Australia’s sport and recreation sector is entering a defining decade.
With Brisbane 2032 approaching, participation patterns shifting, young people engaging with sport in very different ways, and governments placing increasing emphasis on physical activity, health outcomes and community wellbeing, industry leaders say the sector must evolve if it is to realise its full potential.
One emerging theme is becoming clear: the future of sport may depend on listening more closely to the next generation.
That idea will take centre stage at the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC) on 1 – 2 July 2026, where a series of sessions will explore how younger voices and global perspectives can help shape the next phase of sport’s development.
Now entering its second decade, NSC has become the largest gathering of the sports, recreation, leisure facilities, play and physical activity sectors in the Asia-Pacific region, bringing together leaders from government, sport organisations, community providers, education and industry.
The 2026 conference theme – “The Next Generation” – reflects a growing recognition that the sector must respond to changing social expectations, technological shifts and evolving participation habits.
“Sport has always been one of society’s most powerful community assets,” said Martin Sheppard, NSC CEO.
“But the environment around it is changing quickly. Young people consume media differently, participate differently, and increasingly expect sport and recreation to reflect broader social values such as inclusion, accessibility and wellbeing.
“If the industry wants to remain relevant and grow participation, it needs to understand how the next generation sees the world.”
Youth voices shaping the conversation
One of the most distinctive elements of the 2026 program will be a session exploring how younger leaders and emerging voices view the future of sport.
The discussion will be chaired by Abbie from HER WAY Sports Media, a teenage founder who launched the platform at just 11 years old to amplify women’s sport and young voices in the industry.
She will be joined by young leaders and community advocates including Ikram Mahamed from the Centre for Multicultural Youth, Khalid Muse, Chief Operating Officer of CALM Youth, and Mia Victorsen, Netball Queensland’s 2024 Youth Advisory Group Alumni, examining issues ranging from participation barriers and leadership pathways to how sport communicates with younger audiences.
Their perspectives will then be challenged and explored by established leaders including VicSport CEO Elyse Jenkins, Sport Singapore CEO Alan Goh, and Sport New Zealand CEO Raelene Castle.
The format is designed to spark genuine intergenerational dialogue about how sport must evolve. To help bring emerging voices into the room, NSC also continues its Future Leaders Program, sponsored by VicHealth and the Royal Life Saving Society Australia. The program supports emerging professionals and young leaders from across the sport, recreation, school and play sectors by providing full access to the two-day conference and dedicated opportunities to connect with speakers, peers and industry leaders. In addition subsidised Future Leaders tickets are available for just $550 when purchased with a full conference ticket, ensuring The Next Generation can actively participate in shaping the sector’s future..
Global perspectives on participation and performance
International thought leaders will also examine a question increasingly debated around the world: how sport systems balance community participation with elite performance.
A panel featuring VicHealth CEO Anna Peeters, Fiji Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee President Cathy Wong, and GM Active Chair Andy King will explore how everyday movement, recreation and elite sport pathways can work together rather than compete for attention and resources.
The discussion reflects growing global recognition that active communities and sporting success are increasingly interconnected, particularly as governments focus on preventative health and social outcomes.
Learning how to engage the digital generation
Another major challenge for sport organisations is learning how to communicate with audiences raised in a digital-first environment.
A session with Jesse Grant, emerging industry leader and founder of digital media platform Movie Magick, will explore how social platforms can build communities at scale. Grant’s network reaches more than 40 million people monthly, with over 2 billion views generated in just one year, offering lessons in storytelling and audience engagement.
The discussion will be complemented by practical examples from community sport organisations using TikTok and social platforms to drive membership and participation growth.
A collaborative industry effort
The National Sports & Physical Activity Convention program has been developed in collaboration with more than 50 industry partners and peak bodies, ensuring the discussions reflect the priorities of the entire sport and recreation ecosystem.
Those partners span organisations involved in sport participation, recreation, facilities, local government, health promotion, schools, play and community wellbeing.
Industry observers say that collaboration will be essential as the sector prepares for the opportunities presented by Brisbane 2032, increased investment in sport infrastructure and a growing focus on the role of physical activity in improving public health.
Looking toward the next decade
The Convention will conclude with an intergenerational conversation bringing together leaders from across government, sport and community sectors – including QSport CEO Shantel Netzler, Australian Sports Commission executive Richard McInnes, Heart Foundation CEO David Lloyd and IAKS President Darryl Condon – to examine what the industry must do next.
The discussion will focus on a critical question: whether the sector has enough time to prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead before the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
For many leaders across the sport ecosystem, the message is increasingly clear.
If the industry wants to grow participation, strengthen communities and deliver on the promise of the next decade, the voices shaping its future may not yet be the ones traditionally leading it.
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. Last year the NSC returned to Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre on 1 – 2 June 2026. The organisers worked 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
Follow the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
#NSConvention #NSC26
Further information contact Anthony Reed, at anthonyr@smartconnection.net.au or (03) 9421 0133.