IAKS Congress

The 29th IAKS Congress will take place in October. One of the main threads for this year’s edition is the importance of designing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly sports facilities

The 29th IAKS Congress – organised by the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) – will take place as part of the FSB 2025 event in Cologne, Germany in October. The theme for this year’s congress is “Creating high-performing facilities for an active future”, with a number of sessions discussing the ways to design and build environmentally sustainable and energy efficient sports facilities.

“Owing to the increasing demands on sports and leisure facilities, this year’s IAKS Congress is focusing on the performance of facilities,” says Dr Stefan Kannewischer, President of IAKS.

“With fewer resources, they have to generate greater benefits for users and society while, at the same time, reducing their environmental footprint. High performance is, therefore, demanded not only of the top athletes among their user groups, but also of the facilities themselves.

“Owing to growing financial pressures, both the economic efficiency of facility operation and the benefits generated by sports infrastructure for society are becoming increasingly critical. This is why ascertaining and communicating the ‘social return on investment’ (or social value) is so important.”

Sessions

The congress programme features four days of sessions and discussions. The opening day, Tuesday 20 October, features three 90-minute slots. The first two, titled “Strategies towards net-zero sports and leisure facilities” and “Reducing the embodied carbon”, will have a focus on the environment, with speakers including Dr Anne Pfeil from the Davos Baukultur Alliance and Mike Hall from architects FaulknerBrowns.

The third session of the day will look at social value and return on investment of physical activity and recreation infrastructure. It will include a discussion on the public value and Social Return on Investment (SROI) of sports facilities, with the aim of “reshaping the way we understand, measure, and communicate the true impact of physical activity infrastructure”. Speakers include Prof. Takanori Fukuoka from Tokyo University and Emma Bernstein, the Strategic Projects Lead at Sport England.

Other highlights of the four-day programme include a presentation featuring fresh insights on inclusiveness and circularity. Taking place on Wednesday 29 October, the workshop will showcase practical approaches to designing for inclusion across age, gender, and background. It will also present delegates with examples of how activating the “urban fringe” and embracing informality can extend the reach of sport beyond traditional facilities.

In addition to the educational programme, the Congress will also see the revealing of the winners of the IOC IAKS Architecture Prize during a gala dinner on 28 October.

“This year’s IAKS Congress is all about action – showing how the sports and leisure industry gets things done,” adds Silke Baltzer from the IAKS event management team.

“The congress programme explores innovative venues and forward-thinking concepts that are already transforming active communities. Delegates will be able to dive into real-world solutions that address current trends and challenges shaping the way facilities are designed and planned for the future.”

IAKS CONGRESS

40+ expert speakers

Architects, engineers, designers, scientists, and operational managers from around the globe will share high-quality insights into best practices, emerging trends, practical solutions, and cutting-edge technologies.

500+ participants from 40 countries

A unique opportunity to gain diverse perspectives, exchange experiences, and learn from a wide range of cultural and professional backgrounds.

Four days, 11 sessions

Engage in a dynamic mix of presentations, discussions, panels, workshops, and more — all focused on the future of sports and leisure facilities. ● For the full programme of sessions, visit: [https://iaks.sport/congress-programme](https://iaks.sport/congress-programme) ● For the official brochure for the event, visit: [https://bit.ly/3IqJbgY](https://bit.ly/3IqJbgY) ● To book your space, visit: [https://iaks.sport/congress-tickets](https://iaks.sport/congress-tickets)

28-31 OCTOBER 2025