New-Look Rugby Expo to Return to Ricoh Arena for 2017

A Refreshed Format

Rugby Ventures Ltd., the management team behind Rugby Expo, has confirmed Rugby Expo is returning for its second consecutive year to the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Wednesday 08 November 2017.

A new format, designed to further support and engage those from the professional and community game, will see the conference and exhibition combined into one extended day, providing attendees with 12+ hours packed with high-level discussion and debate, interactive coaching content, partner events and a busy exhibition showcasing the latest rugby-focused products and services.

New for 2017, Rugby Expo will officially open on the evening of Tuesday 07 November, with an exclusive networking event for VIPs, sponsors, exhibitors, delegates, club & league representatives.

Following on from the success of previous years, Rugby Expo will once again be split in two parts; the morning/afternoon will be focused on the professional game, before attention switches to community club rugby, with this year’s event running into the evening to support those attending from the grass roots game.

Rugby Expo 2017 will also have a greater focus on interactive content, with sessions offering expert opinion, practical demonstrations and take-home advice from a playing, coaching and technical perspective, to further engage with the volunteers at the heart of the community game.

Last year’s Rugby Expo welcomed more than 500 delegates including senior figures from many Premiership, Championship and Rugby League clubs, key decision makers from the sport’s governing bodies, community club representatives, suppliers, brands and rights holders.

The event also cemented its reputation of addressing the key issues affecting both the professional and grass roots games, with speakers including Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis, Premiership Rugby CEO Mark McCafferty, former rugby league international Paul Sculthorpe and senior representatives from the RFU.

Commenting on today’s announcement, John Hockey, chairman of Rugby Ventures, said: “We are delighted to confirm our return to the Ricoh for 2017 and to share our vision and plans for the new-look Rugby Expo.

“Now in its ninth year, the event is very well-established, but we are always looking at new ways in which to refresh and reshape our offering to further support and engage both sides of the game.

“We’ve listened to feedback from past attendees and key stakeholders to help form our plans for 2017 and the response so far has been very positive. The changes that we’re implementing will not only support those attending from the community game, but will ensure that we continue to deliver the big names, hard-hitting content and unrivalled networking opportunities that Rugby Expo is known for.”

To discuss sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities or to find out more about attending Rugby Expo 2017 as a delegate, contact Jenny Forbes, Head of Business Development, on +44 (0) 843 289 0583 or at jenny@rugbyexpo.com.