Areto Labs Wins Australia New Zealand Sports Tech Award for Social and Fan Engagement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Melbourne, Australia – October 24, 2024 – Areto Labs has been awarded the prestigious ANZ Sports Tech Award for Social and Fan Engagement at the Sports Tech World Series in Melbourne, Australia.
The award recognizes Areto’s innovative work with Sky New Zealand during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where their AI-powered content moderation technology was used to manage the unprecedented surge in social media activity and ensure a positive, inclusive online environment.
“Our collaboration with SkyNZ showcased the power of technology to enhance fan engagement, while protecting media rights, and we’re thrilled to be recognized for this achievement,” said Jacqueline Comer, Founder and Chief Product Officer of Areto Labs, who received the award at the event on behalf of the company.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this award. I want to thank SkyNZ for their forward-thinking approach and commitment to creating a safe and inclusive community for fans, families, and athletes during the Olympics,” Comer said.
The collaboration between Areto Labs and Sky New Zealand aimed to tackle the challenges of managing a 508 per cent increase in social media comments during the Olympics, including spikes in negativity and transphobia during the opening ceremonies.
Areto’s automated moderation tool provided real-time comment filtering, swiftly removing spam and abusive content while fostering a celebratory atmosphere, especially during key moments like New Zealand golfer, Lydia Ko’s, gold medal win. This proactive approach enabled SkyNZ to maintain a vibrant online community without expanding their social media team or working extended hours.
In addition to receiving the award, Comer presented a case study at the Sports Tech World Series Australian Sports Tech Conference, highlighting the use of Areto’s technology during the Edmonton Oilers' 2024 playoff run. The presentation showed how Areto’s solutions drive fan engagement during major sports events.
The partnership with Sky New Zealand demonstrated Areto’s leadership in ethical and scalable content moderation for sports organizations worldwide.
About Areto Labs
Edmonton-based and women-founded Areto Labs is a leading provider of AI-powered content moderation and fan engagement tools for sports organizations around the world. Their technology is designed to create safe, inclusive online communities while protecting media rights and enhancing audience experiences. With a focus on ethical moderation practices, Areto Labs empowers sports teams, leagues and broadcasters to manage digital engagement efficiently and responsibly.
About Sky New Zealand
Sky New Zealand is the leading provider of sports content in New Zealand, offering exclusive coverage of the world’s biggest sporting events. With a strong commitment to quality content and fan engagement, SkyNZ continues to innovate in delivering exceptional viewing experiences across multiple platforms.
About Sports Tech World Series
The Sports Tech World Series (STWS) is the world’s leading sports technology community, bringing together global leaders to celebrate the latest advancements and innovations in sports technology. The ANZ Sports Tech Awards recognize outstanding achievements across various categories, celebrating the impact of technology on the sports industry.