Barrie Sport Conference

Barrie Sport Conference 2026

February 27, 2026
Liberty North, 100 Caplan Avenue
3:00 pm - 8:30 pm

This conference will bring together experts, community leaders, and sports professionals to share insights, strategies, and resources to help strengthen and expand local sports organizations and collectively grow sports in Barrie. Whether you're looking to boost volunteer engagement or host bigger and better sporting events, this is the place to be!

What can you gain from this Conference?

Network with like-minded individuals from other local sport organizations, accommodations, and community stakeholders;
Share your successes and challenges with similar organizations;
Learn from and be inspired by engaging guest speakers;
Participant in table discussions on hot topics relating to your organizations;
A delicious dinner!

Thank you for your interest in the 2nd Annual Barrie Sport Tourism Conference. Complete the form below to register.

First and Last Name:

Organization Name:

Email Address:

Phone Number

Please indicate your role within your organization

Board Member

Coach

Industry Professional

Municipal Representative

Dietary Restrictions

I agree to pay $20 to attend the Conference.

Yes

Payment Method

Cash at the door

Invoice

Agenda:

3:00 PM - Welcome and registration

3:30 PM - Opening Remarks and Welcome

3:45 PM - City of Barrie update

4:00 PM - Keynote Address: Bill Harding of the Brantford Sport Council & Community Sports Councils of Ontario
Building Strong Community Partnerships, Capitalizing on Sports Tourism, The Sports Journey: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

5:30 PM - Dinner and Networking

6:15 PM - Break Out # 1

7:00 PM - Networking Break

7:15 PM - Break Out # 2

8:00 PM - Closing Remarks and Wrap Up

Speakers include:

Building Strong Community Partnership & Capitalizing on Sports Tourism

Brantford Sports Council / Community Sports Councils of Ontario

Bill Harding, CPA/CMA has dedicated his career to strengthening community sport. With extensive experience in the development and management of major sport facilities across Ontario, he brings both practical expertise and long-term vision to the industry.

In this session, Bill will share insights on building strong community partnerships, maximizing sport tourism opportunities, and exploring the sport journey — past, present, and future.

Best Practices in Risk Management

Sports Law

The information presented on Risk Management will aid organizations in understanding the standard of care owed towards participants and the risks involved with sport and recreation. When organizations fail to meet this standard, they may be negligent, and when negligent they may also be liable. This presentation will expand on the definition of negligence and the four part test used to determine if conduct is negligent. In addition, describe the areas of sport and recreation that create risk and the manner in which to control them. Awareness and education is a powerful tool to minimize legal risks.

Where are the Volunteers? Recruiting and Retaining Sport Volunteers

Coaches of Ontario

Volunteers drive Ontario’s sport system, yet recruiting and keeping coaches is harder than ever. Using three years of Ontario Coaching Report data, this session looks at who coaches, why they start, and why they leave. We’ll explore barriers, the role of training and support, and how organizations can better match volunteer motivations. Finally, we’ll share evidence-based strategies and practical ideas to attract and retain coaches.