Optimising performance, using research and evidence to maximise wellbeing, and the growth in women’s sport were some of the consistent themes that emerged at this year’s Elite Sports Expo 2019. Taking place at London’s ExCeL Exhibition Centre on May 8-9, the show organisers reported ‘thousands of professionals in attendance’.
Elite Sports Expo, which ran alongside Elevate and COPA, provided attendees with a unique forum that brought together elite sports clubs, coaches and athletes. There were innovations in strength and conditioning, SAQ training, data analysis, nutrition, injury prevention and recovery.
Positioned as the UK’s leading event for human performance, show attendees had the opportunity to discuss information sharing, networking and best practice across all sports, while gaining enhanced understandings for cross sector learning, networking and discussion by connecting physical therapists with those involved in physical activity and sport.
At this year’s Elite Sports Expo, the Thought Leaders Conference featured keynote talks from leading industry names such as Gareth Thomas, former Welsh international rugby player; Liz Nicholl, Chief Executive at UK Sport; and Mark ‘Dot’ Perkins, Invictus Games Team UK Captain.
Speaking at ‘What is the future of sport and mass participation?’, outgoing UK Sport Chief Executive Liz Nicholl provided an update on the status of women’s sport. She said, “I think we’re getting to a good place in terms of acknowledgement for women’s sport. Women want more role models and networks to utilise; what is still missing however is high performance coaches. We therefore cannot become complacent as sporting bodies have got to stay relevant to ensure they are addressing the youngsters of today, not of yester-year.”
Alongside the Thought Leaders Conference, Elite Sports Expo operated an extensive free education programme across its two dedicated streams, Future Performance and Maximising Wellbeing & Performance. Speakers included:
Keri-Anne Payne, Team GB Triple Olympian, who provided a comprehensive summary on ‘Using Olympian experience to inspire a new generation of open water swimmers’; through to
Professor Andy Jones, Professor of Applied Physiology at University of Exeter, who explored ‘How do you break down a challenge: is the 2 hour marathon achievable?’.
Three interactive workshops, Podiatry – Prevention and Management of Sports Injuries, Applying Acupuncture and Massage and Bodywork Techniques , were facilitated by the College of Podiatry, Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists and Jing Advanced Massage Training respectively.
Elite Sports Expo boasted an impressive range of exhibitors showcasing their latest performance equipment, technical innovations and research for performance and sport scientists. Featured exhibitors included CEP Sports, CRYO Science, Knight Scientific, Norma Tec, ONE PRO Nutrition, Perform Better, Primal Strength, ROCKTAPE and Wattbike.
Totum Sport, the lead supporters for the 2019 show, played a role in creating engaging content for the Elite Sports Expo’s seminars and workshops. These supporters included UK Sport, British Association of Sport Rehabilitators, England Rugby, The Football Association, English Institute of Sport, The College of Podiatry, ESSNA, Institute of Sport, Exercise & Health, Jing Advanced Massage Training, National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science, Physios in Sport, Sports Therapy Association and UKSCA.
The Elevate Innovation Awards returned after building upon its success in 2018. After an intense judging process consisting of over 60 entrants, seven products and services emerged victorious and were awarded the Gold standard. 2019 winners were:
- Moving Medicine
- Wattbike’s AtomX
- Poolview Plus – Blended Lifeguarding
- Gait and Motion Techology’s Phits 3D Printed Orthotics
- Desmotec – Pininfarina: Isoinertial Training System from HaB International
- Coach Ai
- PhysioLab
Max Quittenton, Director of Elite Sports Expo, summarised this year’s event, “As Elite Sports Expo grows year on year, as does the variety of incredible speakers, exhibitors, seminars and attendees. It’s crucial we continue to celebrate innovation in this sector, highlighting the vital role everyone plays in developing elite sport. We look forward to welcoming you next year at Elite Sports Expo 2020.”
