Leaders in Sport Get Ready to Be Inspired

Media Release
6 March 2008

Leaders in Sport Get Ready to Be Inspired

New Zealand will host the prestigious International Leaders in Sport conference in early April 2008 with a line-up of top international speakers and influential figures from across the sporting, business, political and academic worlds.

This is the first time the biannual conference has been held outside Australia, and the programme promises to excite and inspire both current and future leaders in sport and recreation.

The conference is a fantastic opportunity for leaders from all sectors who want to know more about winning strategies in the fast-changing world of sport and recreation. Those interested in building capability in the sector, developing new leadership styles and having a positive impact on participation or performance will benefit from the conference.

Keynote speaker Sir John Whitmore, world-renowned business coach, will speak on the value of recognising change as an opportunity, values-based leadership and overcoming the inner obstacles to high performance.

Joining Sir John is Martin Snedden, Chief Executive of Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd, a former New Zealand Cricket International and Cricket New Zealand Chief Executive. Martin will discuss the challenges in delivering a major international event such as the Rugby World Cup and the global expectations that come with hosting one of the world’s largest sporting spectacles.

Other keynote speakers include Reynald Temarii Vice President of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and President of the Oceania Football Confederation who will discuss sport as a cultural unifying tool; and Mark Davies, co-founder of Betfair who will speak on bringing a new understanding to the way betting and sport can interact today, with special reference to initiatives with government and sport, both in Europe and Australasia.

The New Zealand netball success story will be presented by Kereyn Smith, Vice President of the International Federation of Netball Associations who will speak on the changes and developments she has seen in New Zealand netball.

A broad range of topical issues will be presented at the conference, including new research on how drought and climate change affects sport and recreation and strategies to adapt to this changing environment. Insights into different perspectives in service quality and cultural expectations and how a grass roots approach in Australia has motivated, inspired and forged community spirit through sport, recreation and cultural events will also be presented.

In addition, there are expert presentations that cover topics such as ‘Connecting with Younger Generations’; ‘Service Quality’; Mega Events and Worldclass Facilities’; ‘New Media’; and “New Perspectives in Social Marketing’.

The International Leaders in Sport Conference is a Standing Committee on Recreation and Sport (SCORS) event, hosted by the Government agency Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC).

Advance registration for the conference is essential. For more information on speakers, and to register, please visit www.leadersinsport.com

What: 2008 Leaders in Sport Conference

When: Wednesday 2 April 2008 – Friday 4 April 2008 (Main programme on Thursday 3 April 2008 and Friday 4 April).

Where: SKYCITY Convention Centre, Auckland

ENDS

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