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11 November 2026, Villa Park, Birmingham
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11 November 2026, Villa Park, Birmingham
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From match day, to every day: a new era for venues

Venues for IMPACT is the summit for changemakers shaping the future of the venue ecosystem. Where industry leaders meet bold ideas, Impact explores how live venues can be drivers of change anchored in local communities to promote growth, prosperity, resilience and cohesion.

In November 2026, business and sports leaders, innovators and changemakers will convene at Villa Park for a full-day takeover, co-hosted by The Conduit, Aston Villa, and Levy. We will explore the next generation of stadium-led social impact and chart how these spaces can help shape a more equitable and sustainable future for communities.

Tickets from £1000 - with further discounts available

From match day, to every day: a new era for venues

With inequality widening, climate challenges accelerating, and public expectations rising, the role of major venues as anchor institutions has never been more critical. They are uniquely positioned to drive bold, community-centred change – moving from places of spectacle, to engines of resilience, inclusion, and long-term prosperity.

In November 2026, business and sports leaders, innovators and changemakers will convene at Villa Park for a two-day takeover, co-hosted by The Conduit, Aston Villa, and Levy. We will explore the next generation of stadium-led social impact and chart how these spaces can help shape a more equitable and sustainable future for communities.

Speakers


  • Laura Cordingley

    Laura
    Cordingley
  • Sara Tomkins

    Sara
    Tomkins
  • Guy Rippon (2)

    Guy
    Rippon
  • Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez

    Rodrigo
    Garcia Gonzalez

  • David Fein

    David
    Fein

  • Archie Kalyana

    Archie
    Kalyana
  • Clive Chijioke Nwonka

    Clive
    Chijioke Nwonka
  • Katie Cross

    Katie
    Cross
  • Paul van Zyl (6)

    Paul
    van Zyl

Who Attends

A curated group of decision-makers shaping the future of venues:

  • Club owners, CEOs and stadium operators
  • Leagues and governing bodies
  • City leaders and infrastructure developers
  • Foundations and social impact organisations
  • Investors, technology partners and operators
Mask group-2

Who Attends

Club owners, CEOs and stadium operators

Leagues and governing bodies

City leaders and infrastructure developers

Foundations and social impact organisations

Investors, technology partners and operators

Why Attend

Why Attend

See what’s already making a difference

Learn about the initiatives already making an impact with venues operating beyond matchday - commercially and socially.

Meet the people making it happen

Network with the owners, operators and partners actively redesigning venue ecosystems.

Build partnerships that move

Unlock connections with organisations delivering infrastructure, technology and community programmes.

Create a clear path forward

Discover how you can get involved to shape a more equitable and sustainable future for communities across the UK and beyond.

Agenda

09:00-10:00

Arrivals and Registration

A deep dive into how club owners view social impact as a core business driver.
10:00-10:20

Opening Remarks

Paul van Zyl

CEO and Co-Founder, The Conduit

David Fein LVO

Vice Chair, The Earthshot Prize

Archie Kalyana

Broadcaster and Filmmaker

10:20-10:40

Ownership with Purpose

A deep dive into how club owners and investors define returns beyond financial performance. A view from the top perspective on social impact as a core business driver and how venue investment can create value for the communities beyond match day.
10:40-10:50

Keynote: Levelling up through Sport

10:50-11:30

Playing Like a Girl - and Bossing It

A panel discussion looking at the smart investments in women’s sports and how today’s investment can create tomorrow’s athletes, leaders, audiences and owners.

Laura Cordingley

CEO, Chelsea Football Club Foundation

11:30-12:00

Networking Break

12:00-12:30

Home Turf

A look at how venues are responding to the climate crisis and innovating for long term resilience: From low-carbon design to climate-resilient infrastructure, stadiums are being re-engineered to protect communities and operate responsibly for a sustainable future.

Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez

Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Notpla

Sara Tomkins

Sustainability and Community Director, Co-op Live

12:30-13:00

The Heat is On: Outplaying the Climate Crisis

Climate-driven disruptions already cost UK grassroots sports £320 million annually. This is a deep dive into the effects of the climate crisis on athletes and fans. We will explore how athletes are adapting to disruption - using their platforms to mobilize action, driving stronger community cohesion and sport ecosystems while protecting the future of the games people love.

Katie Cross

Founder and CEO, Pledgeball

13:00-14:00

Lunch

14:00-15:30

Workshops

15:30-16:00

Networking Break

16:00-16:10

Keynote Speech

16:10-16:50

Tackling the NEETs Crisis

Venues and sports have enormous potential to help get Britain’s 1 million NEETs into work. This panel discussion will examine some of the initiatives and what government needs to do to support.
16:50-17:30

A Lighthouse - not a Spaceship

In times of crisis and celebration, venues and sports foundations are often at the heart of community action. Our closing panel explores some of the initiatives building social cohesion across the sector.

Clive Chijioke Nwonka

Associate Professor of Film, Culture and Society, UCL

Guy Rippon

Social Impact & Community Director, Aston Villa

17:30-17:40

Closing Remarks

17:40

Networking Reception

Apply To Attend

Sign up to receive further details and priority access.

Tickets from £1000 - with further discounts available

Event Partners


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AVFC Foundation Logo
Chelsea Foundation Logo-5
Pledgeball Logo
Ashoka Logo

Sponsor Venues for IMPACT

Are you building solutions in infrastructure, technology or community impact - and want to shape the future of venues? We’d love to hear from you.

FAQs


How do I get to Venues for IMPACT?

From Birmingham New Street, there is a regular train to Witton (5 min walk from Villa Park). There is also parking available on-site.

What accommodation is available nearby?

Discounted rooms are available at the Royal Leonardo Hotel Birmingham using code THECON101126.

A valid credit or debit card is required at the time of booking to secure the reservation, payment is then due upon your arrival to the hotel.

Is lunch provided?

A light breakfast, lunch and snacks at break times will be provided throughout the day - with cocktails and canapés available after the summit ends.


CONTACT US
6 Langley St
London WC2H 9JA
(+44) 02039128400
CLUB OPENING TIMES
Monday – Thursday: 7am – 11pm
Friday: 7am – 12am
Saturday: 10am – 11pm
Sunday: Closed