Sharing ideas at the RYA Training Conference
by Becky Gilbert-Wood 2 Feb 2020 12:33 EST
1-2 February 2020
Welcome Talk - RYA Training Conference © RYA
More than 200 delegates from RYA recognised training centres across the UK and overseas gathered this weekend (01-02 February 2020) for the RYA Training Conference supported by Gallagher.
Principals, Trainers, Coaches and Instructors within the RYA Dinghy, Windsurfing, Power, Personal Watercraft and Inland Waterways schemes all attended the annual event at the Wyboston Lakes Resort in Bedfordshire.
Each year the conference offers delegates opportunities for personal and professional development, with a packed schedule of workshops, CPD sessions and hand-picked exhibitors. In addition, there is always news from the RYA, updates about the training schemes, publications and the future of the wider industry.
Highlights included an insightful and inspiration talk from British Sailing Team sailor, Anna Carpenter as she shared the highs and lows of her sailing career and recent Olympic campaign.
Sunday kicked off with an engaging and thought-provoking session on Emotional Intelligence from Alan Olive, leading consultant and practitioner to Olympic sports
Delegates were also able to enjoy sessions on mental health in the workplace, social media content creation and ways to make theory sessions more dynamic and engaging.
Sustainability was a hot topic, with no single-use plastics used at the paperless event. The Green Blue were also on hand to offer advice to centres and Dinton Activity Centre Manager, Tanya Lee, delivered a workshop looking at the benefits of a greener approach for businesses.
The exhibitor hall was also popular, providing opportunities to find out more about the latest developments in equipment. Long-term conference sponsors, Gallagher Insurance were on hand to offer advice to delegates and RYA Account Manager, Ben Bennett delivered a topical technical session on cyber security.
Francesca Murphy, commented: "This is my first conference and I've definitely learnt a lot. It's been so useful to find out about the resources that are readily available to us as instructors, improving my knowledge and learning new things."
Anthony Frost, said: "I'd definitely recommend going to the conference. You'll meet new people, put faces to names, there's a social element which helps and it's nice to have an insight into everything that goes on at the RYA."
RYA Director of Training and Qualifications, Richard Falk commented: "It's been another fantastic weekend at the RYA Training Conference, with a strong attendance and a great selection of speakers and exhibitors. The change in venue this year has been very well received and we hope that everyone has gone away enthused and ready for the next 12 months. Once again, our thanks go to Gallagher for their continued support."
For more information about the RYA Training Conference supported by Gallagher visit rya.org.uk/go/conference.
Or visit rya.org.uk/training to find out more about the RYA training schemes and instructor pathways.