Soccerex is delighted to announce that the final edition of the Soccerex Global Convention in Brazil will now be held at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracanã Stadium, venue of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final. As a result of the move, the Convention will now take place from 30th November to 5th December 2013.

Following three successful years on the Forte de Copacabana, the decision to move venue was taken in conjunction with event hosts, the Rio de Janeiro State Government, to provide delegates with a new and unforgettable final Soccerex experience in the global capital of sport. The new event dates mean the Global Convention will take place immediately prior to the Final Draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, which is happening in Costa do Sauipe, Bahia on 6th December.

The Soccerex Football Festival, an extravaganza of football and entertainment which brings together some of the greatest players of modern times, will take place in the adjacent purpose-built Maracanãzinho. The 12,000 seat arena will make it possible for more spectators than ever before to enjoy the two day festival which is open to the public free of charge.

The move to the iconic Maracanã and the proximity now to the World Cup Draw are expected to bring the Global Convention an even bigger and more high profile attendance from the world of football.

Duncan Revie, CEO of Soccerex, commented: “Our thanks to the Maracanã and the Rio de Janeiro State Government – we began our time in Rio with an unforgettable evening on Sugar Loaf Mountain with Brazil’s 1970 World Cup winning side and wanted to go out in the same vein. Bearing in mind Soccerex began at Wembley in 1996, it is quite symbolic that the final edition of our Global Convention in Rio, before we move to Manchester in 2014, should take place in the only other truly iconic national football stadium, Brazil’s temple of football, the home of the beautiful game – the Maracanã. We could not give up this once in a lifetime opportunity. I am certain all those in attendance will enjoy this unique Soccerex experience”.

Secretary of Sport for the Rio de Janeiro State Government, André Lazaroni commented “We are pleased to be able to welcome Soccerex’s final edition in Rio to our newly re-built Maracanã stadium. In addition to letting the football world see the stadium where the World Cup final will be held, the adjacent Football Festival will allow many more free seats for everyone in Rio to take advantage of. It is an extremely exciting prospect.”

The Soccerex Global Convention will become the first business event to be held at the newly renovated Maracanã, with the conference, exhibition and day time networking events being held at the stadium.

All evening social and networking events will continue to take place on or close to Copacabana beach giving delegates a combination of the finest venues Rio has to offer.

(Soccerex Press Release)