Olympian Iain Percy backs participation drive at International Sailing Summit

A trio of key speakers will address a global audience to demonstrate how inspiration and innovation can increase participation and generate business success. Olympic Gold Medallist Iain Percy OBE will welcome delegates from around the world to the International Sailing Summit (ISS) on 17 November 2014 and record-breaking quadriplegic sailor Hilary Lister and Rod Carr, Chairman of UK Sport will headline the Gala Dinner.

These key figures in the sailing world compliment an already exciting line up of international speakers at the worldwide industry forum. Recognised for driving positive change and promoting sailing on a global scale the programme centres on the theme 'Waking up the sailing industry – how sailing needs to modernise, diversify and develop to attract and retain participants'. Highlights include Spinsheet Magazine's advice on changing your game plan to welcome diverse customers, using British Cycling as a case study to grow participation, Oman Sail's view on empowering women through sports and using cost effective technology to improve participation with examples from Sail Racer.

Organised by British Sailing, a group association of the British Marine Federation (BMF), the event is expected to attract some 150 delegates representing all aspects of their sailing sector from every corner of the globe. It is the perfect event for companies who share the ultimate goal of increasing participation and bringing more business in the future. The summit takes place in Amsterdam the day before the world-renowned Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS).

Iain Percy OBE, Olympic sailor and Team Manager for Artemis Racing, said: "The recent America's Cup was a real breakthrough in making sailing mainstream; it was the first time I'd heard lots of my non-sailing friends saying they were staying up to watch the racing and that sentiment was echoed around the world. The sport was shown in such a great light. As an industry we now have to build on that excitement to continue to attract newcomers and grow the sport. Getting more people enjoying time on the water ensures the whole sector benefits."

Steve Norbury from Selden Masts added: "The sailing industry is very dynamic and presents many opportunities. I am keen to always lead Selden forwards in terms of technology, service and performance and look for the best way to gain best practice advice and networking opportunities. The International Sailing Summit is one of the best ways to achieve this and the theme for this year is exactly what the industry needs to face. I can't wait to listen to this year's speakers."