Aviemore conference marks milestone for Scottish sport

SALSC proposes Scottish sport 'super conference' at Macdonald Aviemore Resort

The Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils (SALSC), which hosts its annual conference at the Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort on 13th and 14th March, is leading a proposal to create a ‘super conference’ for all the major national (Scottish) multi-sport bodies and associations to come together under one roof across a single week each year. The proposal, which is still to be discussed with Scotland’s other national organisations involved in sport, recommends each organisation should retain its own identity, whilst taking advantage of the pooling of resources such as administration for the event organisers and reducing travelling expenses for delegates, and by working in partnership for pre-event publicity and general marketing activities. Gerry McGee, chief executive, Macdonald Aviemore Resort, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting this years SALSC event, and welcome the opportunity to work with them on the exciting new proposal for a Scottish sport super conference.” Jim Conn, chairman, SALSC, said: “The expansive conference facilities at Macdonald Aviemore Resort encourage this co-ordinated, compact, super conference approach which will increase attendance numbers and reduce the logistical implications of attending a series of different events across the country. “This proposal will benefit all, and ensure the voice of those from the extremities of Scotland is well represented, as it is these areas which feel most detached. The most important aspect of the super conference would be the inspirational achievement of bringing all those involved in sport – be it local authority and governing body professionals or sports club volunteers – together under one roof to demonstrate a united front for sport in Scotland.” The title ‘Scottish Sport Conference Week’ is a work in progress and is currently seeking support from relevant organisations. It is proposed that the following events, which currently occur individually throughout the calendar year, could be scheduled together during one week in either May or June: • Sports Development Conference • Child Protection in Sport (CPiS) • Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils (SALSC) • Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) • Scottish Sports Association (SSA) • Scottish University Sport (SUS) • sportscotland Annual Review • Voice of Local Chairs for Culture and Leisure (VOCAL) The SALSC conference is currently the only opportunity for all members to come together and discuss local and national topics. This years conference ‘Investing in the Future’ is encouraging sports councils and clubs to think more creatively in planning for the future – looking at funding streams and attracting young people in to the organisation and management of sport. The agenda for this years’ conference at Aviemore includes key note presentations from Shona Robinson MSP and sportscotland; as well as workshops on ‘Applying to the right Funds for your project’, ‘Attracting sponsorship’ and ‘Engaging with young people’. The conference facilities at Macdonald Aviemore Resort include luxury accommodation, a specialist event management team, a 650 seater auditorium, eight individual meeting rooms for up to 100 people, private bar, free onsite car parking, PA system and microphones, multi-channel mixing desk, staging and wireless internet access; and delegate catering is delivered to the highest standard.

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