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Sports and leisure specialists to discuss innovation in the industry

Sports and leisure specialists to discuss innovation in the industry

Technology and innovation will be the focus of one of De Montfort University’s key construction panel events this year at the Leicester Business Festival 2019.

Discussing the importance of social investment in leisure centres, sports fields and university parks, industry experts will come together on Wednesday 6 November to talk about how technological advancement can facilitate community engagement around sports and leisure.

The breakfast event, which will take place at Leicester Castle Business School, will be part of the annual two-week festival that incorporates hundreds of free business workshops and events in and around Leicester city centre.

Helen Donnellan, director of business engagement at DMU, said:

“There is a huge amount of regeneration taking place in Leicestershire - especially in the sports and leisure sector.

“From Parkwood Leisure centre in Broughton Astley to the expansion of Leicester City Football Club, the sector is currently thriving in the heart of the Midlands – with 3,995 construction businesses currently employing 20,525 local people.”

Lead by a number of industry experts from LK2, Willmott Dixon and Intelligent Play the panel will discuss the benefits of digital innovation in these facilities – from interchangeable walls to artificial intelligence (AI).

With millions of pounds currently being invested into AI and other data tracking technologies, the accessibility and maintenance of sports and leisure facilities can now be monitored without the need for human input. This data is providing experts with vital information about how these facilities are currently being used – and whether these uses need to change to allow the industry to progress.

Helen said:

“It’ll be great to hear our speakers discuss the effects of this technology on the construction industry and how it’s changing the growing market for sports and leisure. 

“Digital innovation - such as facial recognition at reception and the use of QR codes in gym classes - is able to change the way communities use these spaces and personalise each visitor experience.

“The panel will be a great opportunity for people to hear about how this innovation is directly affecting developments in Leicester and the impact it will have on the landscape of sports and leisure."

The event will take place in the Civil Court from 8.30-11am, breakfast will be available for attendees, alongside networking opportunities. Please note that the time of the event has now been changed from that in the Leicester Business Festival brochure – the panel was originally arranged for the afternoon but has been moved to 8.30am.

For more information visit www.leicesterbusinessfestival.com

Picture: Helen Donnellan, director of business engagement at DMU


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