Belfast and Bratislava to host 2025 and 2026 Hockey Business Forums

The Alliance of European Hockey Clubs (E.H.C.) is pleased to announce the locations of the next two Hockey Business Forums in 2025 and 2026. Belfast and Bratislava, respectively, will host the eighth and ninth editions of the event.

“On behalf of the Alliance of European Hockey Clubs, I am delighted to bring the Hockey Business Forum to Belfast and Bratislava,” said E.H.C. Managing Director Caroline Jonsson. “These cities, each with a rich hockey culture and a strong commitment to the sport’s growth, will provide an excellent backdrop for two years of insightful discussions, networking, and innovation within the European hockey community.”

This continues the E.H.C.’s strategy of alternating hosts – one year in a location that requires travel to the outskirts of Europe, followed by a host in Central Europe.

“This approach allows us to explore different hockey markets, engage with a broader range of clubs, organizations, and leagues, and learn from various hockey cultures,” Jonsson continued. “Expanding our reach in this way strengthens the network of European hockey and fosters collaboration across borders.”

“We are incredibly proud to host The Alliance of European Hockey Clubs’ 2025 Hockey Business Forum,” said Steve Thornton, Group Head of Hockey and Commercial at The Odyssey Trust – the charity that owns and manages the Giants. “Coupled with the success of the Belfast Giants, who are celebrating their 25th season anniversary, Belfast is the ideal location to bring together leaders, innovators, and key stakeholders from the world of ice hockey, reinforcing the city’s position as a hub for sporting excellence and business innovation.”

“We are thrilled to be the organizer of the Hockey Business Forum in 2026,” said Lukáš Havlíček, General Manager of HC Slovan Bratislava. “We believe that our location in the centre of Europe is great for all member clubs –teams can drive or fly very short distance to get here and our venue is up to all European standards. Slovan has a rich 104-year history of of being active outside the borders of Slovakia and it is important for the new ownership and management put the club back on the European map. We look forward to hosting this event in Bratislava in 2026.”

The exact dates for both events will be announced at a later stage. We are confident that our hosts will deliver a first-class experience, bringing together key stakeholders from across the hockey world to discuss the future of our sport.

Click below for presenters and speakers in previous E.H.C. Hockey Business Forum:

·Stockholm 2017: Click here for speakers and here for highlights

·Gothenburg 2018: Click here for speakers and here for highlights.

·Berlin 2019: Click here for speakers and here for highlights.

·Zug 2021: Click here for speakers and here for highlights.

·Malmö 2022: Click here for speakers and here for highlights.

·Tampere 2023: Click here for speakers and here for highlights.

·Munich 2024: Click here for speakers and here for highlights.