SOCCEREX THE GLOBAL LEADER FOR THE BUSINESS OF FOOTBALL

Soccerex has become a vital industry gathering for leagues &clubs from around the world. Nelson Rodriguez, Senior Vice President, MLS, first attended Soccerex in 2004 and since then, one of the most commercially forward thinking leagues in the world has sent a high level delegation every year. Nelson recognised Soccerex could provide them with an opportunity to learn, network and do business with the key industry figures;

'Soccerex has proven to be an effective and efficient way for us to expand our business network. As a result of meetings we have held and contacts we have made at Soccerex, we have been able to drive our business forward.'

The 18 times Spanish league champions FC Barcelona have come every year since Soccerex 2005. After working closely with their Spanish speaking account manager Daniel Paiser they have firmly established Soccerex as a crucial event in their business calendar;

'For a club with global ambitions like FC Barcelona, attendance at Soccerex is almost a must. It creates a great platform to efficiently meet a large number of players in the market, be it agencies, sponsors, technology suppliers or other clubs and institutions. It is a birth place for new ideas and a place to forge relationships created previously, like the strategic relationship with the MLS.' Daniel Schloesser, CMO, FC Barcelona

Through their attendance at Soccerex events in Dubai, South Africa and London the MLS and FC Barcelona have been able to develop their existing business relationship and subsequently form a groundbreaking partnership. In May 2008, both parties signed a five year commercial agreement, making them the first European club to form a partnership with the MLS and its marketing arm Soccer United Marketing. The deal commits FC Barcelona to play six matches in the USA, helping them to expand its brand and increase its fanbase in this rapidly developing market.

'Soccerex has provided us with another opportunity on the yearly calendar to meet with key clients and partners such as FC Barcelona. We look forward to maintaining our presence at the event in years to come.' Nelson Rodriguez, Senior Vice President, MLS

FC Barcelona event history: Soccerex 2005 // Soccerex 2006 // Soccerex 2007 // Soccerex London Forum 2007 // Soccerex London Forum 2008

MLS event history: Soccerex 2004 // Soccerex 2005 // Soccerex 2006 // Soccerex 2007 // Soccerex London Forum 2006 // Soccerex London Forum 2007 // Soccerex London Forum 2008