The National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC) 2023 has concluded with an overwhelming show of support and participation from the largest ever gathering of the sports industry, culminating in an extraordinary event marked by knowledge sharing, expertise exchange, groundbreaking experiences and the largest industry Expo.
The convention, held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, brought together sports professionals and stakeholders from all corners of the globe such as global thought leaders:
- Tim Hollingsworth OBE, Chief Executive, Sport England
- Professor Alfonso Jimenez, Chief Research & Innovation Officer, GO fit LAB
- Raelene Castle ONZM, Group Chief Executive, Sport NZ & High Performance Sport NZ
- Alan Goh, Chief Executive Officer, Sport Singapore
- Patrick Johnson OLY, Culture and Safety Advisor, Sport Integrity Australia, Board Member, Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee
- Hon Dr Andrew Leigh, Asst. Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Asst. Minister for Employment and Federal Member for Fenner
- Patrick Walker, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Sports Foundation
- Hannah Macdougall PLY, Research Fellow, Deakin University
- Jan Fitzgerald, Chief Executive Officer, Sports Environment Alliance
- Claire Poole, Founder and CEO, Sport Positive
- Alexia Morgan, Group Manager, Business Improvement, Belgravia Leisure
- Sheila Nguyen, Head of Sustainability, FIFA Women's World Cup 2023
- Fiona Caniglia, Executive Director, Q Shelter
- Michael Reay, Head of Corporate Affairs, BlueScope, Australian Steel Products
- Ned Coten, Chief Executive Officer, EngageRM
- Richard McInnes, Chief Executive Officer, Water Polo Australia
With over 135 speakers across eight conference streams and fifty sessions, NSC 2023 delivered a wealth of invaluable insights and best practices from esteemed speakers and experts representing diverse sectors of the sports ecosystem making it the largest ever gathering of community sports professionals and a resounding success.
Delegates engaged in thought-provoking debates, exploring cutting-edge advancements, and examining innovative approaches to enhance the sports industry.
A highlight of this year’s event was the co-located National Sports Environment Conference, dedicated to discussing and promoting sustainable practices in sports. This collaboration fostered a stronger commitment to environmental responsibility within the sports community, laying the foundation for a greener and more sustainable future for sports and recreation.
The immense success of the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention 2023 is attributed to the overwhelming support and engagement of NSC collaborators and industry professionals who actively contributed to the convention’s growth. Attendees displayed their passion and dedication to the sports industry, making meaningful connections and fostering a collaborative spirit throughout the event.
One of the major draws of the convention was Australia’s largest and most immersive sports and recreation expo ever, featuring over 75 exhibitors, showcasing the latest innovations, products, and services available in the market. The expo served as a hub for attendees to explore and experience cutting-edge technologies, sports equipment, facility design and fit out, sports surfaces and industry services, offering an opportunity to engage with industry-leading brands and is truly the industry’s source of the latest products and services driving the industry forward.
A significant milestone in the convention’s history was the introduction of industry-first interactive and experiential activations. These engaging sessions provided a hands-on experience with the latest sports technologies, training methods, and innovations, inspiring attendees and fostering creativity within the industry.
The National Sports & Physical Activity Convention 2023 has undoubtedly set a new standard in sports events, redefining the way knowledge is shared, industry connections are made, and innovations are embraced. As the event concluded on a high note, participants and organisers alike look forward to building on this momentum for 2024 which will be a joint global convention with impact, collaborating with the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) to target Southern Hemisphere clientele with a stronger spectrum of international speakers, peak bodies and exhibitors. This will allow us to align the Global Thinking with the National Agenda.
National Sports & Physical Activity Convention will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on 27 – 28 June 2024.
Editors Notes
The National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC) has grown since 2016 as Australia/New Zealand’s largest and most prominent community sport and recreation convention and expo. This year the NSC returned to Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre on the 27th and 28th July 2023. The organisers worked with its 30+ collaborators to curate a program with international and Australian experts, providing the most comprehensive program on community sport recreation and sports facilities in Australia, post-covid.
Photos from the NSC can be found at www.nationalsportsconvention.com.au
Follow the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter
#NSConvention
Further information contact Martin Sheppard, at martins@smartconnection.net.au or (03) 9421 0133.