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Join us for the 2024 Competition Conference

In 2024 we see the Competition Conference moving once again to a stand-alone conference which means we have a whole day, 11-4:30pm to discuss topics which are important to you. This year the conference will take place on 14 December at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham.

This is an in-person conference so join us for a day filled with insightful discussions with agenda items tailored to your requests, networking opportunities, and innovative ideas.

Speakers

Hannah England: facilitator

A 1500m runner who competed at the 2012 Olympics and gained a silver medal at the 2012 Worlds. Hannah is now a volunteer coach at the University of Birmingham.

Michelle Dorgan: marketing your event and making it a saleable product

Michelle worked in UK Athletics' sponsorship team in the lead up to London 2012. She co-founded the Sports Biz Midlands network and until recently was Head of Marketing and Communications for Women in Football.

Janice Kaufman: How competition providers are managing change

Coach and Official, Chair of YDL and Chair of North East Region Council. Janice is a Level 3 coach in hurdles and high jump, plus coaches several parallel success athletes.

Scott Grace: U10/U12 competition format

The England Athletics National Technical Lead for Youth Development and a member of the European Athletics Development Commission. Recently he's developed the PB Awards and the new U12s competition offer.

Clive Poyner of Norfolk Athletics: real life benefits of junior competition.

Involved in the sport for nearly 50 years in a variety of roles from athlete to England Athletics Board member, Clive's favourite event of the year is the Regional Sportshall final.

TJ Ossai: case study

TJ is Director of Be Fit Today Track Academy, a Level 2 Athletics Coach and
YMCA Reps Level 3 Personal Trainer and Level 2 Circuit Training.

Dean Hardman: age group change update

Supporting England Athletics on age group change implementation, track and field participation and youth competition. Dean is a former chair of the British Athletics League, and team manager at Sale Harriers Manchester.

Darren John: data and emerging trends.

Darren is the England Athletics Data Analyst. He's a member of Kings Heath RC and leads a campaign to save the historic arts venues in Birmingham outside of work.

Adam Kelly: the importance of youth competition experience on long term athlete engagement

Associate Professor of Sport and Exercise, Course Leader for Professional Doctorate in Sport (DSport) and Director of the Research for Athlete and Youth Sport Development (RAYSD) Lab.

Book your tickets!

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and elevate your competition. Sign up for a free ticket today!

Lunch is provided:

  • Sandwich options: ham and mustard, egg mayonnaise, turkey and cranberry, cheese and pickle, smoked salmon and horseradish mayonnaise, tuna mayonnaise.
  • Savoury options: chicken Goujons, sausage rolls, scotch eggs.
  • Cake options: G/F chocolate brownies, G/F lemon drizzle.
Book your tickets

Highlights from previous Competition Conferences

To give you an idea of the discussions that take place throughout the day, here are some highlights from the 2022 Competition Conference.

Video: Competition Conference 2022 roundup. Watch on YouTube

Download the flyer (PDF 135kB)

2024 Competition Conference Agenda

The future of competition

Looking into the current trends in participation across track and field, cross country, and road - this section will discuss what the future of competition could look like. Developments in line with the age group changes being introduced in 2026 will also form part of this session.

Keynote speaker to be announced closer to the date.

Use competition to hook your junior member base.

Week in and week out people run, but there is no offer like this for track and field. Have you wondered how you could reduce your waiting lists and give the young children waiting to try athletics a chance to have a go before committing to your cub? Look no further. This session will introduce a competition format which can be run every week, no licensed officials, adapted format and multi-event so everyone gets a chance to try something new. We will also touch upon athlete development in this session.

Event organisation – hone your skill.

I wish I could generate income, I wish I could market my event better, why can’t I find a suitable venue? All genuine comments which pass the lips of competition providers. This session will allow organisers to identify their challenges and network together to provide solutions. There will be key speakers on specified topics through the session along with a section of how to guides to help with event organisation.