The IBU hosted the first-ever National Federation (NF) Content Creator Workshop during the BMW IBU World Cup in Hochfilzen, Austria, in order to provide a platform for content professionals to exchange best practices and discuss effective strategies for impactful and engaging content.

The workshop was held to equip NFs with learnings and examples that will allow them to enhance their communications and contribute to the Target 2030 ‘Extending our Reach’ objectives.

Nina Jakhel from the Slovenian Ski Federation said:

"The workshop was a great opportunity for the biathlon team's content creators to get useful insights and attend engaging discussions, which will definitely have an influence on future content creation around major biathlon events. It was also a great networking opportunity From the discussions with my colleagues already some cooperation and shared ideas to life have come to life."

A total of 18 NFs attended the workshop which combined best practice presentations and break-out working groups. The break-out groups assessed what the biggest challenges NF Content Creators face, what the main opportunities are, and how the IBU can help NFs, with the conclusions from the break-outs then discussed.

The IBU delivered a presentation on Filming and Content Production at IBU Events which clarified the guidelines in place and where the opportunities lie for Content Creators to capture engaging content.

The afternoon saw a presentation from digital fan engagement experts Two Circles on the strategies needed to nurture lifelong fandoms and how to serve core fans, casual fans and those in between.

Best practice examples were shared of content creation at Paris 2024 as well as behind-the-scenes and off-season content from other winter sports, before attendees were again split into break-out groups. The groups prepared ideas on behind-the-scenes content in and out of competition, off-season content, archive content and content at Milano-Cortina 2026, with each group then presenting their ideas.

Photo: IBU/Manzoni