Chris Bird, the founder of EQ Sports & Gaming and a former COO of Manchester City, will share his a wealth of expertise in an exclusive keynote speech at the 2024 SBC Summit Tbilisi.
The leading iGaming and sports betting conference for Eastern Europe and Central Asia will begin with a keynote speech titled “Influencers, Content and Esports… You Bet! Unleashing the Power of Dynamic Strategies in the Esports Ecosystem” during the “Market Focus” conference segment. The event is scheduled for June 25–26 at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace.
Bird, who has secured significant business deals for Manchester City Football Club and founded companies like EQ Esports & Gaming, Bee That Gamer, and media company The Not Really Here Group, will share insights into successful methods for using influencers to promote esports and create engaging content.
Discussing his upcoming appearance, Bird said:
“I’m eagerly anticipating the SBC Summit in Tbilisi because it offers an invaluable platform for me to share my diverse experiences in sport, esports, gaming, and creating social change. This event is a unique convergence of industry leaders and innovators, where I can contribute insights from my journey and learn from others.”
Bird worked in the media in the 1980s, mostly in newspapers and commercial radio. In 1990, he formed the Bird Consultancy, which is currently one of the oldest independent consultancies outside of London. Bird managed the public relations for Manchester City Football Club, Betfred, the massive sports retail chain JD Sports, and the bookmaking empire of Fred and Peter Done during this period, which was his first major involvement with the sports and gambling industries.
In 1998, Bird started working with Manchester City as a media consultant. In 1999, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer. He led the team through difficult times, including its darkest period in club history when it was playing in the English football’s third division. He also played an important part in revitalizing the club, directing the development of a new training facility, enabling the transition to a new stadium, improving retail operations, and boosting the fan base both locally and internationally. With the club’s triumphant return to the Premier League, Bird left in 2003.
After leaving Manchester City, Bird held a variety of managerial positions in the sports and media industries, including 12 years as a director of JD Sports. In 2021, he founded EQ Esports & Gaming to enter the expanding esports industry.
Bird commented on his keynote topic choice:
“Particularly, the fusion of esports and gaming in a dynamic market like Tbilisi presents a fresh perspective. The summit not only aligns with my professional goals but also with my personal commitment to using these platforms for positive impact.”
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC said:
“Chris is an incredibly influential figure in the sports and media world so it is an absolute pleasure to have him with us at SBC Summit Tbilisi. Even though I’m a Chelsea fan, we can all agree that his tenure at Manchester City has had a great impact on the club. I look forward to this keynote.”
Bird added:
“I look forward to engaging with like-minded professionals, exploring new ideas, and discussing how we can collectively harness the power of esports and gaming to shape a more inclusive approach to the sector.”
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