Driving Growth & Connection

active-net Padel

Event preview

In December, the UK padel sector’s spotlight will turn to Bolton Arena as it hosts the next active-net Padel event, a one day event dedicated to exploring, investing in and connecting people in the fast-growing sector

Following the success of the inaugural event earlier this year, active-net Padel returns with a packed day of education, networking, and partnership opportunities for anyone involved in or looking to invest in the thriving padel market. The event at Bolton Arena on 3 December, delivered by active-net (part of Active Insight), is designed to bring together universities, leisure operators, private fitness suppliers and investors alongside a wide range of specialist suppliers, including turnkey management solution providers, franchises, court manufacturers, marketing agencies, health and safety experts and equipment servicing companies.

With 30 confirmed padel court operators already attending, each will have the opportunity to participate in 12 one-to-one meetings with supplier partners, an invaluable format that has become a hallmark of the active-net series. These structured sessions, combined with scheduled networking slots and thought-provoking panel discussions, make active-net Padel a unique event where ideas turn into action and connections lead to tangible results.

Learning, networking & insight

The day will begin with a Welcome Panel, chaired by David Monkhouse, Director of Active Insight, who will be joined by leading figures from across the padel landscape: David Stalker of Soul Padel and Richard Shaw from SAPCA. Together, they’ll set the tone for the day, discussing how the sport continues to expand and what’s driving the surge in participation and investment.

Following the welcome, delegates will have the opportunity to tailor their learning by choosing between two insightful panel sessions.

The first, “The Data Behind the Opportunity,” chaired by Julie Allen, Business Development Director at Active Insight, will include Jake Bennet from Padel Ventures and also Paul Mcilwraith from Portico Sport, who will provide market analysis and forecasts to help attendees understand where the biggest opportunities lie.

Running alongside this session is “Building a Padel Community” which is being delivered by Edward Dowdell of Padel Social House, David Stalker from Soul Padel, Sam Thistlewaite of Padel Plan and Neil Adebowale from RiskHQ.

Connecting people and building partnerships

At its core, active-net Padel is about connection, helping operators and suppliers collaborate to shape the future of padel in the UK. The event’s format ensures meaningful conversations between decision-makers and suppliers, encouraging long-term relationships that drive innovation and growth.

As David Monkhouse, explains: “Following our first event in June this year, we were asked by many attendees if we could organise a second session. We were delighted to see the high level of response and enthusiasm, and the passion for continuing the opportunity to come together as a group. The aim of the event, much like the other active-net series, is to connect people through insight, create memorable experiences, and bring together people to connect and form relationships. We are looking forward to bringing better connection across the sector and empowering operators to take their businesses to the next level. We know that the first active-net Padel event had a huge impact on connecting people, helping operators and suppliers to build meaningful partnerships, and extend the enthusiasm and awareness of padel across the UK. We are sure that this second event will build on that.”

With padel courts continuing to spring up across the UK, the appetite for knowledge, collaboration, and investment in this dynamic sport shows no sign of slowing down. active-net Padel provides the perfect platform for the industry to come together, share expertise, and strengthen the foundations for continued growth.

How to attend active-net Padel

Whether you’re an operator exploring how padel could enhance your facility, or a supplier looking to connect with decision-makers driving the sport forward, active-net Padel promises to be an unmissable opportunity. To secure your space at the upcoming active-net Padel event on 3rd December at Bolton Arena, visit [https://active-net.org/padel/](https://active-net.org/padel)