The University has been shortlisted to host next year’s British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Conference. 
The annual Conference invites all BUCS members to “network, learn and share ideas across the sporting industry,” whilst also “providing an opportunity for incoming Athletic Union Officers and Sabbatical Officers to receive an introduction to the organisation and gain an understanding of the key objectives and events for the coming year,” says its official website.
BUCS will now work to choose the successful bidder, with the selected host receiving the opportunity to promote itself to the BUCS membership and invited guests, which will include National Governing Bodies, funders, sponsors and other external audiences. The Conference will provide a balance between professional development, learning and networking, in order to “offer the most beneficial experience for delegates.” The official AGM, exhibition and a Black Tie Awards Dinner will also take place throughout the event.
Hannah Marshall, Marketing Manager at BUCS, told Vision: “A total of five institutions, including the University of York, have been shortlisted to host the 2014 BUCS Conference. Attracting over 350 delegates from over 165 institutions in the UK, the BUCS Conference is a must-attend event for anyone that works or operates in university sport. The five institutions shortlisted all provide excellent facilities and are a credit to the university sport sector. Site visits will take place over the forthcoming weeks in order to select the successful host who will be announced at the BUCS Conference 2013 at Heriot-Watt University in July.”
‘University sport – Why it matters’ is the theme of the 2013 conference at Heriot Watt University this summer, which will focus on the effect of the current economic climate and increased level of competition, while also addressing sub-themes focusing on the broader contribution sport can make to employability and community engagement.
The cost to attend a BUCS Conference is thought to be around £400,while day delegate rates are charged at £90.
The proposed dates for the 2014 conference are from Tuesday 8 to Friday 11 July.