Unlocking opportunities: Key takeaways from the 2024 National Sports Convention
Focussed on ‘inspiring innovation’ and ‘driving participation’ this event has always been one of the first in the diary for ActiveXchange in Australasia, given we now provide data intelligence services to 130+ sports across the region, support facility operators nationwide, and are proactively working to bring networks of local government and brand sponsors closer to community sport and recreation.
So did the event deliver?
The view of ActiveXchange a few of ActiveXchange’s attendees is dropped in below….
Alexandra Ash, Chair ActiveXchange APAC
NSC is an amazing event to connect with a wide range of stakeholders. To be in person, connecting with people that make our industry amazing.
From my time as CEO of an NSO, to now a CEO of a large multi disciplinary National organisation, there are common themes of how data, and insights provide clear solutions to our problems. The way ActiveXchange can connect the dots, and give the thinking time back to CEOs and sports is game changing.
As we keep heading down the Green and Gold runway ahead of us to Brisbane 2032, we must take advantage of the investment ahead of us. The teenagers of today or the stars of tomorrow, how do we inspire a nation of activity”.
Callum Warner, ActiveXchange’s GM for APAC
“What a great week for me to kick off my new role as General Manager. The NSC team always does a great job of bringing the industry together and providing ample opportunities to connect. The networking during the event and at the various functions around it was a great way to introduce Mike Morris, our new Head of Sales and Commercial Strategy, to the ActiveXchange network and for me to connect with some wonderful professionals from Mike’s existing network.
The amount of international experts amongst the speakers highlighted the learning for the APAC region, and also showed where we are already at the forefront. Opportunities like this to build a global connected network are invaluable as we work towards common goals. I know the conversations kick started at this year’s event will carry on and bear fruit for our network right through to the next addition of this event, which is sure to be the highlight on the annual events calendar again.”
Alex Burrows, ActiveXchange Founder & CEO
“For me, first and foremost, in this new post COVID world of Zoom calls, just being present in-person with team members, partners and clients is amazing! This is always a favourite annual milestone of mine to reflect and re-energise with renewed focus – and the event itself with its diverse content and spin off conversations helps further shape our focus each year, and reaffirm areas where we should be doubling down.
I attended several of the sessions focussed on the emerging commercial side of community sport, and also ones that dived into impact, social value, and the importance of diversity, inclusion and equity of access. While these two sides of the coin are often seen as polar opposites, what I started to see was a convergence. Whether it’s investors, brands and sponsors, or commercial suppliers, there’s a common alignment with those that administer, delivery and plan physical activity opportunities – we all want to create a rising tide that lifts all boats (more people active!). This is especially exciting for ActiveXchange as we can see how data, as an existing asset held by sports and operators, can become a common thread to bring this system-wide network even closer together. To identify common audiences and mutually beneficial objectives.
What was also consistent throughout the event was the need for more informed collaboration – having the confidence and visibility to discover and activate funding, planning and operational partnerships – knowing what’s working, what’s not, so what next.
Overall though, it was just great to see everyone, and I’m already looking forward to next year”.
