The National Sports & Physical Activity Convention (NSC) 2026 will bring together some of the world’s most innovative minds in sport, technology, data and digital transformation as part of its dynamic Transforming Sport Through Technology Conference Stream, proudly sponsored by ActiveXchange.
Focused on “The Next Generation”, the stream will explore how technology, AI and digital innovation are rapidly reshaping sport, from participation and fan engagement through to performance, facility planning, governance and commercial growth.
Featuring leading experts from Australia, Europe, New Zealand, Singapore and beyond, the Sports Tech stream will provide sport and recreation leaders with practical insights into how technology can help organisations become smarter, more connected and more sustainable.
A major highlight of the program is the appearance of internationally recognised digital transformation expert Peter Sprenger, Founder of Techonomy Netherlands, who will headline the keynote session “Transforming Sport – Global to Local Innovations.”
Sprenger is regarded as one of Europe’s leading voices on the intersection of sport, technology and digital strategy. He founded Techonomy in 2014 to support the digital transformation of sports organisations, growing the company into an international team of more than 80 specialists working across the Netherlands, Switzerland and Australia.
His work spans digital marketing, advanced data capability, fan engagement and organisational transformation for sport, government and commercial partners globally. Beyond Techonomy, Sprenger serves as Chair of the Dutch Volleyball and Beach Volleyball Association (Nevobo), sits on the Marketing Committee of the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV), and was recently appointed Chair of the Game Technology & Innovation Commission for the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).
His NSC keynote will explore how global innovation trends are influencing local sport systems and how organisations can use technology with purpose — not simply as a trend — to modernise capability, improve decision-making and scale impact across communities. Joining Sprenger in the session will be Sandra Sweeney, Lead Partner – Australian Sports Practice at Deloitte Australia.
One of the most anticipated sessions of the Sports Tech stream will be “The Next Gen Panel 5” — a groundbreaking exploration of how AI can reshape the way sport organisations operate. In a convention first, the panel itself will feature AI Agents rather than human panellists, demonstrating in real time how artificial intelligence can support governance, leadership and operations across sport and recreation organisations.
Chaired by Isaac Dury, Founder & CEO of TidyHQ, the session will showcase an AI Board Agent, an AI Leadership Team Agent, and an AI Operational Staff Agent, each designed to demonstrate how organisations can improve productivity, strengthen strategic capability and enhance service delivery without increasing headcount. Rather than discussing AI theoretically, delegates will experience firsthand how emerging technologies may soon become embedded across the day-to-day operations of sporting organisations.
Across the broader stream, delegates will hear practical insights on data-driven decision-making, membership growth, participation trends, commercialisation opportunities and digital transformation strategies from leaders including Sion de Jong (Sports Cloud Australia), Paul Collins (Australian Sports Commission), Glenn Hardy (IER Consulting), Tim Fava (Netball NSW), Patrick Gannon (ActiveXchange), Phil Robinson (JustGo), Lauren Mowen (Clubland Australia) and Michael Johnstone (Spawtz).
The Sports Tech stream will culminate in one of the convention’s marquee discussions — Global Thought Leader Session 3: The Next Generation – Global to Local Thinking — bringing together some of the most influential leaders in sport from across the Asia-Pacific region. Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins, VicSport CEO Elyse Jenkins, Sport Singapore CEO Alan Goh and Sport New Zealand Group Chief Executive Raelene Castle will explore how countries around the world are embracing technology, innovation and future-focused planning to build capacity, strengthen participation, secure investment and encourage more people to play sport and be active.
Martin Sheppard, Co-Founder and CEO of NSC, said the Transforming Sport through Technology stream reflects the growing importance of innovation across every part of the sport and recreation ecosystem.
“Technology is no longer a future conversation for sport — it is shaping decisions, experiences and participation outcomes right now.
“The Sports Tech stream at NSC 2026 brings together global thinkers, practical innovators and industry leaders who are helping organisations navigate this rapidly changing environment.
“Having internationally respected experts like Peter Sprenger join the program reinforces the calibre of insight delegates can expect across the entire convention.”
The NSC 2026 Transforming Sport Through Technology stream is expected to attract leaders from sport, government, recreation, education, facilities, events, technology and commercial sectors seeking practical ideas and future-focused strategies to strengthen their organisations and communities.
Editor’s 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 returns to Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre on 1 – 2 July 2026. The organisers working, with its 50+ collaborators, to curate a program with international and Australian experts, providing the most comprehensive program on community sport recreation and sports facilities in Australia. The event also features the largest sports and recreation Expo with 80+ Exhibitors and 7 Activation Areas for the ultimate industry playground for industry professionals.
Photos from the NSC can be found at www.nationalsportsconvention.com.au
Follow the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
#NSConvention #NSC26
Further information contact Anthony Reed, at anthonyr@smartconnection.net.au or (03) 9421 0133.