Marking its 25th anniversary SAPIA announces 2025 national conference details  

The Sports and Play Industry Association (SAPIA) is to celebrate its 25 years of operations at its upcoming 2025 National Conference, being held at the Oaks Cypress Lakes in the NSW Hunter Valley on 18th and 19th September.

SAPIA Secretary, Robyn Wilcox explains "from humble beginnings in 2000 with 10 signatories to the association's incorporation, to over 130 member companies and their staff in 2025, we have come a long way.

"No matter if you are new to SAPIA or have been a member since the beginning, you are to be congratulated for contributing to the success of the Australasian peak body for sports and playground construction."

Looking forward to SAPIA's upcoming conference, Wilcox advised "we hope all members take the opportunity to meet together and celebrate their achievements at the … National Conference.

"We have lots of activities planned to enable guests to relax, be entertained, hear from industry specialists and especially to network with colleagues and suppliers to further business success. Join our annual golf tournament or vineyard bus tour incorporating the SAPIA Long Lunch, AGM, welcome party, national conference, gala dinner, industry awards presentation and fund-raising auction."

SAPIA National Conference events

Thursday 18th September 2025
The Edo Trophy golf tourney
Named after keen golfer Mark Edmondson, SAPIA Director since incorporation and SAPIA President for the last 21 years, the Edo Trophy is an Ambrose Rules social tournament for players of all abilities. 

Limited to 30 players, fees and carts have been sponsored by TigerTurf Australia. 

Vineyard and Distillery tour
For non-golfers, this tour includes: exclusive tastings at four of the Hunter’s emerging 'NEXT GEN' cellar doors, Gin & Vodka tasting at one of the local distilleries, the annual SAPIA Long Lunch at 4 Pines Brewery at The Farm, as well as cheese and chocolate tastings. 

SAPIA AGM
SAPIA is a member association, and each member receives one vote on matters discussed at its Annual General Meeting. During August, SAPIA will be calling for nominations to the SAPIA Board. All current incumbents vacate their seats on the Board and new nominations are called for. 

Board members are permitted to nominate again.

A ballot is held prior to the conference with votes cast by mail or email. The results of the ballot for the coming year's Board of Directors will be announced by SAPIA's Company Secretary during the AGM. 

SAPIA Welcome Party
Immediately following the SAPIA AGM on Thursday evening, attendees will meet on the Conference Lawn overlooking the lake a pre-conference Welcome Party. Canapes and Hunter Valley beverages will be served from 7pm until 10pm. 

The Welcome Party is a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones, to network with fellow industry supporters, to meet prospective customers and potential suppliers. In keeping with prior years, we invite attendees to dress colourfully and enjoy life to the fullest.

Friday 19th September 2025
SAPIA National Conference
The National Conference SAPIA's premier annual technical meeting, runs from 9am to 5pm in the Oaks conference rooms, with presenters chosen who are able to educate, enliven and entertain delegates. 

SAPIA Gala Dinner
The annual Gala Dinner follows the conference with a three 3 course dinner including Hunter Valley beverages. 

During the dinner SAPIA announces the winners of its Industry Awards program which last year attracted 133 entries.

The dinners also includes a fund-raising auction of goods and services donated by SAPIA members and supporters.

SAPIA National Conference supporters.
Destination NSW: Stategic Sponsor
APT Asia Pacific: Gold Sponsor
Australian Surfacing Supplies: Silver Sponsor
TigerTurf Australia: Golf Tournament Sponsor
Tyrecycle: Coffee Cart Sponsor
McHugh & Eastwood: Lanyard Sponsor 

Accommodation
Special accommodation rates for delegates are available at the Oaks Cypress Lakes, the conference venue.

Click here for more information in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Lower image shows the Oaks Cypress Lakes resort.