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.
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 enjoy a football match at Getafe C.F Stadium, Coliseum Stadium. Exact date will be confirmed by LaLiga around one month before the match. Programme can be modified if needed but it won’t alter the included activities.
LAST EDITION KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Dr. JAIRO León- Quismondo
Accredited Doctor with Mention in Internacional Physic Activity and Sports.
Bio: Accredited Doctor with an International Mention in Physical Activity and Sports. Full Professor accredited by ANECA. Bachelor’s degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, with several master’s degrees in Sports Organization Management, Sports Law, and Sports Facility Management. Currently, he is a Full Professor and researcher at the European University of Madrid in the field of sports management and a tutor for courses at the Spanish High Council for Sports. He was the director of the Master’s in Sports Entity Management MBA at the Real Madrid University School-European University.
Title: LALIGA as a Global Player
Bio: Jose María Gotor is a seasoned executive who has spent 6 years at CAF and is now making waves as the Head of International at LaLiga Business School. He is currently the Head of International at LaLiga Business School, where he is responsible for developing and managing the LaLiga 360º strategy in Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. With his wealth of experience, he has been instrumental in driving LaLiga’s global expansion and bringing the brand to new markets around the world.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Brisa Media and Associate Professor at IE University.
Bio: Maria Valenzuela holds a Master’s degree in Chinese Studies and Modern History from the University of Cologne. With over 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles in the TV industry, she has held positions such as Senior Vice President at Sony Pictures Iberia, Global Head of Video Strategy at Huawei Technologies, and General Manager of Movistar Plus+ International.
As the founder of Brisa Media, an independent production company, Maria is dedicated to creating and supporting original projects that resonate with both Spanish and international audiences.
In addition to her production work, Maria delivers masterclasses on media and technology and serves as an associate professor at IE University. She is fluent in Spanish, English, German, Portuguese, and Mandarin.
Commercial Director at Atos Major Events
Title: Digital Transformation in a multisport Event
Bio: Javier has over 15+ years of international experience in the sport business administration industry, having actively participated in the most important multisport games around the globe including Olympics, Pan American Games, European Games, Commonwealth Games or Asian Games among others.
He joined Atos in 2009 and the commercial team since 2013, since then he has led the commercial relations with TIER 1 sports properties such as the International Olympic committee, the UEFA, the European Olympic committees, the European tour, AELTC (Wimbledon) or Special Olympics where he became Atos ambassador for this well-known organization in 2022.
Javier received an Executive Education program in Digital Marketing from Instituto de Empresa (IE) and currently he is Global commercial director and Executive Committee Member of Atos Sports and Major Events.
Professional padel player
Title: The Global Future of Padel: Opportunities and Challenges in International Expansion
Bio:I have built my career around a passion for sports and a commitment to excellence in international sporting events.
Working with leading brands like Padel Nuestro, I’ve helped expand and grow the sport of padel across new markets.
My focus has always been on fostering the global reach of padel, promoting inclusivity, and driving its growth worldwide.
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!