Network activities

The latest Active-Net networking event took place in March. Matthew Smallwood reviews the event, which attracted more than 100 delegates from across the physical activity sector

Two back-to-back days, packed with more than 100 like-minded peers from across the physical activity sector, each attending 16 personalised operator and supplier meetings to forge new connections. Throw into the mix seven inspirational guest speakers with unique insights and two high energy exercise classes and you have, in a nutshell, what active-net is all about.

Taking to the stage

Active-net is one of the UK’s leading physical activity networking events, blending a mix of education, insight and connection to create an approach that drives best practice, innovation and partnership. The format is designed to invite operators and suppliers from all aspects of the sector to meet, aiding each other’s expansion and progression, against a backdrop of shared research and learning.

The event opened with a keynote speech by Mike Hill, founder of active-net. ukactive’s Marianne Boyle, CIMSPA’s Colin Huffen, Carl Bennet and Dr Hussain Al Zubaidi were then invited to take part in a panel discussion exploring the language of health.

The day also tackled key topics facing the sector right now – specifically, weight loss injections and whether they act as a friend of foe to the physical activity sector. On the topic, Dr Hussain Al Zubaidi provided his perspective on how the physical activity sector can position this movement. There was also a discussion on how investment from the NHS can benefit by driving new people into physical activity and evoke behaviour change alongside medical intervention.

Insight and learning

Delegates were also given an opportunity to learn about data-driven decision making in a session led by Julie Allen, Business Development Director for Active Insight. The session also included Emma Bernstein, Sport England’s lead on Moving Communities; [HireBOB.ai](https://hirebob.ai/)’s Tamara Bailey and Suzanne Gabb from Good Boost. The session shared a number of new findings from the recent Active Insight Consumer Panel, which took place earlier this year, looking at opportunities to improve data-lead decision making on secondary spend, service provision and retention.

Networking and collaboration

Following the presenter and panel format, delegates broke off into the one-to-one networking format, with pre-arranged 20 minute meetings between buyers and suppliers. A wide range of suppliers, ranging from uniforms, training and CRM solutions to equipment, had the opportunity to meet local authorities, LATCos, universities and leisure operators. During the meetings, new connections were made and old partnerships strengthened and developed.

A programme of events

With active-net’s headline event now completed for 2025, attention turns to the remaining calendar of events. This include active-net Padel on 3 June – a brand new event focused on the fast growing padel sector – and active-net Education, which targets multi-academy trusts, county education authorities, independent schools and colleges looking to open up their sports facilities to their communities.

Later in the year, Crieff Hydro will host an event aimed at the Scottish physical activity sector, while October will see the hosting of an event targeting the open water swimming market. l For more information on the active-net event series for 2025, please visit [https://active-net.org/](https://active-net.org/) or connect at [https://www.linkedin.com/company/active-netuk](https://www.linkedin.com/company/active-netuk)