#TDS25 Preview: A Whole New Ballgame – disrupting traditional construction approaches

This year’s Design & Development Summit welcomes a heavyweight panel tackling one of the most urgent conversations in our sector: how major events and fast-shifting fan trends are disrupting traditional construction approaches – and what that means for the future of venue delivery.

Chaired by international venue contractor ES Global, and joined by Clubs, Federations, and designers, the “A Whole New Ballgame” featured session brings together global contractors, clubs, federations and designers to unpack what’s driving this change and what it means for future-ready venues. From a progressive vision for women’s football venues to the Olympics and World Expos, how do forward-thinking rights holders achieve high-quality client-facing solutions with speed; from concept creation to opening night?

Meet the Speakers

Amy Casterton (Chair) – Director, ES Global

Amy (pictured far left) leads ES Global’s international Business Development team, supporting the delivery of relocatable architecture and major event structures across the world. Her work spans the Paris2024 Games, multiple World Expo pavilions, and senior positions across Homes England, the Premier League, ES Global Brazil, and the UK Civil Service – bringing a rare global and cross-sector perspective to venue and event delivery.

Hannah Buckley – Head of Infrastructure, Safety and Sustainability, Women’s Super League

With more than 25 years of experience across football and the charity sector, Hannah (pictured second to left) has overseen over £500 million in investment across professional and grassroots sport. She leads infrastructure development for the world-leading Barclays Women’s Super League and introduced the first stadium design guidance created specifically for women’s football – setting new standards for how the women’s game grows on and off the pitch.

Rob Sayce – Venues Lead, Mott MacDonald

Rob (Pictured in the middle) brings over fifteen years of venue design and advisory experience across elite sport, entertainment, and cultural projects. His portfolio includes major developments such as Twickenham, London Stadium, Cardiff Arena, Everton Stadium and Brighton & Hove Albion’s training facility. He is focused on sustainable, future-proof solutions that support owners, operators, and rights holders in achieving long-term operational success.

Andrea Patry – Principal Senior Design Lead, AECOM

Based in AECOM’s New York City Sports Design Studio, Andrea (pictured second from right) specialises in fan experience and sponsorship activation, blending brand, building and art to shape the next generation of live entertainment environments. Her recent work spans the Hill Dickinson Stadium for Everton FC, Lumen Field modernisation, Prudential Center Master Plan and the refresh of Crypto.com Arena. She is also author of the “Arena of the Future” study, charting emerging fan-behaviour trends.

Gary Sweet – CEO, Luton Town Football Club

A seasoned commercial leader, Gary (pictured right) has played a pivotal role in Luton Town’s resurgence and in the wider regeneration of the town. With strong roots in corporate leadership and a deep understanding of the club’s influence within its community, he continues to drive an environment where football and local development work hand in hand.

> Be part of the conversation as we unpack the emerging demands shaping the next era of venue development, only at #TDS25.

Stadiums. Arenas. Destinations..
9-11 December 2025 | Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester