The first live physical activity facilities forum to take place in Scotland was a resounding success, with operators and suppliers benefiting from the business networking event.
“AS first-time attendees of the PAF Forum, we were very impressed by the event. As guests we felt very well looked after, the days were extremely organised and the format meant there was a nice blend of activity with plenty of short breaks but engaging and insightful speakers,” said Steve Collins and Fiona Quigley from Powerhouse Fitness.
“Most importantly the quality of our meetings was consistently high, and we feel that we had a very productive two days. This event will definitely be put into our 2023 calendar.”
Collins and Quigley joined fellow professionals working across sport, leisure, recreation and play at the first live physical activity facilities Scotland Forum to network and do business.
With a theme of ‘how to develop a relevant and resilient sport and physical activity sector’, the forum’s formula of pre-selected meetings meant operators, local authorities, project managers, architects, contractors and other senior level professionals were able to meet with key suppliers to explore opportunities of working together. As Duncan Sinclair of Aberdeen Sports Village discovered:
“All the suppliers I met were professional, friendly and informed. It was a very worthwhile event with many takeaways.”
With a relaxed yet constructive environment, the event helps the sector’s professionals to learn about best practice and understand the latest innovations and product developments to drive their projects forward.
Luke Veebel from InBody, liked the efficient nature of the event praising its “quick, effective and down to business meetings”.
Sarah Macdonald from Queen Margaret University said: “I really enjoyed the forum. The format worked well, and I met with relevant suppliers for future projects.”
The CPD-certified seminar programme gave attendees the opportunity to hear from experts across the sector who shared knowledge, discuss trends and opportunities for growth. These included industry veteran Malcom Mcphail who has a track record of delivering success in private, local authority, performance sport and trust settings, and Robin Strang, chairman of Community Leisure Scotland – the members’ association that specialises in representing charitable leisure and culture trusts across England, Scotland and Wales. Robin shared the impact of Covid-19 on Scotland’s leisure trusts and looked at the challenges they now face and what role they could play in delivering public sport and leisure facilities in the future.
“Coming from the private sector, we found the insight into the wider sector fascinating and really enjoyed all the speakers,” said Collins and Quigley from Powerhouse Fitness.
The engaging format proved a hit with James Lorey of Your PT.
“This is the second PAF event we have attended as a company, and I very much enjoyed the energy and positive outlook for the future of health and fitness in Scotland. It was refreshing to see best practice shared and industry suppliers and operators coming together to achieve win: win outcomes.”
The next physical activity facilities forum takes place at The De Vere, Cotswold Water Park on 21-22 September 2022.
For more information about the forum or to learn how you can take part in the event, please contact Julian Walter at julian@stable-events.co.uk or call 020 8288 1080.
