Bangkok, Thailand, July 8, 2016 – FIVB President Dr. Ary S. Graça F° met with representatives from iRENA – China’s leading sports industry platform company – in Bangkok on Thursday to discuss potential hosts for future FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix tournaments across Asia.

President Graça and FIVB Honorary Life President Wei Jizhong met with Eric Gao, Founder and President of iRENA, and Alex Lu, iRENA Vice President, Business Development and Strategic Partnership. During the meeting, the group discussed how iRENA’s network of venues and experience in venue operations in Asia could benefit the FIVB and the World Grand Prix. 

The meeting took place in Bangkok where the 2016 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Finals are currently taking place and will conclude on Sunday 10 July. 

Speaking after the meeting, President Graça said: “The FIVB is driven by a strong vision for the future; to become the number 1 family sport entertainment in the world. As set out in our 9 Goals strategic plan, it is our aim to have a competitive, effective and sustainable bidding process by 2018 for all FIVB main events and meetings with companies like iRENA are important for us to achieve that. iRENA is a leader in its field and our meeting with them was a good opportunity for us to learn more about what they could offer future FIVB World Grand Prix tournaments for the benefit of volleyball in Asia.”

Founded in 2001, iRENA Group is a long-term partner of major sports teams in China including China’s national football team, the NBA International Series in China, and the Chinese national women’s volleyball team. They specialise in ticketing, hosting and game management. iRENA is at the forefront of the growing Chinese sports industry.