10TH MADRID WEEKENDER APRIL 30TH – MAY 3RD, 2026
What is the Madrid Weekender?
Madrid Weekender is a unique program by Events GB, offering undergraduate and graduate students, as well as industry professionals, an exceptional opportunity to expand their expertise in Sports Event Management. Participants will enhance their international network, elevate their careers, and immerse themselves in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, all while enjoying unforgettable sporting experiences.
🚀 Let the Countdown Begin!
The 10th Madrid Weekender kicks off on Thursday, 30th April at 10:30.
Get ready to learn, connect, exchange ideas, and experience an incredible few days in Madrid. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Why Madrid city?
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, home to the world’s two biggest football clubs and one of the best basketball teams in Europe. The city pulses with sports, embodying a passion you can truly feel. Known for its energy and joy, Madrid invites you to explore its iconic landmarks and rich culture, blending modern and historic influences that bring out the best in its people. It’s an experience unlike any other, one you must live to truly understand its unique essence.
Madrid Weekender offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of Spain, where you’ll create unforgettable memories. Are you ready to seize this once-in-a-lifetime experience?
Your Experience & Adventure
During your time in Madrid, from the 30th of April to the 3rd of May , you will be taking part in a variety of educational and leisure activities.
You will participate in lectures from professionals and academics that master the field of Sport Event Management. Besides, you will spend and enjoy this city by doing different activities, such as:
- 4 Nights accommodation in double room with breakfast included
- Welcome Reception Dinner
- Sport Business Industry Lectures
- Ticket Mutua Madrid Open Tennis
- Visit to Territorio Atleti – Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium
- Ticket for La Liga football match
- Entertaining Padel Lessons
- Madrid de los Austrias Guided Tour
- Farewell Dinner
- Attendance Certificate
All this topped off with activities of your choice! You’ll have plenty of free time to organize your own adventures in Madrid and take a deep dive into real Spanish culture. And if you’d like to extend your trip across Spain, feel free to contact Gerardo@eventsgb.com for more information!
La Liga Football Match: GETAFE VS RAYO VALLECANO
Participants will attend a football match at Getafe C.F Stadium, Coliseum Stadium, on the 3rd of May. Programme can be modified if needed but it won’t alter the included activities.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Lecture 1. Javier Pérez Tejero
Title: Inclusion in sport: applications for sport management
Bio: Full Professor at the Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences – INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM). Director of the “Sanitas Foundation” Chair for Inclusive Sport Studies at the UPM. Director of the recognized research group “Physical Activity in Specific Populations (AFIPE)”. President of the European Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (EUFAPA)
Lecture 2. Álvaro Fernández Luna
Universidad Europea de Madrid
Title: Beyond the Baseline: The Economic and Social Footprint of the Mutua Madrid Open
Bio: Dr. Álvaro Fernández Luna is a Full Professor in Sport Management at Universidad Europea de Madrid and heads the Universidad Europea Sports Management and Research Team (UESmart). He holds a PhD in Physical Education from the University of Castilla La Mancha and a Master’s in Sports Management. With over 15 years of experience in consulting and managing sports facilities, he has collaborated with major events and entities like the Mutua Madrid Open, Open de España Golf (DP World Tour), Zurich Rock’n’Roll Marathon Series and the Longines FEI World Cup. He teaches at both undergraduate and graduate levels, directs postgraduate programs, and serves as Director of the Olympic Studies Centre at his Faculty. His research interests include business models, technology in sports, and organizational management, and he has authored numerous publications and books.
Lecture 3. Carmen Acebes
Title: How to activate sport sponsorships
Bio: Carmen C. Acebes is a senior sports business professional with over 20 years of international experience in sports marketing, partnerships, and commercial strategy. She has held key roles at WWP, Atlético de Madrid, and AIM Sport, and has collaborated with leading sports organisations as well as global brands. She has delivered sponsorship activations across multiple sports, including football, Formula 1 and MotoGP. She currently advises on sports marketing and partnerships, supports sports tech companies on go-to-market strategies, and coordinates global events.
Lecture 4. Juan Luis Paramio Salcines
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Title: From Legal Right to Strategic Managerial Concern: The Ongoing Challenge of Universal Accessibility in Sport Organisations
Bio: Juan Luis Paramio Salcines is a Senior Lecturer in Sports Management and Leisure Studies at the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, where he teaches both graduate and postgraduate courses on sports facility management, events, human resources, accessibility, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in sport. He holds a PhD in Sports Management from Loughborough University and focuses his research on sport facilities and event management, accessibility, economic impact, and CSR from both theoretical and applied perspectives. He has contributed to key academic publications, including books on sport facilities, CSR in sport, and accessibility in sport management, helping expand global research on inclusive access. His work has also involved collaboration with major sport organizations and institutions, leading projects on accessibility for disabled and older spectators, economic impact studies of major events, and fan engagement across European and international sport contexts.
Registration
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this unforgettable experience! The registration open on September 1st and the deadline is March 30th, 2026 – make sure to reserve your spot!