensive career has focused on commercial rights, strategy and investment across sport, entertainment, and government. He also founded The Mullagh Group, a support network for Australian sports professionals in the UK.
MC | Rosie Panetta
Rosie Panetta is a broadcaster and sports presenter with nearly 20 years’ experience across radio, live events, and major sporting stages, including as game day announcer for Adelaide United FC (A-League). She has worked with Australia’s leading radio networks, including Nova, ARN, and the Hit Network, and presented at international tournaments like the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the recent Beach Volleyball World Cup in Adelaide. Passionate about empowering women and girls in sport, Rosie has also worked to deliver self-development workshops for girls in schools.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
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