GSWMarketplace, an immersive and 100 per cent online creation, will allow firms to showcase their products and services at a time when many traditional conventions cannot take place.

A part of the new GSW digital platform, companies will have interactive booths which organisers say will mirror a real-world experience as much as possible.

The first GSW Paris was held as an in-person event in the French capital in February of this year.

The 2021 edition - scheduled to run from February 1 to 5 - is set to be in a hybrid format, mixing a digital programme and physical events in Paris and five other cities worldwide too.

Other upcoming Olympic host cities - Tokyo, Beijing, Dakar, Milan and Los Angeles - will all be included.

"We're really excited about this brand new feature, which we hope will serve those smaller and medium-sized businesses that have missed the usual trade fair opportunities this year," said Anna Fedou, GSW deputy managing director.

"Global Sports Week will be much more open in its second edition, and part of that is about giving a presence to all those businesses - from law firms to marketing agencies; retailers to venue supplies - that play such a crucial role in the sports ecosystem."

GSWMarketplace exhibitors will be able to show off their products and services, schedule meetings and hold video conversations with "walk-up" visitors.

Access to view GSWMarketplace will be free to all who register.

Exhibitor packages start at €2,000 (£1,800/$2,400) and include digital passes, "targeted leads and cutting-edge analytics to maximise and measure the business impact of a firm’s investment", organisers say.

Organisers also report that the 2020 event attracted 2,000 delegates from 70 countries.

GSW Paris is to be staged annually as France prepares to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup and the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.