Late last month over 500 delegates from sport and sport-related industries converged on the Gold Coast for the fourth Our Sporting Future (OSF) forum. The event was hosted by the Australian Sports Commission and the Standing Committee on Recreation and Sport (SCORS) from 28 to 30 July at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

OSF 2010 delegates were inspired and challenged by leading international and national speakers, including Bernard Petiot, Peter Holmes à Court, Avril Henry and Steve Grainger MBE.

Bernard Petiot, Vice-president of Casting and Performance at Cirque du Soleil, dazzled delegates with his presentation on reinventing a traditional product. He shared the organisation's secrets to success - the ability to invoke, provoke and evoke - and encouraged delegates to deliver the unexpected and generate 'wow' moments within their own organisations.

Internationally respected entrepreneur and businessman, Peter Holmes à Court, argued the value of integrating sports into the community and the community into sports by citing real business examples, including the redesign and development of Redfern Oval, the home of the Rabbitohs. Peter convinced delegates that the key to success in sport and sport-related industries is to ensure that the community is at the core of their brand.

Avril Henry broke down generational barriers and captivated delegates with her comical analysis of generational diversity. Avril informed delegates that in order to recruit, motivate and retain generation Y, they need to provide inspiring leadership, be tech savvy, provide regular feedback and create a positive and cohesive team environment.

Steve Grainger MBE, Chief Executive of Britain's Youth Sport Trust, challenged delegates to 'do things differently and do different things'. Steve suggested that to ensure the future of sport, delegates need to adapt sport to meet the changing needs and demands of youth today. According to Steve, to promote change in Australian sport delegates need to hit the three Ps at the same time: 'participants', 'practitioners' and 'policy makers'.

Delegates also experienced a valuable panel discussion on ethical decision-making, which tackled such hot topics as inappropriate off-field player behaviour and codes of conduct. Panellists included ethics specialist Howard Whitton, ex-Geelong Cats AFL captain Tom Harley and Newcastle Knights CEO Steve Burraston.

During the farewell lunch, former ballet dancer and author of Mao's Last Dancer, Li Cunxin, inspired delegates to chase their dreams with his extraordinary tale of talent, faith and determination.

Not only did OSF 2010 stimulate new ideas and challenge ways of thinking, but it also provided delegates with numerous opportunities to network with their industry colleagues. Delegates left the Gold Coast feeling reinvigorated, challenged and ready to take the next step in driving Australia's sporting success.