SUSTAINABLE SPORTS SURFACES
- 1-2 July 2026
- Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Sustainable Sports Surfaces
In Partnership with Smart Connection Consultancy
As expectations around environmental responsibility, durability and performance increase, the way sports surfaces are planned, designed and managed is undergoing significant change. The Sustainable Sports Surfaces stream explores how The Next Generation of surfaces – natural, hybrid, acrylic, rubber and synthetic – can deliver stronger lifecycle outcomes for communities, sport and the environment.
In partnership with Smart Connection Consultancy, this stream brings together global thought leaders, planners, designers, researchers and asset managers to examine sustainable surface innovation from concept to end-of-life. From compliance and procurement to design optimisation and asset longevity, sessions will focus on practical, evidence-based approaches that support participation, performance and environmental accountability across outdoor and urban environments.
The Next Generation of Outdoor Sports Facilities and Environments – Keynote Session
Creating spaces that genuinely encourage people to move, play, exercise and participate requires more than installing fields and courts. This keynote explores how outdoor environments can be intentionally designed to stimulate activity, improve liveability and support community wellbeing.
As cities expand and lifestyles evolve, the discussion will examine how parks, open spaces and sports environments can become multi-functional community destinations that drive both informal recreation and organised sport participation.
- Mark Bowater, Chair, World Urban Parks
- Alli Coster, Open Space Planning and Design Coordinator, Banyule City Council
The Next Generation Panel 4
As urban environments grow vertically and space becomes increasingly constrained, how do we create more environments that encourage activity, exercise and recreation?
This panel explores the role of cross-sector collaboration in delivering integrated, active urban environments. From technology-enabled planning to shared investment models, the discussion will examine how partnerships between government, planners, sport and industry can unlock smarter, more sustainable solutions for growing communities.
- James Mant, CEO, Spero-ai
Workshop 4.1: Planning for the Next Generation of Facilities
Strong planning underpins sustainable delivery. This workshop explores best practice approaches to justifying the need for new and upgraded facilities, drawing on guidance from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and the SA Local Government Recreation and Sport Network.
Participants will gain insight into evidence-based needs analysis, strategic alignment and policy frameworks that strengthen business cases and ensure surface investments meet long-term community demand.
- 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 4.2: Design – Innovation and Future Proofing
Surface innovation is advancing rapidly, offering improved performance, durability and environmental outcomes. This workshop explores emerging materials, construction techniques and lifecycle strategies that support both elite performance standards and community participation.
The session will examine how research, development and global best practice can inform smarter surface choices that reduce environmental impact while maintaining quality and playability.
- Colin Young, Research & Development Director, Tencate
- Martin Sheppard, Chair, IAKS Expert Circle – Sports Surfaces
PitchFEST 4: A New Generation of Design to Provide Better Value for Sport and Government
How can surface and facility design better attract the next generation of users?
This fast-paced session explores multi-sport and multi-use design concepts that maximise participation and return on investment. From racquet sport integration to complementary sport models and urban plazas that blend play, recreation and organised sport, presenters will showcase innovative approaches that create inclusive, vibrant community hubs.
- Elia Hill, Head of Local Government and Industry Partnerships, Tennis Australia - The Importance of Collaborators to Optimise Design and Community Impact
- Callum Beale, Tennis Australia - Racquet Sports – Multi-Use Models and Integration with Complementary Sports
Workshop 4.4: Sweating the Asset Sustainably
Maximising asset performance begins with selecting the right surface for purpose and lifecycle expectations. This session explores how design decisions, maintenance planning and lifecycle forecasting influence long-term sustainability and financial performance.
Understanding durability, renewal cycles and whole-of-life costing is critical to ensuring surfaces remain safe, compliant and fit for use, while delivering optimal return on investment for sport and government.
- Lucas Skelton, Field of Play Team Leader, Sporteng
This stream is essential for facility planners, local government, asset managers, surface manufacturers, consultants, designers and sport administrators committed to delivering high-performing, environmentally responsible and financially sustainable sports environments for the next generation.
