On Wednesday 15 October 2025, the Active Kent & Medway annual conference welcomed record numbers of delegates with over 190 representatives from health, leisure, local council, voluntary, sport and physical activity sectors coming together at the Kent Event Centre, Detling. Continuing our support of the county’s strategy for sport and physical activity Move Together, launched in 2023, the theme of this year’s conference was ‘Move Together for Active, Healthier Communities’.
From thought-provoking keynotes to inspiring Q&A panels and briefing sessions, the day was packed with energy and ideas. We heard powerful stories of impact, shared challenges and solutions, and celebrated the work already happening in our communities to get more people, more active, more often. Delegates were encouraged to move throughout the day with the help of Natasha’s morning energisers and the everyday active zone.
Following a welcome note from Liz Davidson, our Director and Graham Razey, our Active Partnership Chair, delegates heard from our first keynote speaker, Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director of Place at Sport England. Lisa shared insights on how the national ‘Uniting the Movement’ strategy is driving systemic change in physical activity across England. She highlighted the importance of place-based partnerships and the pioneering investment Sport England is making to tackle inequalities in physical activity. Lisa encouraged delegates to map assets, understand barriers, and play an active role in shaping healthier, more active communities.
Our second keynote of the morning was Sarah Philpott, Marathon Swimmer and Eco Ambassador, sharing her powerful story and inspiring achievements in open water endurance swimming. She explored the power of teamwork, resilience, trust, place and community connection to break down barriers and create change in place.
Next up, our Q&A panel sessions with Rob Smith, our conference host. The panels brought together voices from across the sector sharing projects and lived experiences and included representatives from Explore Kent, Grand Gravesend, Sibton Park Cricket Club, play_folke, tmactive, Swale Community Leisure and Limitless Club at Cyclopark.
The afternoon kicked off with a number of briefing sessions, hearing from individuals and organisations who are making a real difference within our local communities, driving change through sport and physical activity. Briefings were facilitated by representations from Kent County Council Public Health, Active Kent & Medway, Funding For All, Moving Memory Dance Theatre, NBE Fitness, Medway Council, Gravesham & Dartford School Games Organiser, Kent County Council Active Travel Team.
“Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2025 Annual Conference. Your energy, ideas and commitment help us move closer to our shared vision of more people, more active, more often. Together, we’re building a stronger, more active, healthier and connected county through sport and physical activity.” Liz Davidson, our Active Partnership Director
What delegates told us about the event:
“Congratulations to the organisers on a fantastic event!”
“It was inspiring to see so many projects and opportunities helping our communities to be more active.”
“A great day of learning, sharing, and connecting with colleagues from across different organisations. Looking forward to future collaborations and partnerships.”
“Great to spend the morning networking at the Active Kent & Medway Conference.”
“Thank you to the whole team Active Kent & Medway for your hard work and still keeping smiling and being energetic. It was my first Conference and I feel inspired.”
“An inspiring and informative day – well done team!”
“A jam-packed event full of inspiring speakers, thought-provoking discussions, and brilliant opportunities to connect with others passionate about physical activity and community wellbeing.”
“Huge thank you to the organisers and everyone who made the day so engaging and motivating. Feeling re-energised and excited to put some of these ideas into action!”
