TRANSFORMING SPORT
THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
- 1-2 July 2026
- Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Transforming Sport Through Technology
AI and digital innovation are rapidly reshaping how sport is delivered, experienced and managed. From performance and participation to governance, planning and customer engagement, technology is enabling organisations to operate smarter, make better decisions and create more meaningful impact.
The Transforming Sport Through Technology stream explores how The Next Generation of sport organisations can harness AI, data and digital tools to modernise capability, improve efficiency and unlock new opportunities. With a focus on practical application, this stream brings together global perspectives, real-world case studies and emerging technologies that are driving transformation across sport and recreation.
The Next Generation of Technology for Sport – Keynote Session
Technology has the power to accelerate transformation — but only when applied with purpose.
This keynote explores how sport and government leaders can use technology as an enabler to strengthen participation pathways, improve decision-making and scale impact across communities. The session will examine how global innovation is influencing local delivery, and how organisations can balance ambition with practical implementation.
- Sandra Sweeney, Sport Lead Partner, Deloitte Australia
- Peter Sprenger, Founder, Techonomy Netherlands
The Next Gen Panel 5
How can organisations use AI to enhance productivity, capability and service delivery without increasing headcount?
This panel explores how AI can be embedded across all levels of an organisation, from governance and leadership through to operations. It will examine the concept of “virtual teams” and how AI agents can support boards, leadership groups and operational staff by providing insights, automating processes and enabling faster, more informed decision-making.
Chaired by: Isaak Dury, Founder & CEO, TidyHQ
- AI Advisory Board Avatar
- AI Leadership Team Avatar
- AI Operations Avatar
Workshop 5.1: The Starting Point – The Tech Journey to Transform Sport
Starting a transformation journey can be complex — but technology can simplify the process when applied correctly.
This workshop provides a practical, step-by-step approach to embedding technology into sport organisations. It focuses on how to prioritise initiatives, align technology with strategy and use digital tools to support better delivery and outcomes without letting technology drive the agenda.
- Sion de Jong, Co-Founder & CEO, Sports Cloud Australia
- Paul Collins, Research and Innovation, Australian Sports Commission
Workshop 5.2: Data-Driven Growth with Impact
Data is one of sport’s most valuable assets — but only when it is connected, understood and applied effectively.
This workshop explores how organisations can use data to inform strategy, prioritise investment and drive community impact. From understanding audiences to building integrated dashboards, the session will highlight how data can provide clarity, direction and measurable outcomes.
- Glen Hardy, Senior Partner, IER Consulting
- Tim Fava, Executive General Manager - Strategy and Stakeholders, Netball NSW
PitchFEST 5: Innovative Technology to Drive Membership
Membership growth is critical to the sustainability of sport organisations.
This session showcases three leading technology solutions that are helping clubs attract, convert and retain members. Each pitch will highlight the challenge addressed, the solution implemented and the measurable results achieved, providing practical insights that can be applied across sport and recreation settings.
- Adam Luscombe, General Manager, YMCA
- Ennia Jones, A Splash of Colour Swimming
Workshop 5.4: How to Commercialise Your Data to Create New Revenue Streams
Data presents a significant opportunity to create new value within sport.
This workshop explores how organisations can responsibly commercialise data by connecting those who hold it with those who need it, in a way that benefits participants, organisations and the broader ecosystem. The session will examine models, risks and opportunities associated with data-driven revenue generation.
Chaired by: Isaak Dury, Founder & CEO, TidyHQ
- Paige Buse, Founder, Paige Buse Consulting
This stream is essential for sport administrators, technology leaders, policymakers, consultants and commercial partners looking to harness AI, data and digital innovation to drive efficiency, engagement and long-term impact across the sport and recreation sector.
