Melbourne Conversations shifts focus to sports tech at Fed Square

The City of Melbourne’s free Melbourne Conversation series will turn its attention to the digital future of sport on Wednesday, July 17.

The Sports Tech of the Future event taking place at Fed Square will see Australian academics and leaders from some of the country’s largest sporting institutions form an expert panel at the free symposium.

Experts will discuss how innovative technologies like virtual reality are being used to enhance athletic performance, improve sports integrity, and encourage more engagement with fans.

Hosted by award-winning radio personality and avid sports fan Russel Howcroft, the panel will comprise head of Innovation at Tennis Australia Dr Machar Reid, creative and innovation director at the AFL Jonathon Bernard, CEO of Vicsport Lisa Hasker OAM and Dean of the School of Management at RMIT University in the College of Business and Law Emma Sherry.

Around 45 per cent of Australia’s sports tech companies are based in Melbourne, and 23 per cent of the municipality’s jobs are in professional services – including web and graphic designers, software programmers and engineers.

Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece said the council was proud to provide a platform for experts in the field to share their insights and “inspire the next generation of sportspeople and innovators”.

“Melbourne is the sports capital of Australia and the only city in the world to host both a Formula 1 Grand Prix and a Tennis Grand Slam. We’re also home to almost half of the country’s sports tech companies,” Cr Reece said.

Lisa Hasker said it was an exciting time to be discussing innovations in sports technology in Australia in the lead up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics Games.

“New advances in sport technology will enhance participation and performance,” Ms Hasker said.

Hosted at The Edge, one of the city’s premiere speaking venues, the Sports Tech of the

Future forum is the fourth Melbourne Conversations partnership event between City of Melbourne and Fed Square for 2024.

Attendees will be able to explore a curated selection of books and resources at the event, thanks to a City of Melbourne library pop-up.

Tickets to Sports Tech of the Future are free, however registrations are essential.