This year’s National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC) 2026 will bring together more than 30 international speakers, offering the Australian industry a rare opportunity to learn directly from global leaders shaping the future of sport, recreation and community wellbeing.
Delivered over two days in Melbourne, NSC26 – themed “The Next Generation” – will feature more than 50 sessions across eight streams and 150+ speakers, spanning the full ecosystem of sport, recreation, facilities, education, play & adolescence, sports surfaces, and aquatic and leisure management.
Developed in collaboration with 50+ industry partners and peak bodies, the program reflects the collective priorities of the sector and provides a platform to explore how the industry must evolve to meet the needs of future generations.
A global lens on The Next Generation of sport
Across the world, sport systems are being reimagined to better connect participation, health, community outcomes and performance — challenges that are equally relevant in Australia.
NSC26 will bring those perspectives together, with international leaders including:
- Nathalie Nye, Director General, Sport Canada
- Alan Goh, CEO, Sport Singapore
- Raelene Castle, CEO, Sport New Zealand
- Cathy Wong, President, Fiji Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee
- Darryl Condon, President, The International Association for Sport and Leisure Facilities (Canada)
- Pavit Singh, Managing Partner, Ileseum Clubs I(India)
- Mark Bowater, Chair, World Urban Parks
- Andy King, Chair, GM Active (UK)
- Sarah Murray, CEO, Recreation Aotearoa (NZ)
- Richard Davis-Boreham, Strategic Director – Sport & Place Partnerships, Greater Manchester Moving (UK)
- Peter Sprenger, Founder, Techonomy (Netherlands)
- Dave Adams, Head of Strategic Foresight, Sport New Zealand
- Ajmol Ali, Professor of Exercise Science, Massey University (NZ)
alongside many others contributing global insight across the program.
Learning from global innovation and real-world application
A key focus of NSC26 is moving beyond theory to understand how global ideas can be applied locally to support the next generation of participants, facilities and communities.
Sessions such as From Movement to Medals: Building Pathways that Serve Everyone will bring together international leaders including Cathy Wong (Fiji) and Andy King (UK) to explore how sport systems can deliver both community participation and elite outcomes in a sustainable and connected way.
Other sessions will highlight:
- How Greater Manchester Moving (UK) is increasing participation through place-based, community-led approaches
- How New Zealand leaders are connecting education, recreation and sport to create lifelong participation pathways
- How global cities and organisations are designing active environments that encourage movement, play and social connection
These insights reflect a broader global shift – recognising sport not just as competition, but as a critical driver of health, wellbeing and community cohesion.
Designing for The Next Generation
With significant investment in infrastructure across Australia, NSC26 will also explore how facilities must evolve to meet the needs of future users.
International experts such as Darryl Condon (Canada) and Taio Waldhaus (Canada) will share perspectives on designing intergenerational, sustainable and flexible facilities that deliver value over decades, not just years.
Sessions will examine:
- Multi-use and inclusive facility design
- Sustainable surface innovation and lifecycle planning
- Urban environments that maximise participation
- New procurement and delivery models
Building capability for the next decade
For many in the sector, accessing global expertise has traditionally required significant travel and cost. NSC26 brings that knowledge into one place, creating a platform for professional development, upskilling and knowledge exchange.
“Preparing for the next generation of sport and recreation requires us to look beyond our own systems and learn from what is working globally,” said Martin Sheppard, CEO of NSC.
“By bringing together international and Australian leaders, NSC provides the industry with practical insights and ideas that can be applied immediately to improve participation, facilities, and community outcomes.”
A conference for the next generation of the industry
NSC26 is structured across eight integrated streams, reflecting the interconnected nature of the sector and the need for collaboration across disciplines.
From governance and participation to technology, facilities, play and education, the Convention is designed to support the development of a more inclusive, innovative and sustainable future for sport and recreation.
As the industry looks toward Brisbane 2032 and beyond, the ability to learn, adapt and evolve will be critical.
NSC26 offers a timely opportunity to do just that — by bringing the next generation of thinking, leadership and global expertise together in one place.
Editor’s Notes
The National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC) has grown since 2016 as Australia/New Zealand’s largest and most prominent community sport and recreation convention and expo. This year the NSC returns to Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre on 1 – 2 July 2026. The organisers working, with its 50+ collaborators, to curate a program with international and Australian experts, providing the most comprehensive program on community sport recreation and sports facilities in Australia. The event also features the largest sports and recreation Expo with 80+ Exhibitors and 7 Activation Areas for the ultimate industry playground for industry professionals.
Photos from the NSC can be found at www.nationalsportsconvention.com.au
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Further information contact Anthony Reed, at anthonyr@smartconnection.net.au or (03) 9421 0133.