One week to go: Coming together to invest in a more active future.
The agenda is complete, delegates are registered, and our speakers and partners are preparing to join us in Manchester. With just one week until the Investing in Sports and Physical Activity Conference, only a few tickets remain.
On Thursday the 12th of November at Manchester Conference Centre, the Why Sports community will come together around a shared ambition: to turn investment into healthier lives, stronger communities and lasting opportunities to be active.
The Investing in Sports and Physical Activity Conference provides an opportunity to examine how we fund that ambition, demonstrate its value and support the organisations delivering it.
For everyone working to sustain services, reach underserved communities or develop new partnerships, these conversations matter. Our aim is for delegates to leave with useful ideas, stronger connections and a clearer sense of what they can do next.
Speakers connecting investment with impact.
Chaired by Nigel Harrison, the programme brings together perspectives from local government, community organisations, workforce leaders and investment specialists.
Cllr Julie Jones-Evans will explore investment in place and prevention, while Dave Bell of Natural England will connect nature, health and investment. Jason Fergus of Active Essex will focus on impact, and Jeff Hunter of Courtside Hubs CIC will challenge current funding approaches.
Tara Dillon of CIMSPA will examine workforce and leadership, while Hayley Lever of Greater Manchester Moving will share lessons in aligning investment around a common mission.
Your questions belong in the debate.
Two panel debates will put practical challenges centre stage. Andy Taylor, Hayley Lever, Jason Fergus and Richard Johnston will explore local leadership, community power and investment.
Later, Nathan Persaud, Rick Jenner, Mark Lawrie and Katya Pursall will debate sustainable funding beyond grants. Bring your questions, experiences and ideas: audience contributions will help connect the discussion to the decisions organisations face.
Practical support to take your next step.
Neil Bardsley, Pete Maguire, Will Watt and Lin Wilson will address funding readiness, finance, evidence and connections. Alex Phillips and Marcus Clay of UnLtd, alongside Katya Pursall of 10GM, will add insights into enterprise and community impact.
Explore the sessions in the full conference agenda.
Alongside the programme, our commercial and delivery partners will be on hand to help and support delegates. We are pleased to welcome Connect CIC, StreetGames, Alliance Leisure, Team Kinetic, Build My Bid, Social Investment Business and UPSHOT Systems CIC.
Make time to meet them, discuss your organisation’s priorities and explore where their expertise could help. Conversations over coffee and lunch offer another opportunity to share a challenge, make an introduction, or begin a new collaboration.
Thank you for helping bring this day together.
To everyone who has already registered, thank you for choosing to join us and contribute to the conversation.
To our speakers, panellists, partners and the many organisations and individuals who have supported the conference, thank you for your time, expertise and encouragement. Your willingness to share experience and help others is what gives this gathering its purpose.
We want the day to lead to action: better informed decisions, stronger partnerships and more sustainable opportunities for people to enjoy active lives. Everyone attending has something to contribute to that ambition.
There is still time to join us.
Only a few tickets remain. If you would like to be part of the conversation, please book your place while availability remains.
Thursday 12 November 2026 | Manchester Conference Centre
We look forward to welcoming you to Manchester.
The Why Sports Team
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