Minister for Sport Kate Lundy today welcomed almost 400 key decision makers from the Australian sports industry to the internationally acclaimed Our Sporting Future Forum 2013 in Melbourne.

The biennial forum provides participants with an opportunity to learn and contribute to discussion on the future of the Australian sporting system, with practical insights into leading strategies and current ideas that are integral to the growth of Australia's sporting success.

“This forum is not just about hearing from experts but also about getting the best minds in sport together and sharing ideas, which will ultimately provide Australians the best possible opportunity to participate in sport,” Senator Lundy said.

“Our society is changing so quickly and the way we consume sport and participate in sport is also changing.

“This forum is about making sure that sport can adapt to those changes and remain accessible to everyone.”

Themes for the forum are the commercialisation of sport, sustainability of sport and the future of sport with key speakers including US Olympic track legend Michael Johnson, former Wallaby and writer Peter FitzSimons, Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland and advertising and marketing specialist Carolyn Miller.

The forum, which will be held at the Melbourne Convention Centre, has been developed in partnership with the sporting industry, including the Committee of Australian Sport and Recreation Officials.

Delegates come from national, state and professional sporting organisations, regional sporting organisations, club management, professionals working in industries that service sport, sport management and business administration students, and fitness and recreation industry managers.