PROGRAM

THE NEXT GENERATION

Keynotes

Global Thought
Leader Sessions

0 +

Workshops

NSC Oration

Days of Networking

2026's PROGRAM
The Next Generation

The National Sports & Physical Activity Convention 2026 (NSC26) has always been where the industry comes together to share knowledge, explore innovation, and build stronger, more active communities. In 2026, our theme The Next Generation will guide every conversation, every stream, and every connection made at the event.

Across two days, we’ll look ahead to the future of our sector – developing new leaders, equipping the workforce and volunteers of tomorrow, inspiring participation at every level, and reimagining the places, spaces, and experiences where people play, perform, and connect. We’ll explore how technology, funding models, events, and strategies can evolve to meet the challenges of the decades ahead.

With expert insights, practical solutions, and a collaborative spirit, NSC 2026 is the place to prepare for what’s next, ensuring the passion for sport, recreation, and play thrives for generations to come.

A Dynamic Program to Shape the Future

The 2025 program engaged a larger and more diverse audience, and gave a broader scope of opportunities to foster growth, collaboration, and innovation across the sports and recreation sector. We’re building on that in 2026 for our biggest year yet, looking to what’s next for our industry.

New in 2026

Deeper understanding of core topics and strategies to improve the industry
Refined conference streams catering to a core range of topics and industry challenges
Engaging sessions like Impact Keynotes, Leaders Workshops, and Case Study Presentations
New Innovation Tours showcasing real-world implementations in sport, leisure, and recreation facilities

Join us for a week of inspiration, collaboration, and action as we explore how we can spark ideas that will shape the next generation. Together, we can create a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone

2026 conference streams

Managing Sport

New leadership models and evolving community expectations are reshaping how sport is governed, planned and delivered. Explore how The Next Generation of leaders can future-proof sport through smarter governance, management and investment resources.

Community Sport & Leisure Facilities

Discover how The Next Generation of sport and leisure facilities are being designed to be inclusive, adaptable and sustainable. Learn how innovative design, funding and operational models are creating future-ready community hubs with lasting social and commercial impact.

Aquatic & Leisure Management

As wellness, ageing and lifestyle expectations evolve, aquatic and leisure facility management must adapt. Understand how The Next Generation of users, management and participants are shaping future programming, workforce capacity and facility management.

Sustainable Sports Surfaces

Explore how The Next Generation of sports surfaces can be planned, designed, delivered and managed more sustainably across their full lifecycle. From innovation and compliance to end-of-life solutions, discover proven approaches that support performance, participation and environmental responsibility, for natural, hybrid, acrylic, rubber and synthetic surfaces.

Participation

Growing participation requires new approaches that inspire movement, removes barriers and connect to sporting pathways. Explore strategies to engage The Next Generation in physical activity, recreation and community sport, supporting healthier, more active communities for the future and encouraging greater opportunities.

Play & Adolescence

Active places, policies and thinking play a critical role in shaping healthier communities and The Next Generation of participants. Explore how planning, design and cross-sector collaboration can deliver better outcomes for play, physical activity, adolescent development and long-term wellbeing.

Transforming Sport Through Technology

AI and digital innovation are shaping The Next Generation of sport. Learn how technology is transforming performance, engagement, user experiences, facility planning and decision-making, creating smarter, more efficient and sustainable sport and recreation organisations.

Sport & Education

Sport and active play are essential to the development of The Next Generation of participants. Discover how schools and higher education providers are innovating to improve wellbeing, engagement and lifelong participation through sport and physical activity.