Second Sport and Outdoor Leaders Forum (SOLF) of 2024 at Regatta Group HQ & Chill Factore, Manchester

The second SOLF event of 2024 took place on 11^th June at Regatta Group HQ & Chill Factore, Manchester

Jonathan Midwood represented RIA, and his write-up from the event was as follows:

It was yet again another successful and inspiring Sport and Outdoor Leaders Forum, held in Manchester this time.

The event started off are the Regatta Group HQ where attendees were given a presentation by James McNamara about the three brands held within the Regatta Group and a guided tour of the ‘Base Camp’ offices. There was also an insightful Q&A from Group CEO Keith Black, with the key takeaway that great people are essential to your business and that the culture of an organisation is very much worth protecting.

Then we were off to the Ski & Sit Ski Session delivered by the Charity Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK) at Chill Factore. This was a truly exhilarating, but also insightful experience. As a non-skier, I was immediately taken with how engaging (and exciting) skiing can be. It was clear that with the right support, especially for people with disability, the slopes can be accessible to everyone. DSUK were able to offer a support structure as well as encouragement that makes people feel safe. I even may say it could encourage me to take to the snow!

The snowsport activity session was followed by a presentation from Virginia Anderson, CEO of DSUK. Virginia went through what Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK) do and also asked how the attendees and their relevant businesses understood and engaged with people with disability. It was an open and free discussion, and there were lots of insights shared.

Finally, there was a dinner at Worsley Old Hall with speaker Mark Shayler, author of “You Can’t Make Money from a Dead Planet”. Some of you may recognise him from his presentation at The Running Conference 2023 (TRC23). Again, it was an engaging, interactive and thought-provoking session, rounding up what was a very exciting, informative and inspiring day.

A huge thank you to the guests and speakers!

Sport and Outdoor Leaders Forum (SOLF) is a joint venture between the OlA and RIA who continue to run the forums for members after Tim Drake stepped back as the operational founder of the ‘Think Tank’ and donated it to the Sports and Outdoor industries.

Click here for further details about the re-launched Sport and Outdoor Leaders Forum (SOLF) and how to join.