ASTN WA Networking Event: How Technology is Driving Better Fan Experience in Sports Stadiums and Venues

In this session, we will explore the latest innovations and trends in stadium and venue technology, from fan engagement and streaming to ticketing and sustainability.

Whether you're involved in sports management, stadium operations, or simply interested in the future of live events, this networking event offers invaluable insights into the technology shaping the fan experience and operational efficiency of modern stadiums.

As always, we welcome attendees to share what they are working on in the sports tech and innovation space as we continue to grow, coordinate and support WA's sportstech community. Drinks and canapes will be provided.

Panellists

• Kim Wisniewski, Head of Technology Operations, Optus Stadium (Venues Live)
• James Pember, Vice-President (Product), Komo Technologies
• Aaron Wilson, Co-Founder & CEO, ENTX.io
• Martin Schlegel, Chair, Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN)

Facilitator

Craig Hill, Co-Founder, Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN)

Presentation

• Kim Wisniewski, Head of Technology Operations, Optus Stadium (Venues Live)

Kim will share the impact of technology on game-day operations at Optus Stadium, and how technology is helping build better fan experiences and improved operational efficiencies.

Supported by

ASTN Event Summary – Stadium Technology

As part of the New Industries Fund and the X-TEND program funded by the Western Australian Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DJTSI), ASTN delivered its sixth networking event in Perth.

Technology at Optus Stadium

Kim Wisniewski, Head of Technology Operations at Venues Live Optus Stadium, provided insights into the Perth Stadium Project from inception through construction, opening and operations. Furthermore, Kim shared in detail the technology stack of the venue across infrastructure, corporate back-office systems, event technology and control, fan experiences and point of sale. His presentation was rounded off by outlining how an event day at Optus Stadium typically unfolds and how live sporting events, concerts and entertainment converge as, for example, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) as production companies combine live sport broadcast with concert-style overlay.

ASTN WA Activities

ASTN’s master of ceremonies, Craig Hill who organizes and manages ASTN’s sportstech engagements in Western Australia, provided an overview of recent and upcoming activities. Delivering on action items derived from ASTN’s industry roundtable is already forming upcoming program delivery like ASTN’s early-stage and growth-stage startup programs as well as planned webinars, masterclasses and forthcoming networking events.

Panel Discussion on Stadium Technology

The official proceedings concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Craig Hill. James Pember, Vice-President Product at Komo Technologies and Martin Schlegel, ASTN Chair joined Kim Wisniewski to discuss local and global trends in relation to operations, fan engagement, technology deployment and market-specific barriers and opportunities. Ranging from biometrics, cashless concessions and merchandise to interactive in-stadium polling and second-screen engagement, stadium technology is fast evolving providing both opportunities and challenges as new projects are being designed or a scope for upgrades are being developed. As fans demand more and venues transition from just sports into entertainment precincts, video and advertising displays, 5G and real-time data access, streamlined food and beverage ordering transition venues into social and sensory spaces that go well beyond the sport and redefine premium experiences with year-round relevance and flexibility in use.