On Thursday 5th February, the Centre for the New Midlands is heading back to Edgbaston Stadium for our ‘Connections for Prosperity: Beyond the Sport’ conference; a day focussed on the power of Sports-led regeneration and its potential to transform the regional economy.
EARLY BIRD TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR JUST £99 + VAT – Click here to book your place!
Our Steering Group, comprised of a fantastic group of senior sports and infrastructure experts from across the West Midlands region have produced a day of insight and debate that will truly explore how the region capitalises on the huge potential presented through Sports-led regeneration.
We are delighted to welcome Amber Sandhu (Broadcaster and Sports Presenter) as our host for the day. Amber is one of the UK’s most exciting and prominent radio and television broadcasters in the sports and entertainment industry. Renowned for her dynamic presence and charismatic energy, Amber has become a recognisable voice in sports reporting, covering national and international events such as the Commonwealth Games, The Hundred, the FA Cup, and Premier League matches.
Following the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and major infrastructure commitments, the region is seeing unprecedented momentum. Flagship projects—such as the major regeneration work taking place at Aston Villa FC, the creation of Birmingham’s new Sports Quarter, the expansion of elite training facilities, and the growth of community sports hubs—are reshaping our urban landscapes and creating new economic opportunities.
This conference will explore how sport is much more than a game—how it can revitalise neighbourhoods, boost skills and employment, attract inward investment, and foster civic pride. This conference will focus on what the region could and should be doing to make sure it capitalises on the huge opportunities presented through the rise of sports regeneration across the West Midlands.
Through keynote addresses and panel discussions, our confirmed guest speakers, which includes Richard Parker (Mayor of the West Midlands), Ben Hatton (Chief Operating Officer, Aston Villa FC), Jeremy Dale (CEO, Birmingham City FC), Stuart Cain (Chief Executive, Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Nicola Ibbetson (Chief Business Officer, Coventry City FC) will consider the questions:
- Sports led Regeneration in the region: Why now and how big is the prize?
- Winning Formulas: The Dos and Don’t of Sports-Led Regeneration
- Driving sporting excellence and investment are such key catalysts for regeneration in the West Midlands
- Job Creation and Skills: Do the numbers really add up?
- The role of political leadership in making sport-led regeneration a reality
- Winning the Mega Events: Is the West Midlands ready to consistently win the big prizes?
- The Sports Quarter and its role in shaping the region
- How sport has changed, and continues, to change people’s lives across our region
Click here to book your tickets for just £99 + VAT – Early Bird ends on 12th December!
If you and your organisation are not yet members of our Reimagining the Region, please contact Chris Smith (Founder and CEO – chris@thenewmidlands.org.uk) for more information. Our membership rates start from £450 + VAT for 1-10 employee organisations, £1,100 + VAT for 11-50 staff and £1,700 + VAT for 51 staff and above.
Visit our image gallery to learn more about our events programme and what you can expect from a CNM conference!
