The EuroHockey Executive Forum has confirmed an array of exceptional speakers who with a wide range of experiences to inspire and educate at the event which takes place from March 28th to 30th in Brussels.
Three-time Olympian and triple crown winner Minke Booij and the 358-time international and former Belgian Hockey Association President Marc Coudron are the keynote speakers at the event.
Booij is one of the most decorated players in Dutch history for both club and country, a career she looks back on with pride and gratitude.
“Playing hockey gave me so much,” she says. “I travelled the world and met amazing people. I learned so much about myself, how to deal with fear of failure and playing to win.”
For Coudron, he has been at the heart of Belgian hockey for many years and was president of the national federation during which the country transformed into being World and Olympic champions while player numbers grew 400%.
The Forum will also see a further range of special guests. They include:
· Marcos Hofmann (ESP) – President of EuroHockey, Hofmann brings a wealth of business expertise and a passion for the sport, offering insights on strategic growth and development in hockey and beyond.
· Silvija Mitevska (MKD) – As Managing Director of Sport Social Solutions, Mitevska will discuss the role of sports diplomacy in international relations and how it can be leveraged for positive social change.
· Phil Taylor (ENG) – Co-founder of Blueprint Sport and a UEFA Grow Mentor, Taylor specialises in strategic management for national sports associations, offering guidance on building sustainable sports programs.
· Jamilon Mülders (GER) – A multiple Olympian and world champion coach, Mulders will share insights on performance management, coaching excellence, and athlete development at the highest level.
· Inez Cooper (IRL) – Vice President of EuroHockey, Cooper will highlight the importance of diverse leadership and its impact on decision-making in sports organizations.
· Luke Southall (ENG) – Director and Co-founder of Remedy, Southall is a leader in fundraising and governance for global sports initiatives, providing strategies for sustainable development.
· Laura-Maria Lehiste (EST) – Head of Development & Partnership at the International Sport and Culture Association, Lehiste will explore policy-making, advocacy, and international collaboration in sports.
· Peter Elders (NED) – A respected hockey executive, Elders brings deep expertise in sports governance and the development of European hockey initiatives.
· Helen Windsor (ENG) – A member of EuroHockey’s Youth Leadership Committee, Windsor is dedicated to fostering the next generation of hockey leaders and ensuring accessibility and inclusion in the sport.
· Cathelijne Rockall (FRA) – A board member of EuroHockey, Rockall has driven transformative initiatives in marketing, governance and leadership development within the sport.
· Thomas Pedersen-Smith (ENG) – As Head of Strategy & Development at EuroHockey, Pedersen-Smith is a key figure in driving systemic change and innovation within hockey federations.
· Ella Sampers (SWE) – Head of National Teams at the Swedish Hockey Federation, Sampers is committed to developing hockey talent and advancing the sport in Sweden.
Find out more
The forum brings together like-minded people from across our sport with each national association able to nominate one male and one female participant.
It is designed for people who are operating at executive or board level to exchange experiences and learn from each other in an open and collaborative environment.
