IAKS ANZ Forum sparks momentum in sport and design innovation

A sold-out success, bold ideas, and inspired voices – the 2025 Architects & Sports Design Forum left the industry wanting more.

IAKS ANZ continues to set the bar for thought leadership and collaboration in sport and recreation facility design with the 2025 Architects & Sports Design Forum, held on Tuesday, 24 June at the striking BECA offices in Melbourne Quarter Tower, Docklands.

Bringing together leaders in architecture, high-performance sport, and community infrastructure, this year’s forum tackled the powerful theme: “Designing for High Performance and Community Needs.”

Recap ANZ Architect´s Forum
Recap ANZ Architect´s Forum

With a diverse panel of influential voices, including Todd Greenberg (CEO, Cricket Australia) and a guest surprise appearance from Sue McGill (Australian Sports Commission), the forum sparked vibrant conversation and fresh perspectives. Attendees from across the sport, design, and facility development sectors left energised, with many saying they were “inspired and eager for more.”

“We’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible when we bring these sectors together,” said Anthony Neal, Director Libraries, Recreation and Waterways, City of Melbourne and panel host.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s clear there’s a strong appetite for deeper conversations and ongoing collaboration,” added Irina Akhmanova, architect at 'Populous'.

What made it a standout evening?

  • A dynamic, engaging panel format
  • High-impact insights into elite sport and grassroots facility design
  • Valuable networking across disciplines
  • A spotlight on emerging trends, shared challenges, and new opportunities in sport and leisure infrastructure

This year’s panel featured an impressive lineup: Warrick Chalmers, Anthony Neal, Mike McGrath, Sue McGill, Todd Greenberg, John Tuxworth, and Irina Akhmanova – each brought unique expertise and passion to the discussion.

Logo IAKS ANZ
Portrait of Yvette Audet

What’s next for IAKS ANZ?

IAKS ANZ is already looking ahead, building on the forum’s energy to shape future events that deepen the dialogue and drive meaningful progress in Australia and New Zealand’s sport and recreation spaces.

“This forum reaffirmed our role in connecting experts and elevating conversations around quality sport and recreation infrastructure,”
said Yvette Audet, IAKS ANZ Chair. “We’re excited for what’s next.”

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Contact

Silke Baltzer square

Silke Baltzer

Event and membership management
+49 (0) 221 168023-11
baltzer@iaks.sport