The Royal Yachting Association Affiliated Clubs Conference will be held online this year on Saturday 21 November, with an innovative format making it more accessible than ever for clubs wanting to catch up with all the latest insights and learning.
Hosted by double Olympic gold medallist and broadcaster Shirley Robertson, an exciting programme of guest speakers alongside interactive ‘stands’ and workshops will provide clubs with a wealth of ideas for developing their activities towards a vibrant future.
The theme will be ‘A different world with new opportunities’, recognising the challenges clubs have experienced in 2020 and exploring the new opportunities now available for the sport.
Delegates will be able to take part from the comfort of their own home for 2020, replacing the regional conferences for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
‘Having a virtual event will enable people who might not ordinarily have travelled to attend a conference to get involved’
Gareth Brookes, RYA regional development officer, said: “We’re really excited about the conference which we hope will be a fantastic one-stop shop for clubs wanting to stay at the top of their game.
“Having a virtual event will enable people who might not ordinarily have travelled to attend a conference to get involved — and whereas we might typically only see one or two people from a club, there is the scope this year for many more to take part.
“The impact of coronavirus means that the world is a different place, yet with some creative thinking and a positive will to adapt, there are significant new opportunities to put sailing at the heart of the national wellbeing agenda and enable clubs to survive and thrive.”
To support those involved in club management, this year’s conference will explore how clubs can make the most of this changing landscape, with special guest speakers and experts breaking down what's important to clubs, plus interactive sessions sharing the latest insights.
Club staff, committee members and volunteers will be invited to tap into RYA expertise and topics ranging from environmental sustainability to growing membership. There will be technical support available for those who may be unsure how to access the conference’s online content to ensure everyone who wants to participate can do so.
The headline conference held on 21 November will run from 10am to 1.30pm while associated workshops will be accessible via online club development webinars streamed the week commencing Monday 23 November, with recorded versions available for those unable to make the specific times.
Clubs will be able to network and throughout the conference weekend there will be an online expo area with RYA ‘stands’ offering bookable one-to-one appointments, text chat, downloadable resources and on-demand video. This area will also host regional updates.
Booking for the 2020 RYA Affiliated Clubs Conference is expected to go live in the next few weeks. In the meantime, save the date and follow the Royal Yachting Association on Facebook and @RYA on Twitter for all the latest conference news.
