BASIS Sustainable Sport Conference 2026
The BASIS Conference returns in 2026 with a bold new format at the iconic National Football Museum in the heart of the Manchester.
Bringing together leaders from across sport, government, business and civil society, the conference has become one of the UK’s leading gathering focused on sustainability in sport.
This year’s event will place sport firmly in the national conversation on climate, resilience and environmental leadership – exploring how the sector can accelerate progress while protecting the future of the sports we love.
A new format for 2026
The 2026 conference will take place across two connected days, each with a distinct purpose.
Day One – 3 June – The Conference
Hosted at the National Football Museum, the conference day offers the entire sustainable sport community the chance to come together for a powerful day of insight, debate and inspiration.
Through keynote conversations, panels and interviews, we will explore:
- The UK’s energy transition and what it means for sport
- Climate risk and resilience in sport
- The future of energy, nature and resources in sport
- Leadership and governance for sustainability
- Strategy, partnerships and innovation across the sector
Â
This is where the sustainable sport community gathers to take stock of progress, share ideas and set the direction for the years ahead.
Tickets purchased by people and organisations outside BASIS membership and Sport England’s network of System Partners are exclusively for use on 3 June
The Drinks Reception
The Conference day will end with a networking drinks reception in the Box Gallery.
Day Two – 4 June – The Action Forum
The second day will be a collaborative working space for BASIS members and Sport England system partners. Only Members and System Partners will be able to join the Action Forum. Tickets purchased from outside these networks are for the conference day only.
Through structured roundtables, workshops, peer-learning sessions and expert-led discussions, participants will build on the themes from the conference and translate ideas into practical action.
The focus is on:
- practical problem-solving
- sharing experience across the sector
- developing new initiatives and partnerships
- accelerating progress across sport
Â
This is a protected space for collaboration and progress.
Event details
Members get 1 free ticket
(Prices include VAT, 15% discount for three or more tickets)
Meet our Host
We’re delighted to welcome the brilliant Jess Silva as host of the BASIS Conference 2026.
Jess is a high-energy broadcaster and presenter with a passion for sustainability and sport. She has hosted international sustainability summits including the Sport Positive Summit and is known for her ability to bring energy, insight and connection to complex conversations.
She is also Founder of the global kick-ass women’s community Second Nature Sisters and Co-Founder of successful environmental start-up Carbon Jacked – where they believe that saving the planet shouldn’t be boring.
A trained broadcast journalist, Jess has commentated and presented for the likes of Formula E, World Athletics (BBC), Extreme E (ITV), World E-Bike Series (Eurosport), Golden Trail World Series, London Marathon, England Netball, Cycling World Championships, Netball Super League, Women’s Rugby and many more.
Jess loves to add a bit of spice to sustainability and is magic at bringing passion, positivity and life to the sports and events she covers.
Jess will guide the day’s discussions and help bring together the voices shaping the future of sustainable sport.
An iconic venue
The National Football Museum in Manchester, one of the UK’s most distinctive cultural venues, is an amazing space.Â
Located in the heart of the city, the museum offers an inspiring setting filled with the history and stories of the game, packed with great experiences for delegates – a unique backdrop as the sport sector comes together to shape its sustainable future.
From the 2025 conference...
Secure your spot at the conference and join us in shaping the future of sustainability in sport.
Member and Sport England System Partner tickets are automatically valid for both days of the event, while any tickets not fitting into that category are not valid for the Action Forum on day two (June 4)
Ticket phasing
Attend the conference
BASIS members get a free ticket to the conference and preferential pricing. Join today
You can only use this discount code to redeem a single ticket. Please change your ticket quantity to 1.
All conference bookings are subject to the conference terms and conditions.
“Please help BASIS partner ‘You. Smart. Thing.’ allow us to measure the total carbon footprint of travel to this year’s conference. Even if you are familiar with Bristol, please use this link to enter where you will be travelling ‘From’. Then select a sustainable method of travel from the options presented and click ‘Get your travel plan’ to have it sent to your email or phone.
Access and Travel Information
Accessibility
“Football is for all, and so is the National Football Museum. We want to make sure that everyone enjoys their visit.”
Find out about accessibility at the National Football Museum by clicking on the button below.
Travel
The National Football Museum is located in Manchester’s iconic Urbis Building in the heart of the Medieval Quarter and close to the Central Retail District, Norther Quarter and NOMA.
The venue is easily accessible via bus, tram and train. More information about getting to the venue is available via the button below.
