An exclusive event built to connect the entire action sports ecosystem

MONDAY- TUESDAY

9th - 10th

SEPTEMBER

2024

MANCHESTER

Come and join the UK and Europe's top action sports facilities, operators, brands, NGBs, agencies, advisory firms and thought leaders to connect, engage and be inspired.

Scheduled right after skateboarding, BMX , surfing and climbing are featured on the world stage at the Paris Olympics 2024, this first-of-its kind forum aims to meet the demand of the professionalisation of action sports. With a wave of unprecedented growth and robust investment flooding in from diverse quarters, the sector finds itself in a position of strength with a promising future unfolding. Collaboration among stakeholders becomes paramount as the industry steers towards shared objectives, marking a pivotal moment in the journey of action sports.

With a focus on education and exchange, our upcoming event will bring together speakers, panel discussions, and engaging dialogue over the course of two days. Attendees can look forward to opportunities to enhance their skills and experience firsthand at Graystone’s first class facilities.

FORUM TALKS & PANELS

  • Andy Hadden is the Founder of Lost Shore Surf Resort. The opening of Lost Shore in Edinburgh in Fall of 2024 marks the UK's first inland surf lagoon opening for 5 years. So what does this mean for surfing in the UK, what has been learned from previous openings and what does the future look like for Andy? And what does this mean for the wider action sports industry? Harry Mitchell Thompson from BoardSport Source asks the questions.

  • Hear from our four experts in these four lightning sessions packed with info on:

    1) What’s new in facilities? What's being built, where, when and why?

    2) How is retail holding up? Where is money being spent? Which sports? Who are the NKOTB? Which territories and where is the potential?

    3) What is events marketing saying for 2025? In sports, music, festivals?

    4) How does the future of the leisure (and action sports) market look going forward?

DAY ONE


Welcome Lunch upon arrival and BBQ & Brews at the end of Day One, fostering ample networking with industry colleagues!

SKATE, BIKE & CLIMB:

Scheduled window to experience Graystone’s wide range of action facilities alongside expert coaching.

DAY TWO

  • Item desThe Paris 2024 Olympics marked a pivotal moment for action sports, showcasing them on the world’s biggest athletic stage. This panel will dive into a review of how sports like skateboarding, surfing, climbing and BMX freestyle have evolved within the Olympic framework. We will explore the impact of their inclusion on global sports culture, the challenges faced, and the reception by both athletes and audiences. Join us as we analyse the successes, areas for growth, and the future of action sports in the Olympic movement.cription

  • Events are the corner stone of the action sports industry, creating connections with community, raising your profile and getting your venue buzzing. But what are the secrets of making an event successful? From getting enough participants, a big enough audience to making it financially viable, for all parties. Hear from our expert panel.

  • Traditional methods of finance are all but dead. Institutional lending parameters are too rigourous and PE firms want it all. So how do you fund an action sports project? This session on investment will take a look at what other options exist for funding your project. Let's discover if there is another way.

  • Charting the course of action sports from zero to hero. The benefits it has provided but also the sacrifices which have been made. Hear from the old guard on what the journey has looked like, how we have arrived here and what mistakes can be avoided in future. Warning: there may be a couple of war stories.

  • Skateboard has got a pass until LA 2028, freestyle BMX in Tokyo & Paris gave us numerous medals and we have a world champion in snowboard. So what's the future for action sports in the mainstream market and how are local authorities and national institutions helping to support the future of action sports in the UK?

  • Action sports in some form or another are being used to market everything from phones to cars to TVs to soft drinks. But what value does action sports provide to the brand and what value can a brand give to action sports. Our expert panel will discuss the future of branding in action sports now that the edgy counter-culture is going mainstream.

  • Our expert panel including Chris McLeod, Senior Innovation Consultant at the UK Sports Insitute and Anthony Gill, Head of Sport at British Cycling, are focused on performance. In this final interactive session, they will be discussing the pressure on the action sports industry to become more professional and what can be done to stem the seemingly inevtiable disappearance of what was previously an industry founded on counter culture. Ultimately, what does the future hold for action sports? Audience participation is welcomed.

Enjoy ample opportunities to connect with industry colleagues over breakfast and lunch!


ASF 2024 SPONSORS

SPONSOR

SUPPORTER

The inaugural ASF 2024 is an exclusive invite-only event and admission is free. Thank you for the generosity of our headline sponsors: Lime Street Insurance & Roller Software.

Additional support provided by Firebrand Brewing Company, Boardsport Source, Graystone Action Sports and PIER TO PIER | Action Sports Consultancy.

Red Bull providing energy on the day. Hydration provided by Liquid Death.

We are seeking sponsorship and supporters or ASF 2025 taking place in October 2025, date to be confirmed. If you or your company is interested in sponsorship, please get in touch below or download our sponsor deck for more information.

SPONSOR

VENUE

SUPPORTER