CONICA Hosts Exclusive Panel at FSB Cologne
15. October 2025
This year at FSB Cologne, CONICA is bringing together leading voices from across the value chain for an exclusive panel discussion on sustainable innovation in sports and urban spaces. The event will explore how recycled materials, renewable resources, and smart design can shape the next generation of sports and leisure surfaces.
Surfaces are more than functional. They define how we design, use, and experience urban spaces. With cities facing growing environmental and social challenges, material choices play a critical role in creating inclusive, resilient, and future-ready environments.
A Panel of Global Experts
The panel brings together four experts with unique perspectives on materials, design, and implementation:
James Wright – Managing Director, CONICA Ltd. & Playtop
James brings a wealth of experience in circular materials and recycling technologies. He will share how giving materials a second life, from tyre granulates to Nike Grind, is helping shape high-performance, sustainable sports and play surfaces worldwide.
Irina Akhmanova – Populous
Representing one of the world’s leading architecture firms, Irina offers the architect’s perspective on how cities and municipalities define sustainability requirements, and how these translate into modern, resilient venues that meet the needs of future generations.
Bill Famiglietti – Amorim Sports
As Sports CEO Global of the world’s leading cork producer, Bill will highlight how cork, a renewable and climate-positive material, is setting new benchmarks for performance and sustainability in sports and play surfaces.
Dr. Martin Schlegel – Chemneera Consulting
With expertise spanning chemistry, engineering, and international standards, Martin will provide insights into the technical dimensions, regulatory essentials, and innovation potential of sports surfaces around the world.
The panel is part of CONICA’s dinner event at FSB and will bring together architects, municipalities, industry experts, and partners to discuss how innovation and collaboration can drive real change in sports surface design and implementation.
It’s an opportunity to exchange knowledge, challenge ideas, and inspire meaningful change across the industry.
