Lupo will join the debate on "emerging sports and new ways to play", providing expert opinion on the growth and development of new sport practice since the inclusion of snowboarding in the Olympic programme in 1998. This year's Forum will provide a platform to discuss how governing bodies worldwide can continue to evolve in light of emerging sports, trends and new developments.
Lucien Boyer, general commissioner of the Global Sports Forum Barcelona, said: "With the 2012 X-Games fast approaching, we are excited to welcome Amy and her expertise to our forum. Extreme sports is enjoying a rapid rate of worldwide growth and we are delighted that the GSFB can provide a platform to discuss emerging sport in greater depth."
Lupo joins an impressive line-up of speakers already confirmed to take part in the Forum, which provides a year-round community for people to debate the latest issues and share opinions on sport. Speakers include ex-footballer turned actor Eric Cantona, London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe, CEO of the International Skateboard Foundation, Gary Ream and Peter Bayer, CEO of Innsbruck's 2012 Youth Olympic Games.
"I am thrilled to be speaking at the GSFB on a subject which always stimulates passionate debate," added Lupo. "This is a huge year for us with another great X-Games in store for viewers, proving that snowboarding may be an emerging sport but has earned its rightful position within the Olympic realm."
The Global Sports Forum Barcelona 2012 will take place at the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya from March 7-9. Interested delegates are invited to register online at: Globalsportsforum.mediactive.fr. A special early-bird discount of Eur450 + VAT for an individual three-day pass is currently available to anyone registering before January 29. Five-person corporate passes (Eur1,800 + VAT) and special discounts for NGO representatives and students (Eur250 + VAT) are also available, while members of the press are invited to attend free of charge.