Between September 2 and 5, the Hungarian University of Sports Science (HUSS) will host the European Association for Sport Management (EASM) 2025 conference. In connection with this event, Professor Gábor Géczi, Head of Department and Scientific Director of the conference was interviewed.
– We wouldn’t be far from the truth to say that this year’s EASM conference in Budapest promises to be exceptional in many ways.
– Absolutely. This year marks the 100th anniversary of our university, which is why we wanted to bring this highly prestigious professional and academic international conference here. It fits perfectly fits into the TF100 event series. I am grateful that the EASM leadership accepted our request and supported Hungary as the host once again, following the first occasion in 1995.
– Besides this, why is it important for the university to host the event?
– HUSS’s sports organization and sports management programs are unique in Hungary. We receive by far the highest number of applications, as shown by the five- to sixfold overapplication figures for the undergraduate program. We train the majority of the country’s future sports leaders, which also played a role in our decision to bring this prestigious conference here. Attendees will have plenty of opportunities to expand their professional network, aligning well with the university’s internationalization strategy.
– From a regional perspective, is it significant that the elite of the profession is coming to Budapest?
– Absolutely. We agreed with the association’s leadership to organize an affordable conference day specifically for researchers from Central and Central-Eastern European countries. This will give them the opportunity to get closer to EASM and integrate more easily into the organization. Unfortunately, experience shows that far fewer participants from this region manage to attend the conference.
– Let’s say a few words about the local organizing committee!
– The committee consists of members who, through their work and experience, have an in-depth understanding of sports management and sports administration. The university’s rector is the head of the organizing committee, while I am the scientific director. Erika Kendelényi-Gulyás is the operational director, Gergely Géczi is responsible for the student seminar, Péter Papp is the project manager, Polett Hadusfalvy is the conference organizer, and Andrea Nagy provides administrative support for the event. This team works exceptionally well together and serves as a solid guarantee for the successful organization of the conference.
