STA Summit - Dublin '26
Description
After our inaugural Dublin Summit, we're back for round two.
The Sports Technology Alliance (STA) is returning to Ireland - bringing together sports organisations, thought leaders and technology providers for another day of real conversations, strategic insight and meaningful connections.
This is a free event built for honest discussion. No pressure to have all the answers. Just peers navigating the same challenges - sharing what's worked, what hasn't, and what's next.
This year's theme...
Where Strategy Gets Stuck: Making Change Land
Every room full of sport leaders can agree on what needs to change. The harder question is why it doesn't. Strategies stall in implementation. Projects lose momentum when they hit real organisations - real budgets, real politics, real competing priorities. The gap between deciding and doing is where most transformation efforts die.
This is a working day for leaders who've been through that gap, or are standing at the edge of it now. Focused on the decisions, structures, and conversations that make change actually land - not just get approved. Every session is designed for where most organisations actually are. Practical, honest, and immediately applicable.
SCHEDULE
Date: Thursday 15th October
10am til 3pm: Summit
3pm onwards: Networking Drinks
AGENDA
Session 1 - Making Change Land at Club Level: Top Down and Bottom Up
Led by Ben Wells (PTI Digital)
Digital transformation stalls at two levels - boards that don't fully back it, and clubs and volunteers who don't see the value
Most NGBs have a strategy on paper; far fewer have the internal buy-in to make it move
Leave knowing where change gets stuck in your organisation and what to do differently
Session 2 - The 2026 AI Playbook for Sport
Led by Courtney Stuhmcke (etrainu)
A year on from our AI conversation at Dublin '25 - an honest look at what's working, what's just talk, and what organisations are worried about
No slides, no out-of-budget tech - just a real discussion on where sport actually is with AI
Draws on data to show where sport is getting it right and where the gaps remain
Session 3 - Building Practical Marketing Lifecycles for NGBs
Led by Jack Clay (Spotler)
Attracting and retaining members depends on communicating with them well - most NGBs aren't doing this yet
A practical, operator-led session on reaching members, converting interest, and making limited resource work harder
Built around real problems, with table discussions and playback built in
Due to limited capacity, this event is exclusively reserved for C-Suite executives and decision-makers.
If you know someone who you think would benefit from attending, or you would like to bring a colleague, please contact us at info@sportstechnologyalliance.com.
Please note that we reserve the right to amend or withdraw RSVPs if necessary.
What attendees love about the STA Summits:
"To hear about the challenges that NGBs have and that we don't all have the answers as yet... it being a safe space to discuss and explore these challenges."
"Great people convening around some common challenges; thought leaders providing cracking content; plenty of space to connect."
"I enjoyed the networking opportunities, non-sales focus and breadth of strategic topics covered."
100% of past attendees said they would come again. This is not just another conference; it’s a space for real conversations, meaningful networking, and actionable outcomes.
The Sports Technology Dublin '26 Summit is made possible by Sport:80, etrainu, Spotler, ActiveXchange and Ralle.
The Sports Technology Alliance may take photos and videos at this event and use them for promotional purposes. If you prefer not to be included, let us know on the day.
FAQs
- Who should attend?
The STA Summits are for senior leaders within NGBs who are navigating strategy, growth and digital change.
It is a room of peers having open, practical conversations about the real challenges facing sport.
Previous attendees have included leaders from British Rowing, Hockey Wales, England Golf, Cricket Ireland, USA Cycling, USA Archery, National Collegiate Rugby, USA Swimming and others.
If you are responsible for shaping direction and making decisions, this is likely your crowd.
- What is the cost?
This event is free to attend.
- What is the format of the day?
Our Summits typically consist of a mix of short talks, fireside chats, interactive roundtables and group discussions. They're designed to encourage conversations, not just listening.
- Will there be time to network?
Yes. There is structured discussion throughout the morning and informal networking drinks after the Summit.
- Will sessions be recorded?
Typically, no. The event is designed as a safe space for open conversation.
- Can I invite a colleague?
Please speak with the partner who invited you before extending the invitation to someone else. Places are limited and managed through our partners.
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