The Future of Rugby: World Rugby Conference and Exhibition to take place in London on 14-15 November

Key conference to explore the future of the sport and how to build on record growth in 2015

More than 800 delegates from the world of sport expected to attend two-day forum, exhibition and networking event

Follow all the latest news at www.worldrugby.org/confex and via Twitter @worldrugbyconf and #worldrugbyconfex

World Rugby has today announced that the third World Rugby Conference and Exhibition (ConfEx) will take place on 14-15 November, 2016 at the Hilton London Metropole in London.

Under the theme ‘The future of rugby’ the leading conference will build on the success of the 2013 and 2014 editions, gathering senior representatives from across the global rugby, sporting and business spectrum, to discuss the key topics, opportunities and challenges of a sport now played by a record 7.73 million men, women and children across 121 nations.

Following record participation, audience and commercial growth in 2015, World Rugby ConfEx 2016 will offer a unique environment for delegates to share knowledge and develop relationships. Built around the annual Medical Commission Conference and Sports Integrity Forum and moderated by renowned BBC journalist and news presenter David Eades, the conference will feature insightful plenary sessions, workshops and an exhibition while providing an important opportunity to network with leading figures and decision-makers from across rugby and the wider world of sport.

The event returns to London following the hugely successful 2014 edition, which attracted more than 700 delegates and 40 exhibitors from over 50 countries. After taking a break in a Rugby World Cup year, World Rugby ConfEx once more aims to engage the rugby family with an exciting programme covering the key themes of fan engagement, the growth of rugby, player welfare, technology in sport and the Olympic Games.

The confirmed panel sessions include:

Rugby sevens beyond Rio – the golden opportunity

Fan engagement – connecting in a digital world

Maximising performance – the future of coaching

Protecting sport from corruption

Big data, big growth – using data effectively

The image of the game

Breaking new markets – delivering and sustaining a truly global and inclusive game

World Rugby Chief Executive Brett Gosper said: "We are delighted to launch the 2016 World Rugby Conference and Exhibition. Our aim is to build on the success of the 2014 event at what is a crucial time for rugby’s development as a truly global sport. Taking place after rugby’s return to the Olympic programme at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the conference will examine what the future holds for our sport.

"With sessions exploring everything from big data and the impact of converging sport and entertainment markets to player welfare and the future of coaching there will be something for everyone. We look forward to welcoming the rugby family and wider sporting community for what will be a fascinating platform and a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge, network and build relationships."

A new website dedicated to World Rugby ConfEx has also launched and can be found at www.worldrugby.org/confex. It is designed to be a destination for delegates and the rugby family to engage, get the latest conference news and share information in advance of the event.

The full list of speakers for 2016 will be announced in the coming months.

For further information on sales and partnership opportunities, please contact:

Matt Mintram

RedTorch

+44 (0)207 036 8086

confexsalesmm@worldrugby.org

Tim Kilpatrick

+44 (0)207 036 8086

confexsalestk@worldrugby.org

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