Inspire Innovation theme announced for 2024 National Sports and Physical Activity Convention

Continuing its ongoing commitment to drive Participation in sport and recreation the National Sports and Physical Activity Convention (NSC) has announced that it has partnered with the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) for its 2024 edition.

Announcing its 2024 theme Inspire Innovation - Drive Participation, the Convention will bring together thought leaders and professionals from around the world, the NSC I IAKS 2024 conference program will also align with Australia's new Sport Participation Strategy, Play Well, uniting global innovators while spotlighting the impressive endeavours of Australia's sport, government, education and commercial sectors.

NSC founder and Chief Executive, Martin Sheppard (pictured below) commented “integration of Play Well’s six priority areas is integral to this year's program, Inspire Innovation - Drive Participation. Aligned with these and with a focus on Sustainability, People, Programs, Places and Partners, Play Well will thread through all streams and topics.

“(An) emphasis on diversity, inclusion, technology and data, will accelerate delegate knowledge for immediate office application and offer delegates an exploration of cutting-edge insights across two full days”.

The first three Global Keynote Speakers were also announced today:

Alison Oliver MBE, Chief Executive of the UK's Youth Sport Trust, will opens the Global Thought Leader Keynote with Tom Farrey, founder and Executive Director of The Aspen Institute (USA) - Our Next Generation of Participants and Leaders: How to engage with them, keep them active, and encourage them into community sport in the way they want to.

On Day 2, Jean-François Laurent, Secretary General of The Association for International Sport For All (TAFISA), leads the NSC’s Global Thought Leader Keynote - Development of Active Environments, Neighbourhoods and Cities to Encourage a Healthier and More Active Society.

Sheppard notes “this years’ NSC I IAKS 2024 innovates for a more immersive experience. New session formats, debates and interactive elements to enhance audience engagement with speakers. Embracing technology for increased interaction among delegates, speakers, peak bodies, researchers, future leaders and solution providers. More interactive sessions, extended networking, and debate sessions with opposing views on industry issues ensure ample time for discussion and knowledge sharing from morning through to evening”.

Yvette Audet, IAKS Vice President and Chair of IAKS ANZ, is excited about NSC | IAKS 2024, stating "the IAKS partnership ensures a bigger and better event, bringing a greater range of global experts to share their insights to create best practice knowledge sharing from around the world for Australian planners, leaders, and managers. These accomplished speakers will provide practical insights into challenges, opportunities, future trends, and strategies for a healthier community."

The joint convention promises a comprehensive experience with 130 speakers and panellists, spread across eight streams, three global keynote sessions, the NSC Oration, eight Big Issues Keynote Sessions, 24 workshops and site tours.

NSC is aimed at professional in the sport, recreation, play, fitness, health, wellness and education sectors, oalong with peak bodies and government organisation.

NSC | IAKS 2024 is an event designed for the entire ecosystem of sports and leisure facilities, sports grounds, sports management, fitness, council, recreation and play.

Registrations for the event are now open.

Click here for details on NSC | IAKS 2024 in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.