British Rowing Club Leader Conference 2026

The Club Leader Conference is for those in positions within clubs who can initiate change.

The aim of the Conference is to provide these individuals with important updates from British Rowing, as well as practical tools to bring back to their clubs – all designed to shape a club’s legacy.

book tickets

programme

Club leaders have received a free code for each club to nominate their delegate over email. Any issues, please get in touch on [email protected]

British Rowing Club Leader Conference 2026

1 February 2026 | London Heathrow

Has your club signed up for the Conference?

If you want to help safeguard the future of your club and bring home practical tools for building capacity and making the most of your spaces, this Conference is for you!

Check below to see if your club has a delegate attending, and if not get in touch with your committee to get your free booking code!

About the Conference

Sport in the United Kingdom is evolving at an unprecedented rate, competition between sports for new members and retaining members is high and those members quite rightly expect more of us.

This Conference is about helping leaders navigate that changing landscape, because the sport only thrives if clubs thrive. And clubs are facing new pressures, opportunities and expectations.

Who is the Conference for?

Each club will be able to nominate five representatives for a free place at the Conference, with more places available at a later date for the clubs that would like more than one member to attend. Delegates travelling from further afield will have the option to apply for travel support to the Conference.

What is the programme?

We have organised a day of practical tools, shared stories and new thinking that help clubs strengthen their foundations, grow participation and improve sustainability.

download programme

Getting there

The conference will be held at:

Raddisson Hotel & Conference Centre
Bath Road
West Drayton
London
UB7 0DU

Getting to the Conference

From Heathrow Central Bus Station

By bus:
The bus station is located between Terminals 2 and 3, right above the London Underground Station. You can take public bus numbers 111, 105, 278, 285, or the N9 night bus. Get off at the bus stop just across the road from the hotel and walk for two minutes. National Express Coaches also arrive and depart from Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3. For a seamless start to your stay, we recommend pre-booking a shared shuttle here.

From Heathrow Airport

By airport shuttle or private ride:
The hotel is situated on the airport perimeter, please note that pedestrian access from the airport to the hotel is not possible. We recommend you pre-book a shared shuttle or private ride by clicking here. Journey time ranges from approximately 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the terminal and whether you choose a private or shared ride.

By taxi:
The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

From Heathrow Central Train Station

By train:
You can reach the hotel by taking the Heathrow Express, Elizabeth, or Piccadilly train lines to Heathrow Terminal 2 and 3, the nearest station to the hotel. Since there is no pedestrian access between the station and the hotel, we recommend pre-booking a shared shuttle or private ride. You can do so by clicking here.

From the motorway

By car/taxi:
The hotel is conveniently located near junction 4 of the M4, providing easy access to the adjoining M25 motorway.

Link to Google Maps book a room

The Programme

  • 09:15 – Registration opens – tea and coffee
  • 10:00 – Conference opening
  • 10:10The current and future landscape of sport. Includes insights from British Rowing research and implications for rowing and rowing clubs.
  • 11:00 – BREAK
  • 11:15Shaping your club for the future. Keynote Speech from Cath Bishop.
  • 12:00-13:30 – LUNCH and poster exhibitions
  • 13:30 – Sense making
  • 13:40 Club capacity unlocked
  • 14:25 – BREAK
  • 14:45 – Building your club’s legacy
  • 15:30 – Closing remarks
  • 16:00 – Departure

download programme

Exhibitions

  • Fundraising for your club
  • Lived experiences research
  • Online training modules for club members
  • Event hosting and regatta planning
  • Insurance matters
  • Education and development
  • Opportunities for coaches
  • Navigating property leases and land acquisition
  • Membership support
  • Tools and guidance for clubs
  • Being agile
  • Play their way

Accommodation

You’ll be able to book discounted rooms until 20 December at the Raddisson Hotel & Conference Centre!

book a room