Redefining Boundaries
Main Topic Impulse Summit 2026
The sports industry is entering a phase of transformation where established structures such as business models, competition formats, and ethical frameworks are increasingly being challenged. Technological innovation, expanding capital flows, and evolving athlete roles are pushing the boundaries of how sport is organized, governed, and monetized.
As these boundaries shift, the industry faces fundamental questions about fairness, economic impact, and long-term sustainability. #RedefiningBoundaries brings these questions to the forefront, focusing on how sport is redefining its limits in an evolving global industry without losing its identity or long-term viability.
Join us to explore this and more on the 29th – 30th of October, 2026.
Where Sports and Business meet the next Generation.
9th Impulse Summit: 29th - 30th October 2026
By participating as one of 300 participants, you will access profound knowledge and expertise from peers, combined with the academic background and perspectives from the next generation. Our unique two-day conference allows you to openly discuss specific topics from your field of expertise, attend other industry professionals’ sessions and exchange ideas with the next generation. The private atmosphere ensures an eye-level exchange between peers and students to gain insights and make connections within the sports business network.
Be part of a thought-provoking intergenerational dialogue:
- 🔹Access 30+ sessions at the Impulse Summit
- 🔹Join an exclusive conference at one of the leading European business schools
- 🔹Engage in dialogue with 60 selected Global Talents
- 🔹Experience a unique, content-driven exchange format
- 🔹Enjoy food and beverages during all official events
- 🔹Take part in curated social and evening activities in St. Gallen
Interested in joining us as a Student?
Where Sports and Business meet the next Generation.
Our Initiative in Numbers
In our interactive platform, we regularly unite 200 leaders from in and around the industry with 60 selected Global Talents. Our Global Talents are invited to Switzerland for a 5-day program ending with the Impulse Summit, in which our experts and Global Talents challenge the status quo of the sports industry in interactive formats.
As always, we aim to create a platform for intergenerational, international, and interdisciplinary dialogue, where participants can exchange ideas, share experiences, and create meaningful connections.
60
Invited Students (Global Talents)
60+
Speakers
30
Sessions
300
Participants
40
Supporters
Clusters and Topics 2026
Explore Our Clusters and Topics for Impulse Summit 2026
Competition Formats
- Redefining Competition: The Sustainability of Creator-Driven Leagues.
- Beyond the Diamond League: Can modern leagues outrun the Diamond League’s legacy?
- HYROX – From Spectators to Participants: Turning mass participation events into scalable sports platforms.
Commercial Value / Media & Technology
- Rethinking Rights Value: How shifting consumption habits are reshaping sports media rights.
- Race for Revenue: How Audi and commercial rights are reshaping Formula 1.
- The Data Flywheel of Sport: Turning data into fan engagement, commercial value and strategic advantage.
Ownership & Capital
- Multi-Club Ownership in Football: Reshaping competition, talent pipelines and club identity.
- Private Equity in Sports: Fuel for growth or a threat to the game?
Governance & Hosting
- The Economics of Hosting the Olympic Games: How can the Olympic Games be delivered in an economically viable way?
- World Cup 2026 – Expansion Under Review: Analyzing trade-offs between inclusion, sporting quality and commercial scale.
- League Structures – Playoffs, Fan Legitimacy & the Future of Competition: Modern league structures at the crossroads of economic stability and sporting legitimacy.
Athlete’s Role
- The Athlete as a Media House: How athletes turn attention into ownership, monetization and personal brands.
- Making a Living Outside the Spotlight: Monetizing niche sports and building sustainable income models for their athletes.
- After the Final Whistle: Redefining life and purpose after a professional sports career.
Speakers
Impulse Summit 2026 - #RedefiningBoundaries
Past Partners
Our 2025 Partners
Not your regular sports business conference.
Our content-platforms.
Under the guiding topic #TheNextBillionFans of last year's Impulse Summit, the 8th edition of the conference took place at the University of St.Gallen (SQUARE), highlighting the role of a new generation in driving change and shaping the future of the sports industry.
Business Innovation & Digitalization
For unique and valuable insights to promote digitalization and new business models in the industry.
Environmental, Social and Governance
For exceptional perspectives on societal issues to shape the future of social responsibility in sport.
Sports Pathways
For unique insights into career journeys to shape the future of talent and development in sport.
#TheNextBillionFans: Impulse Summit 2025 - Aftermovie
What participants say
« Only when you challenge an idea and get someone out of his comfort zone, you can create something big. At the Impulse Summit you are not following, you are shaping. »
Carsten Koerl
CEO, Sportradar
« Participating as a Global Talent is a great opportunity for growing your personal network, gaining new perspectives & expand your knowledge. »
Sophie Steen
Global Talent (2022)
« The Impulse Summit is especially interesting due to the unique variety of people you meet: Students as well as decision makers in and outside of sports. »
Carsten Cramer
CEO, Borussia Dortmund
« The Global Talent program was amazing and the whole week was such a great experience. I met many new friends, and hope to stay in touch with them for a long time. »
Julia Pahnke
Global Talent (2021)
« I was impressed that it is so professional. It is a very well-run conference. There are a lot of people who are really interested, so it is good to be affiliated. »
Olaf Swantee
CEO, Sunrise
Our Community
Intergenerational Dialogue at heart.
Thought leaders from politics, business, civil society and academia shaping the future of sport and beyond.
Stakeholders from across the sports landscape – from public institutions to top athletes.
International students with diverse academic backgrounds including economics, sports, law, engineering, and social sciences.
University of St. Gallen students from all levels of study, bringing varied perspectives and ambitions to drive the initiative forward.
Join as an expert
Selection of past Speakers
Carsten Cramer
Borussia Dortmund, Managing Director
Maheta Molango
Prof. Footballers' Association, CEO
Norbert Patt
Titlis Cable Cars, CEO
Nicola Spirig
Olympic Champion & Ambassador
Diego Züger
Swiss Ski, CEO
Edouard Schmitz
Professional Athlete Showjumping, Swiss Equestrian
Ivan Miljkovic
Founder & Olympic Champion, IVMI Sports
Laurenz Haferbeck
Head of Digital Business Development, DFL
Jean-Baptiste Roy
Co-Founder Asian Sports Tech
Florian Hohmann
CFO, Muntagnard
Lars Stegelmann
Director Marketing & Consultancy Two Circles
Roland Mägerle
Head of Sports, SRF
Brian Wesaala
Founder & CEO, FFA
Vanessa Rueber
Impact Manager, Patagonia / Board Member POW
Sebastian Koppers
Head of Football R&D, DFB
Henning Wegter
Director Partnerships & Sales DFB
David Eades
Director, BBC Sport
Timo Helbling
Deloitte Switzerland M&A, Senior Manager; Deloitte Sports Business Group, Strategy & Transactions
Luis Vicente
Chairman of APEX
Peer Niclas Naubert
Bundesliga International, CEO
Contact
Reach out to learn more
Whether you are an expert, a student, or a young professional, if you are interested in joining the Impulse Summit, do not hesitate to contact us. Use our Join Us section for specific applications.
We always welcome questions and contacts directly in any case.
Contact Us
Carina Wartmann
President
Sebastian Koch
Vice-President
Jatsigan Jude
Vice-President