SAPCA Technical Meeting 2023

SAPCA’s annual Technical Meeting is one of the industry’s most popular events of the year, providing an unparalleled programme of seminars and workshops on the most important technical topics of the day.

It also offers an invaluable opportunity for networking with colleagues from across the sports and play industry, as well as with our many guests from key organisations. As always, the event is open to everyone in the sports and play construction industry, whether SAPCA members or not.

The 2023 event will be held at Holywell Park in the Loughborough University complex on Thursday 30 November. As well as the full day’s programme of sessions, the event exhibition will provide exhibitors and event sponsors with an opportunity to promote their products and services to all delegates.

Highlights from the day’s programme are:

New FIFA Manual for 2024.
FIH – Dry pitch project for the future of the game
World Rugby session to consider changes to standards?
LTA Padel – SAPCA’s new CoP – and the technical information for covered padel structures.
Procurement accreditations for Contractors – Good practice, pitfalls, FAQs.
Sustainable 3G pitch development – Football Foundation pilot in Sheffield and the Sport England Infill containment project

The day will be completed with a networking Dinner in the evening, which will be held at the nearby Burleigh Court Hotel. The Dinner is a very popular, informal occasion, when delegates will be able to relax and enjoy excellent food, company and networking.

The cost of attending the event are as follows:

Day event:
SAPCA members – £150 (plus VAT)
Non-SAPCA members – £300 (plus VAT)

Dinner:
Standard price – £40 (plus VAT) Now Sold Out

Hotel Accommodation:
Please note our allocation of rooms at Burleigh Court has now sold out. We have secured an allocation of bedrooms at the nearby (approx 0.5m) Link Hotel. The cost for B&B is £85 (plus VAT) for a standard double or twin room. Please note this year hotel accommodation should be made through the SAPCA booking form NOT with hotel.

To book your Technical Meeting delegate place(s) now, please click place here.

Enquiries regarding exhibition opportunities should be sent to Karen@sapca.org.uk.

FAQ's

What's the dress code?

The dress code for the day’s meeting, and for those that have booked their place at the Networking Dinner that evening, is ‘smart casual’, which allows everyone to be as comfortable as possible.

How do I get there?

The venue address is :
Holywell Park Conference Centre
Holywell Way
Loughborough University Science & Enterprise Park
Loughborough, LE11 3GR.

The Dinner will take place at the Burleigh Court Hotel, which is a five-minute walk from the conference centre.

For directions to Holywell Park please see: http://www.holywell-park.co.uk/imago/directions

What are the car parking arrangements?

Both Holywell Park and Burleigh Court have plenty of free car parking spaces. We would remind all delegates not to leave any valuables in their vehicles.

Car Parking is free to delegates at both sites, please ignore any signs alluding to a charging system.

What time does the registration desk open?

For delegates arriving by car pleased be advised that traffic is likely to be heavy at this time of year. Registration is from 8.30 am, and the first session will start at 9.30 am, to give you time to arrive.

On arrival, all attendees should register at the SAPCA reception desk, located just inside the main entrance to Holywell Park, and collect their delegate badge.

When will I receive a delegate list and final programme?

The delegate list, final programme and speaker bio’s will be sent to all registered delegates on Wednesday 22 November.

Click the following to view the Programme , Speaker Bio’s and Delegate List.

Is food and drink provided?

On arrival and throughout the day, tea, coffee and other refreshments will be provided and a buffet lunch, which is kindly sponsored by Lumosa, will be served in the exhibition area.

Please also take time to visit the exhibitor stands during your networking breaks throughout the day.

What time can I check into the hotel?

For those of you staying at Burleigh Court and The Link hotels, bedrooms will be available by 3.00 pm on the day of arrival. You are required to check out by 10.00 am on the day of departure, unless otherwise requested. Hotel guests may leave any bags in the hotel’s luggage room.

Your room rate at both hotels includes breakfast, which is available from 7.00 am until 10.00 am each morning.

I have special dietary requirements, who should I notify?

If you have any dietary requirements please let us know immediately, if you have not already done so please advise our Operations Manger Paul Johnson via email to: paul@sapca.org.uk

What time does the Networking Dinner commence?

If you are attending the Networking Dinner, on the evening of 30 November, please note that we will meet in the Lounge Bar at Burleigh Court Hotel from 6.45 pm; we will sit down for Dinner at 7.30 pm.

This event is kindly sponsored by Juta.