Leaders from FIFA, F1, SFA, SPFL and Glasgow 2026 to share expertise with Stirling students

A prestigious panel of senior leaders in sport and events will share their expertise with students at the University of Stirling in October.

Representatives from FIFA, Formula 1, the SFA, SPFL and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will address the International Events Symposium.

The event is aimed at students who would like to forge a career in the highly competitive sports event industry after they graduate. The symposium is also open to anyone with an interest in major sporting events.

The panel of experts will offer real world experience of running successful international events and speak about their careers.

Inspirational leaders

Among the speakers is Gary Storrie, Head of Health and Safety, Grand Prix and Events at Formula 1, who said: “It's fantastic that students in Scotland will have the opportunity to hear from such a diverse panel of industry professionals. The event industry is incredibly competitive, and success often comes from staying flexible, focused, and building the right connections along the way.

“I'm looking forward to sharing my journey to show that there's no single right path, it's the destination that's right for you that matters. With grit, determination and by harnessing every experience along the way, you shape your own route to success.”

Also on the panel is Claire Garratt, Workforce Management Lead for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, who said: “My journey to FIFA began outside the sports industry. That experience showed me that every role, no matter how small it may seem at the time, can be the starting point for an extraordinary career.

“I hope I can inspire anyone in attendance at the International Events Symposium that they also can have the same opportunities if they put their mind to it.”

International Events Symposium panel of experts 

•    Claire Garratt, Senior Workforce Planning Manager at FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) 
•    Gary Storrie, Head of Health and Safety, Grand Prix and Events at Formula 1 
•    Jon Doig OBE, Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive 
•    Diane McLeod, Director of Games Services and Workforce at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games 
•    Martin Fitchie, Chief Information Officer at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games 
•    Torquil MacLeod, Senior Event Industry Engagement and Development Manager at Visit Scotland 
•    Steven Leith, Event Accreditation and Operations Manager at the Scottish Football Association 
•    Nicky Reid, Scottish Professional Football League Trust Chief Executive 
•    Rhys Pearson, Senior Producer, Sports, at RWS Global 
•    John Dundas, consultant and Director at DundasTech Limited 

Also attending the International Events Symposium will be the official Glasgow 2026 mascot, Finnie, who will be available for selfies with students.

Finnie, the Glasgow 2026 mascot

Martin Fitchie, Glasgow 2026 Chief Information Officer said: “The International Events Symposium is a brilliant opportunity to share how Glasgow 2026 is set to reimagine the way the Commonwealth Games are delivered, whilst building on the success of 2014.

“These Games have produced a new model that combines world-class sport with a future-focused, sustainable, accessible and inclusive vision. It’s great to be part of an event that brings together such a prestigious panel of senior leaders in sport and events, to share their insights and real-world experience.”

Prestigious panel

The International Events Symposium is organised by Craig McIntyre, Lecturer in Sport Management (Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport) and a major events professional, who said: “It will be a privilege to welcome such a prestigious panel of experts to the University.

“The event will allow our audience to learn of Scotland’s National Events Strategy 2024-35, and Scotland’s recognition of the importance of hosting international events.

“Our audience will also hear from presenters representing Team Scotland, the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and speakers from the sports and events sector in Scotland and around the world.

“I secured my first events role at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, after an opportunity presented itself whilst at University. This opportunity has since launched a career in the industry and inspired me to continue working across various major sporting events internationally.

“Now, as a Lecturer in Sport Management at the University of Stirling, Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, I hope the International Events Symposium will inspire attendees and provide similar opportunities for others.”

The free event will be held at Logie Lecture Theatre from 10am until 2.30pm on Oct 30, and those who want to attend can sign up on Eventbrite. Please note there are a limited number of tickets available, and the event sign up will close when at capacity.