National Conference for Directors of Sport in Independent Schools

The 2021 PADSIS Conference was always destined to be different. Moving the date to the summer term in the hope of running a face to face event appears to have been justified: unless something unexpected happens, this now seems certain. It has become possible to offer accommodation, though, sadly, the usual conference dinner remains prohibited by enduring restrictions.

The plan is, therefore, to hold the Conference as a one day event, incorporating high profile speakers, the discussion forum and a choice of afternoon seminars. Delegates wishing to arrive the previous evening will have access to the bar (which will offer its usual menu), under whatever conditions apply at the time. This looks likely to allow table service to groups of 6. If this is the case, it should permit at least some, long awaited, socialising.

The Conference capacity will be determined by the hotel’s restrictions. Currently, this looks like being a maximum of 125. Given that this is half of last year’s attendance of 250, there is a strong possibility that not everyone wishing to attend can be accommodated. This is hugely unfortunate, though dictated by unavoidable external circumstances. Applications will, therefore, be accepted in order of receipt.

It is very much hoped that this will be a one year expedient, and that the event will return next year to its usual two day format, with appropriate dinner and social evening, to be held at the end of February 2022.

At the end of this unique year of school sport, it is very much hoped that the Conference will allow Directors of Sport to gather in person for the first time in over a year, and that the programme will provide support in planning for a return to new world of school sport in September.

Programme