AMPSEA Conference 2026
The premier gathering of Australia's mass participation sporting events industry — held on the Gold Coast.
About the Conference
The 5th annual AMPSEA Conference brought together event organisers, corporate partners, government representatives, and industry leaders for three days of learning, collaboration, and networking on the stunning Gold Coast. It was an outstanding event, with over 100 delegates from across the sector coming together as Australia's mass participation sports industry continues to grow ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Keynote Speakers
Heard from leading voices in mass participation sport, event management, and the broader sports industry.
Networking
Connected with event organisers, corporate partners, government stakeholders, and industry suppliers.
Workshops & Panels
Participated in interactive sessions covering the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in our sector.
What Happened
The conference kicked off with an evening of welcome drinks and networking on Thursday July 2, setting the scene for the days ahead.
Friday July 3 was the main conference day — featuring keynote presentations, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and plenty of opportunities to connect with peers and industry partners. Race directors, event managers, sponsors, and government stakeholders came together to shape the future of mass participation sport in Australia.
Then on Saturday July 4 and Sunday July 5, delegates enjoyed exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences at the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon — one of Australia's most iconic mass participation events.
Conference Program
Thursday 2 July — Welcome Evening
Welcome Drinks
The Beach Hotel, Broadbeach — Complimentary drinks and snacks · Until 7:00 PM
Friday 3 July — Main Conference Day
ampsea 5km Fun Run
Kurrawa Surf Club
Doors Open
Gold Coast Exhibition and Convention Centre
Conference Commences — Official Welcomes
Host: Courtney Akrigg · ampsea Chairman: Chris Heverin · Events Management QLD CEO: Ben Mannion
Keynote Address
Andrew Hopper — Director-General, Department of Sport, Racing & Olympic and Paralympic Games
Brisbane 2032 and the Mass Participation Industry
Mark Arbib (CEO, Australian Olympic Committee) · Dom Oliff (Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee) · Trish Apps (Gold Coast City Council) · Grant Baldock (Beyond the Break)
Grassrootz: "Building a culture of fundraising for events of all sizes"
Presented by Melinda Graetz — CEO, Grassrootz
Race Result: "From Berlin to London Marathon to Down Under"
Nils Wilmer, with special guest Ugo Durand (Timit Timing)
Lunch
ampsea Update: RadRunClub partnering with Events
Tim Oberg with special guest Letitia O'Malley (Run the River, Brisbane)
Queensland Police — A conversation about Events
Interviewed by Craig Sheridan
Meridian Barriers: "Parramatta Half Marathon Case Study"
Presented by Simon Wolnizer and Paddy Calvert-Jones
Badges & Medals: "Medals are media"
Presented by Hamish Larsen
Flip Insurance: "Flipping the script on insurance"
Marlena Kamkolkar & Zac Hancock
Legends Panel
Benita Willis · Pat Carroll · Robert De Castella · Steve Moneghetti
Afternoon Tea
Breakout Sessions
Lessons from parkrun · Councils & Compliance · Sustainability in Events
Race Roster: "The AI presentation"
Presented by Ben Muldoon
Closing Remarks
ampsea Chairman — Chris Heverin
Expo / Race Pack Collection Tour
Hosted by Gold Coast Marathon
Saturday 4 July — Exclusive Experience
Start Line / Finish Line Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Hosted by Gold Coast Marathon
Gold Coast Exhibition and Convention Centre, Queensland
Conference Attendees
Thank you to these organisations and many more who joined us at the AMPSEA Conference 2026.
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