Conference round-up

The Conference offered a fantastic array of expert speakers, a busy and interesting programme of seminars, a chance to network with other sport and recreation professionals and an opportunity to see what is new and innovative in the world of sport and recreation.

Yes, it’s another year nearly over and another ISRM Conference behind us! Thanks to all the staff, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and our hosts, Alton Towers, for the part they played in making the 2009 ISRM Conference one of the best ever.

New president, John Wileman outlined his vision for the path ahead of us and ISRM Chairman, Marc Newey joined him in stirring a sense of anticipation at the prospect of leading the way in the development of a Chartered Institute of Sport.

The speakers were varied in their presentations but underlying everything was a sense of moving forwards to embrace a culture where sport is embedded in the national psyche as something that really matters.

Geoff Parsons and Sarah Ayton spoke as Olympians past and present about the passion engendered by sport, Tim Newenham explained the legacy of excellence that he envisaged once the Olympic Games had left town.

The idea of groups working together to provide sport at all levels from novice to elite was expounded through the seminar presentations of Paul Edwards, John Dutton, Karen Jerwood, Kevin Haywood and Mike Withy, while Chris Earle explained how Loughborough University, and indeed the town of Loughborough, would be working in partnership with the Japanese Olympic team.

Just how the sport and recreation industry would get two million more people moving was outlined by Dr William Bird, while the government’s aim of a ‘world-leading community sport system’ was the focus of Phil Smith’s presentation.

Leading and motivating the workforce to deliver on promises and targets was the challenge addressed in their own unique ways by Dr Paul Thomas and Alan Cutler, and while delegates may not have agreed with all the sentiments they certainly were thought provoking.

After last year's successful keynote paper, Billy Dixon returned to give an energetic and entertaining presentation and he certainly did not disappoint. His talk on developing a winning mentality was full of both real life examples and practical tools that anyone can use.

The evening’s entertainment was the Bond-themed Octopussy dinner and once again delegates donned their glad rags and it was not long before the dance floor was shaken and stirred.

There was a tint of sadness as the Conference said goodbye to long-serving chief executive Ralph Riley and the warmth of the applause said a lot about the respect he holds among the assembled delegates.

So, another year, a new team in place to lead the ISRM forward into an exciting future and a poignant goodbye and good luck to the people who are moving on.    

For more information and to view the presentations click here