NRLW coach Jess Skinner, former AFL coach Danielle Laidley, Geelong Cats CEO Steve Hocking and Paralympian Richard Colman are just some of the speakers set to share their experiences and insights with attendees.

Focusing on the theme of connection, participants from over 60 sports will collaborate with colleagues from across Australia, the Pacific, Singapore and New Zealand.

ASC Executive General Manager of Sport and Community Capability Richard McInnes says the event is a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas.

“We want sport to be safe, welcoming, inclusive and an enjoyable place for all Australians, which is a commitment we have made through Australia’s Sport Participation Strategy - Play Well, which was co-designed with the entire sector,” he said.

“This conference will focus on exactly that – how we can support coaches and officials to create great experiences in sport for everyone and help all Australians to play well. The ASC’s modern approach to coaching and officiating is a perfect example of this and we are pleased to share this important work with hundreds of coaches and officials from across Australia.”

A-Leagues match official and keynote speaker Delfina Shakespear is looking forward to engaging with fellow officials and learning from their experiences.

"I hope to impart the message that our role as officials goes beyond just enforcing rules," she said.

"We are also mentors and advocates for fair play and inclusivity. By working together, we can create a more equitable and enjoyable sports environment for everyone."

With close to 30 sessions each day, participants can take part in a mix of practical workshops, roundtable conversations and activities on a variety of topics including how to become an effective mentor, creating environments where officials with a disability thrive and exploring ways to influence others in adopting change through development.

The Coaching and Officiating Conference will be held at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong from March 18-20.

More information about the conference can be found here.