PARTICIPATION
- 1-2 July 2026
- Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Participation
In Partnership with the Australian Sports Commission
Growing participation requires more than promotion, it demands new thinking, inclusive design and pathways that genuinely reflect how people want to move today. As expectations shift and traditional models face disruption, sport and recreation organisations must rethink how they attract, engage and retain participants across all life stages.
In partnership with the Australian Sports Commission, the Participation stream explores how to inspire The Next Generation to be active while recognising that participation growth depends on removing barriers, broadening definitions of sport and creating flexible, welcoming opportunities. From youth engagement and innovation to policy reform and ageing populations, this stream focuses on practical strategies that build healthier, more active communities for the future.
The Next Generation of Participation – Keynote Session
Encouraging more people to be active requires changing both outcomes and priorities.
This keynote challenges traditional participation models and explores how sport and recreation organisations can better engage “non-sporting” audiences. By reframing what participation looks like and aligning programs with evolving community motivations, the session will examine how to expand reach, remove barriers and attract more diverse participants into active lifestyles, from the UK with GM Moving to PlayWell in Australia.
- Andy King, Chair, GM Active
- Cameron French, General Manager, Participation, Australian Sports Commission
The Next Generation Panel 8: Play Well is more than Sport
How do we design participation programs that resonate with young people and reflect their contemporary lifestyles?
This panel explores innovative participation models that respond to shifting expectations around flexibility, social connection and purpose. The discussion will focus on program design, place-based activation and how local governments and sport organisations can better connect community needs with structured pathways and environments that create fun, enjoyable and immersive experiences.
Panellists:
- Neil Gibson, Project Director, Blacktown City Council
- Alexander Webber, State Operations Manager Youth and Community Programs, PCYC Queensland
- Shari Duffy, National Technical Lead, Skate Australia
Workshop 8.1: Innovating Sport to Attract More Participation
Sport must continuously adapt to remain relevant.
This workshop explores how organisations are reshaping formats, environments and engagement strategies to better reflect broader community needs and decision-making behaviours. Participants will examine how innovation in program delivery, scheduling, communication and inclusivity can unlock new participation opportunities.
- Jamie Bradnam, Director, Sporting Schools, ASC - Transitioning from playing to other roles in sport
- Sue McGill, Director, Participation Growth, ASC - Unlocking alternative ‘active’ spaces
Workshop 8.2: Understanding Youth Needs, Aspirations and Opportunities
Understanding what young people value, and how they want to engage, is fundamental to participation growth.
This session explores research and practical insights into youth motivations, communication preferences and lifestyle trends. By understanding the “how” and the “what” young people aspire to, organisations can design more relevant programs and build stronger pathways into sustained participation.
- Ella Creagh, Active Recreation Consultant, Sport New Zealand
- Michelle Harris, Program Manager, Participation and Workforce, Sport and Recreation Victoria
PolicyFEST 8: The Next Generation of Policy Priorities
What should participation policy look like over the next decade?
This session brings together international leaders to explore strategic priorities shaping participation agendas in Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. The discussion will examine how national strategies are evolving to activate more people to move, recreate and participate in community sport, with a focus on measurable impact, system alignment and long-term sustainability.
- Lee Huei Chern, Chief, Strategy Group, Sport Singapore – The Singaporean Vision
- Jim Ellis, Group Manager Play, Active Recreation & Sport, Sport New Zealand – The New Zealand Vision
- Richard McInnes, EGM, Sport & Community Capability, Australian Sports Commission – The Australian Vision
Workshop 8.4: The Next Generation Is a Current Generation – The Over 50s
Participation growth is not only about youth.
As Australia’s population shifts, with more people over 60 than any other age group over the next two decades, sport and recreation providers must reconsider how they design for older adults. This session explores how programs, facilities and communication strategies can better engage the over-50 demographic, supporting health, social connection and lifelong activity.
- Adam Bishop, GM, Growth and Development, Australian Athletics - National participation strategy for Athletics
- Shaun McEachin, National Lead, Sport Development, Squash Australia - Navigating the landscape as a medium-sized sport
- Megan Carr, Sport Volunteer Coalition, ASC - Reimagining sport volunteering
This stream is essential for sport development managers, policymakers, local government leaders, national and state sporting organisations and community providers focused on expanding participation, removing barriers and building more inclusive, future-ready activity systems.
