The event was attended by 73 delegates from 48 different International Federations in Lausanne.

It was held to provide an introduction and practical guidance for International Federations and other sports organisations considering applying for membership or associate membership of GAISF, formerly known as SportAccord before its rebranding in April. 

The day was developed with help from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by the GAISF Membership Commission chaired by Spain's World Karate Federation President Antonio Espinós.

Those in attendance included the International Pole Sports Federation and the World Armwrestling Federation.

"For some this will be the start of a journey which ends with a place in the Olympic Games," said Switzerland's Baumann.

"I was delighted to see so many new Federations represented.

"They demonstrate that sport never stands still and that sport continues to evolve to reflect our changing world.

"We are there to help them succeed."

GAISF, which currently represents 109 International Federations and other sporting bodies, acts as a forum for the "exchange of knowledge, ideas and best practice and provides a range of services in key areas such as anti-doping".

Both Olympic and non-Olympic sports are members of the umbrella body. 

Key among its roles is providing a clear pathway for many of its members to reach their full potential and gain a place on the Olympic Games programme.

The IOC's sports department was represented in Lausanne by Jenny Mann, attending on behalf of sports director Kit McConnell.

"This was a very useful meeting which gave us a chance to explain the processes," said Espinós.

"Applicants will go through a very rigorous process which starts with the analysis of rivalry and National Federation recognition issues."

The information day will be followed by a series of private meetings between Federation representatives and members of the GAISF Membership Commission.