Virtual RYA Affiliated Clubs Conference more accessible than ever

An innovative online platform will make the 2020 RYA Affiliated Clubs Conference supported by Gallagher, more accessible than ever before, with delegates able to take part from their home or sailing club.

The annual conference usually takes place at multiple regional venues but due to Coronavirus restrictions it will this year be held as a virtual, national event, on Saturday 21 November and will explore a theme of ‘a different world with new opportunities’.

The event will be hosted by Olympic gold medallist and broadcaster Shirley Robertson, who will be introducing a world class line-up of speakers including Ben Ainslie who will be sharing his own experiences of lockdown and how America’s Cup contender INEOS Team UK has bounced back despite the difficulties, with an exclusive video presentation.

Shirley will also give delegates a ‘guided tour’ of the conference at the start of the day and explain how clubs can tap into a whole range of RYA expertise and club development workshops.

A secure and easy-to-use virtual platform will be provided by online event management experts OnAir. There will also be live technical support for those unfamiliar with attending online events, available by clicking an on-screen help button.

Gareth Brookes, RYA Regional Development Officer Manager, said: “It’s the first time we’ve run an online conference and we know it will be the first time that many people will have attended one, so we are working with a professional online conference provider to ensure the whole event is accessible, smooth and successful from start to finish.

“Booking is super simple and includes asking delegates what information or guidance they are looking for at the event so we can answer any questions for them. People will also be able to choose when booking which club development workshops they would like to take part in.

“Shortly before the conference we will send out email instructions about how to join on the day and to provide extra support, there will be live help available from the RYA team for those who need it so everyone can make the most of what will be a really important conference for us all.”

The keynote speakers will address delegates in the morning and throughout the weekend there will be an online expo area where interactive ‘stands’ will offer access to RYA legal, racing and training teams, with bookable 1-1 appointments, live text Q&As, club case studies, regional and Home Country updates, downloadable resources and on-demand video.

Club development streams will then provide interactive online workshops starting Monday 23rd November, giving conference delegates the latest insights and learning across a range of topics.

Club officers, committee members and volunteers are being urged to book tickets for the conference now, even if they are not yet sure about their availability, because the live content will also be recorded and available to delegates afterwards.

For all the details about this year’s RYA Affiliated Clubs Conference and to book your FREE ticket, visit: www.rya.org.uk/go/affiliateconference