The UK’s no.1 equality, diversity and inclusion summit for sport is back!

FOLLOWING THE success of the inaugural event earlier this year, the Include Summit will return on May 3-4 2023, taking place at Manchester Central, one of the UK’s largest conference and events venues.

The Include Summit, co-organised by Inclusive Cultures Founding Director Jamie Hooper and Meji Media Events Group CEO Gurmej Pawar, will bring together key individuals and sports bodies all working towards achieving greater equality, diversity and inclusion in sport.

The event’s mission is to help get one million underprivileged and underrepresented young people taking part in sport, with the long-term aim of transforming the diversity of the sporting workforce.

“This year was such a monumental success that we had to bounce straight back with another landmark event next year,” says Hooper. “The atmosphere was absolutely electric with passion, enthusiasm, and determination to make a difference, and we can’t wait to get everyone together again.”

Once again, the event will aim to highlight the distinct and defined inequalities that still exist in sport from grassroots to international level participation, as well as across the workforce, the executive, and the boardroom.

The Summit’s agenda will feature keynote plenaries, panel discussions, and expert interactive workshops across two full days, along with inclusive sport showcases, a partner exhibition area, and networking opportunities.

“This event provides the safe space to openly discuss all of the key issues surrounding equality, diversity and inclusion in sport, without fear of judgement, and without politics,” says Pawar. “The Include Summit is an uplifting and inspirational event, designed to connect people together through their passion to make a difference, and to help offer more young people vital sporting opportunities.”

Shaun Hinds, CEO at Manchester Central, added: “We’re proud to be hosting this important and engaging Summit right here in the heart of Manchester. Sport is intrinsic to the society we live in and has a great legacy in our region. Being able to host this in-person will no doubt allow people from across the world of sport and beyond to discuss and decide on the best way to continually open up access.

“We’ve just reported our busiest trading period since the end of the Covid-19 lockdowns and it’s great to be back hosting largescale events for everyone to learn, meet and develop. We are already looking forward to welcoming Include Summit to Manchester!”

Sheona Southern, Managing Director at Marketing Manchester, said: “We are delighted that Include Summit has chosen Manchester to host its 2023 meeting. The city is the UK’s sporting capital, was recently named 8th best global city for sport, and equality, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental values that underpins how we do things in Manchester. We look forward to welcoming delegates for two days of important and timely discussions next May.”