SPORTS SURFACES
AN NSC26 STREAM
- 1-2 July 2026
- Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Sports Surfaces and Their Role in Shaping Active Urban Environments
As Australia’s urban density grows, the demand for public spaces that encourage physical activity, support community sport, and protect the environment is greater than ever. In 2026, the challenge is to design and deliver sports surfaces that not only meet the needs of the next generation of participants, but also embrace the next generation of technologies, materials, and design approaches.
The Sports Surfaces stream at NSC 2026 will explore how innovation in surface technology, construction methods, and sustainable materials can create vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally responsible playing spaces. Through expert insights, real-world examples, and practical guidance, delegates will discover how forward-thinking design and management can inspire communities to move more, play often, and connect through sport — now and well into the future.
A look back on 2025’s sessions and speakers is included below:
Keynote: Designing Active Urban Places
The stream begins with a powerful keynote on Active Urban Design, addressing how to future-proof our cities and towns for healthy, active living.
- Kristen Clark, Heart Foundation, unveils the fourth edition of the Blueprint for an Active Australia
- John Cairney, Director, Queensland Centre for Olympic and Paralympic Studies (University of Queensland), explores the vision for active, movement-friendly cities
- They are joined by a leading design panel featuring: Sarah Slattery, AJC Architects, Pete Spence, Carabiner Architects, Dr Georgina de Beaujeu, Tract Consultants
This session examines best practice urban design strategies that promote increased physical activity through walkable neighbourhoods, pocket parks, multi-use courts, and active transport pathways.
Balancing Sport Participation Growth with Environmental Sustainability
As participation rates – particularly among children – remain critically low (only 17% of Australian youth meet physical activity guidelines), sport providers are seeking surface technologies that support increased usage while preserving green space and enhancing environmental sustainability.
This session highlights:
- Dr Colin Young, Tencate Grass
- Paul Kamphuis, Polytan
These global leaders will present the latest in sustainable synthetic sports surfaces, designed for durability, high usage intensity, and reduced environmental impact.
In the following expert panel discussion, these speakers will be joined by:
- Troy Harrison, Sutherland Shire Council – sharing insights from Australia’s most extensive trials of hybrid and synthetic playing fields across multiple codes
- Geoff Walsh, Mapei – discussing how acrylic hard court surfaces are creating more opportunities for youth recreation and unstructured play
PitchFEST: Innovation in Sports Surfaces Technology
This dynamic session features four game-changing innovations competing for recognition as the most impactful solution to enhance active recreation through surface technology:
- Hybrid Turf Advancements – Enabling 5–10 additional hours of weekly play (Erik Kinlon, HG Sports Turf)
- Acrylic Pocket Parks – Small spaces with big impact (Caroline Field, ICS Group)
- Multi--Sport Surface Design – Encouraging both structured and unstructured activity (George Devenish, IDWALA)
- Eco-Friendly Long Turf Solutions – FieldTurf showcases their commitment to sustainability
Solving the Space Challenge Through Design and Construction Innovation
With the scarcity of open space in urban environments, this final session explores how design innovation, construction techniques, and surface versatility are unlocking new opportunities for community sport and active recreation:
- Martin Sheppard, Smart Connection Consultancy – Designing for fun, participation, and community connection
- Stephen Hill, Bild Group – How infrastructure innovation is reshaping community sport venues
- Future-Proofing Through Versatility – New trends in single-sport to multi-sport court designs for increased access and functionality
This stream is essential for:
- Urban planners
- Facility managers
- Local and state government officers
- Parks and recreation professionals
- Architects and sports surface suppliers
- Anyone seeking to drive active design, sustainable infrastructure, and community engagement through sport
