Leisure-net Solutions has announced that it will launch a new physical activity industry networking event next year that will showcase innovative activities to enhance both participation and income streams.

Innovate 2016 takes place in March and will aim to build on the success of Leisure-net’s annual two-day active-net conference. The new one-day show at Loughborough University’s Burleigh Court is intended to become a hot-bed of ideas for how operators can generate alternative revenue streams from activities which fall beyond the traditional leisure centre offering.

A recent report from the Chief Cultural & Leisure Officers Association (CLOA) highlighted the strain on leisure budgets as local authorities continue to grapple austerity. It noted that a combination of greater commercialisation of services
and willingness to pursue alternative funding streams have so far been key in helping to largely stave off the impact of funding cuts.

Innovate 2016 will enable operators to formally meet with up to nine suppliers, looking at concepts that could help add non-sporting physical activity opportunities to their facilities, such as spas, soft and outdoor play, adventurous family activities and 10-pin bowling.

David Monkhouse, joint director for Leisure-net Solutions, said: “We see Innovate 2016 as an opportunity for operators to enhance the reasons for local communities to use their local centre and get involved in physical activity.”