Keepme Partners with Exclusive Leadership Event for Leisure Sector Leaders

Three days that could redefine how you lead in leisure

At Keepme, we've always believed that technology is just one part of the equation. Real transformation in the leisure sector requires visionary leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate rapid change while building high-performance cultures.

That's why we're proud to announce our official partnership with an exceptional leadership event designed exclusively for senior leaders in the leisure industry.

An Immersive Leadership Experience Like No Other

Taking place 30 March – 1 April 2026 at YMCA Lakeside in the Lake District, the Inspirational Leadership Event for Leisure Sector Leaders is a three-day residential programme brings together Chief Executives, Directors, and Heads of Service for an intensive development experience that goes far beyond typical industry conferences.

Against the backdrop of Cumbria's stunning lakeside setting, participants will engage with expert facilitators, industry peers, and curated content designed to accelerate leadership impact both personally and professionally.

The residential format is intentional – removing daily distractions to create space for deep reflection, meaningful connection, and breakthrough thinking.

Learning from the Industry's Best

The facilitator lineup represents some of the most respected voices in leisure leadership:

John Oxley – CEO, Life Leisure

Currently leading one of the UK's largest single contract leisure trusts, John brings real-time insights from managing multi-million pound operational transformations at scale. His progressive approach to public sector partnerships and place-based leadership makes him an authority on navigating complex stakeholder ecosystems.

Mark Tweedie – The Performance Blueprint

A former leisure CEO turned executive coach, Mark has a unique track record of organisational transformation. His frameworks blend strategic insight with behavioural science, helping senior leaders translate vision into measurable performance gains.

Andy King – AKAC

Former leisure CEO, executive coach, and host of the influential Conveners Podcast, Andy specialises in fostering strategic partnerships and collaborative cultures. His pragmatic approach empowers leaders to dismantle silos and drive real transformation.

Libby Kirkley Bryan – Disruptive Panda

An executive and systemic team coach with deep expertise in strategy development and systems thinking, Libby helps leaders navigate complexity and embrace innovation. Her work is grounded in psychological safety and creating space for meaningful change.

Keepme's CEO to Deliver Keynote on AI in Leisure

Our CEO, Ian Mullane, will be delivering the event's keynote presentation on the impact and use cases of AI in the leisure industry.

Ian will explore how artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping operations, member engagement, and business growth across the sector – from predictive analytics that identify at-risk members to AI agents that automate lead conversion and tour bookings 24/7.

The keynote will focus on real-world applications leisure leaders can implement now, and what emerging technology means for organisations navigating rapid sector change.

What You'll Take Away

This isn't about theory. It's about equipping leisure leaders with actionable strategies, tools, and frameworks they can implement immediately.

Navigate What's Coming

Deep sector analysis on emerging challenges, policy shifts, and market opportunities that will shape the next five years. Collaborative scenario planning to future-proof your organisation.

Build High-Performance Cultures

Discover the four pillars of high performance: Purpose, Direction, Mindset, and Environment. Learn to align teams behind common goals and cultivate continuous improvement.

Unlock New Revenue Streams

Develop a business development toolkit encompassing market analysis, value proposition design, partnership negotiation, and digital innovation strategies.

Authentic Leadership

Through behavioural profiling and reflective exercises, understand your leadership style, emotional triggers, and how to build trust across diverse teams in challenging circumstances.

Peer Network

The small cohort format creates genuine connections with other senior leaders facing the same challenges. These relationships often become lasting professional networks.

Personal Development Plan

Individual coaching sessions help you consolidate insights into a bespoke leadership growth plan with SMART objectives and actionable milestones.

A Diverse Learning Experience

The programme employs multiple learning mediums to address different aspects of leadership development:

• Keynote Presentations from sector leaders providing inspiring insights

• Interactive Workshops with hands-on activities for deep learning

• Action Learning for real-time problem solving with peer support

• Individual & Group Coaching for personalised feedback and solutions

• Live Leadership Challenges to apply concepts in real-world scenarios

Why Keepme is Partnering with This Event

When you're working at the cutting edge of AI and automation in leisure, you see firsthand how critical strong leadership is to successful transformation.

Technology enables growth, operational efficiency, and enhanced member experiences – but it's visionary leaders who drive lasting change. Leaders who can navigate complexity, build collaborative cultures, and position their organisations for the future.

This event represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking investment in people that creates compounding impact. The leisure sector is at an inflection point, and the leaders who develop now – who sharpen their strategic lens and build the right networks – will be the ones shaping what comes next.

That's why we're proud to support this initiative. It aligns with our mission not just to build innovative technology, but to advance the entire sector.

Event Details

Dates: Monday 30 March – Wednesday 1 April 2026 (three consecutive days)

Venue: YMCA Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 8BD

Investment: £1,400 (includes all programme materials, accommodation, meals, and refreshments)

Format: Residential (limited places to ensure personalised attention)

Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, YMCA Lakeside offers private meeting spaces, comfortable single-occupancy accommodation with en-suites, and an environment that inspires both reflection and wellbeing.

Who Should Attend

This programme is designed for:

• Chief Executives in the leisure sector

• Directors and Heads of Service

• Senior leaders responsible for strategy and transformation

• Leaders serious about stepping up their impact

Places are intentionally limited to ensure deep peer learning and personalised coaching.

Ready to Transform Your Leadership?

The sector is evolving faster than ever. Leaders who invest in their development now will compound that advantage for years to come.

If you're ready to stretch your leadership boundaries, sharpen your strategic thinking, and position your organisation for sustainable success, this is your opportunity.

Register Your Interest →

The leaders shaping tomorrow's leisure sector will be in that room. Will you?