Expert Circles

Mission and ultimate intent of the Expert Circles group

IAKS members are professionals who represent all aspects of active living. Many members are associated with a specific area of expertise or interest in the broad range of sports and leisure facilities. These include ownership (public and private sector), operations, planning and design, construction, equipment, and specialized sports finishes. The focus of members ranges from community-scaled facilities and programs to professional multipurpose venues for internationals events and competitions. The IAKS has established the Expert Circles as an international forum for the discussion of specific issues, trends and expectations relative to the area of interest for the Expert Circle.

The IAKS recognizes that while there is a shared vision of the purpose and expectations of sports and leisure facilities, this is often regional or national in its reach and often is not part of an international conversation. Members of Expert Circles will come from the membership as well as allied groups or organizations with a vested interest or area of expertise. The ultimate intent of the Expert Circles group is to provide a transfer of knowledge at planning, technical, and operating requirements for the specific area of interest.

Potential activities of expert circles

2019 03 - pool expert circle - meeting in Malmo - group in front of Hylliebadet

Expert Circle "Swimming Pool" at 4th meeting in Sweden in March 2019
photo: IAKS

Expert Circles can be developed for every area of focus within the IAKS membership and can include both facilities such as aquatic centres, sports halls, fitness centres and ice arenas; and specific user groups such as school children, senior users, and serious/elite athletes.

The IAKS currently is in the process of establishing or growing the Expert Circles initiative for swimming pools, sports halls, and ice arenas.

Each Expert Circle can define its own set of activities. Potential activities could include:

Expert Circle meetings:
regular meetings / workshops ( ideally at least 1 per year) to recognize / present successful international projects, identify trends, and discuss problems and common interests.
IAKS Congress:
identify interesting trends and topics for the biannual IAKS congress in Cologne;
sb magazine:
identify interesting facilities to be presented, write technical or management articles;
International or National events:
support national IAKS seminars with international experience / speakers;
Further activities:
each expert circle can develop further activities on its own, e.g. developing principals, guidelines, or library / body of reference material.