Sports Law Conference 2024: Women in Sport, Diversity and Governance

Join us for the Sports Law Conference 2024!

We’re excited to announce the Sports Law Conference 2024: Women in Sport, Diversity, and Governance, taking place on Friday, 15th November at Law Society House, Belfast.

This event will bring together thought leaders from law, sport, and governance to discuss key topics around diversity, equality, and the challenges women face in sport today.

Key Highlights:

🔹 Expert speakers on legal challenges in sports governance
🔹 Panels on women in sport and diversity in leadership
🔹 Networking opportunities with professionals across law, sport, and academia

Featured Speakers:

Lisa O’Keefe MBE
Secretary General, IWG on Women & Sport
Lisa O’Keefe is a global advocate for gender equality in sport, having led Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign. Her extensive knowledge of removing barriers for women and girls in sport, and her role in creating systemic change, makes her a key voice in advancing women’s sport.

Professor Jack Anderson
Professor of Law, Melbourne Law School
Jack Anderson is an expert in sports law and governance, with a focus on the legal challenges facing sports organisations today. His academic and practical insights into issues such as anti-doping, sports contracts, and dispute resolution will provide valuable perspectives on the governance challenges in sport.

PANELLIST SPEAKERS:

Andrew Nixon – Partner and Head of Sport at Sheridans, London. Recognised as an ‘outstanding’ sports lawyer by The Legal 500, Andrew specialises in sports governance and regulatory matters, with a focus on sports tech, esports, and commercial issues. His clients include leading governing bodies, tech companies, sports clubs, and individual athletes.

Angela Platt – Former Ireland and Northern Ireland international goalkeeper, Angela is the Irish FA’s first Director of Women’s Football. With an extensive career in sports leadership, she has previously served as Executive Manager at the Ulster Hockey Union and the Northern Cricket Union. Angela is also a former Vice-Chair of the NI Sports Forum and co-founder of the Female Sports Forum.

Sheonah Forbes –Leading the Netball Northern Ireland senior and pathway programmes, Sheonah Forbes has over 15 years of experience on the international stage, contributing to the development of elite athletes and a winning streak for the national team

Bernie Fox – Bernie Fox, Safeguarding Manager for Ulster GAA, has dedicated over a decade to safeguarding policy development. She promotes conflict resolution through mediation and restorative practices while chairing the Northern Ireland Safeguarding Strategic Group.

Event Details:

🗓️ Date: 15th November 2024
📍 Venue: Law Society House, Belfast

Stay tuned—more speakers will be announced soon!

We look forward to welcoming you for a day of engaging discussions and valuable connections. Let’s work together to drive positive change in the world of sports law and governance!