FICEP Open Hour: Generative AI – opportunities for sports organisations and clubs

On 19 November, an exciting workshop on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) took place as part of the ‘FICEP Open Hour’ format, which aims to promote exchange and networking among members. The workshop was led by AI expert Christian Winkelhofer (Accenture GmbH). The event showed how sports associations and clubs can use AI to optimise processes, create creative content and promote inclusion. The 16 participants gained insights into the potential of modern AI tools and practical tips for their responsible use in sports management.

Artificial intelligence is being used more and more in everyday working life – and therefore also in the everyday life of sports organisations and clubs. For this reason, the online event ‘Generative AI Workshop’ took place on 19 November as part of the FICEP Open Hour – led by Christian Winkelhofer (Accenture GmbH). A total of 16 participants were informed about the various possible applications of generative AI in the sports sector. The most important points conveyed by Winkelhofer:

  • There is no one AI tool that fulfils all requirements.
  • The best results are often achieved by skilfully combining different tools.
  • It is also important that artificial intelligence does not replace people, but rather supports them.
  • A study shows that companies that increasingly rely on AI tend to hire more employees than those that do not.
  • In addition, the majority of tools offer the option of deactivating the use of personal data for training purposes in the settings.
  • However, this often requires the paid version of a tool, which can pay off in many case.

AI in sports management & sports organisations

The meeting focussed on the use of Generative AI (GenAI) in sports management, especially in sports associations. It addressed the economic and organisational potential of GenAI, including

  1. Increased efficiency: Applications such as automated membership management, data-based decision making, meeting logging and personalised training plans can improve administration and performance.
  2. Creative content and communication: GenAI enables the creation of innovative marketing campaigns, personalised communication and content for social media or events.
  3. Promoting inclusion: GenAI can develop programmes that promote diversity and equality and help break down barriers in underrepresented groups in sport.

Participants discussed the possibilities to use GenAI in their sports clubs. Ethics and responsibility in the use of AI were also key topics.

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