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Elevate the Debate
Join us for the inaugural Queensland Football Convention from 1 – 3 November 2024, a landmark event that will unite clubs, coaches and participants from across the state. Over three dynamic days, immerse yourself in ground-breaking discussions, cutting-edge innovations, and collaborative sessions designed to shape the future of our game.
Under the unifying theme “Elevate the Debate,” we will explore the essential pillars of Growth, Sustainability, and Technology, driving forward the progress and success of football across the state. Attendees will engage in strategic discussions, learn from industry experts, and participate in breakout sessions tailored to their specific roles.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the ongoing transformation of our game. Register now and join us in making history at the Queensland Football Convention 2024. Together, we will elevate the debate and chart a bold new course for football in Queensland.




Tickets
Tickets
Date: Friday, 1 November 2024
Time: from 5:20pm
Location: Suncorp Stadium Sunset Lounge
Kick off the Queensland Football Convention in style with our Cocktail Networking Evening at the Suncorp Stadium Sunset Lounge, while soaking up the action as Brisbane Roar take on Sydney FC in their A-League Men’s home opener. This exclusive event is designed to connect football stakeholders with key business and government representatives, fostering meaningful conversations and valuable relationships in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere as guests enjoy a delectable selection of canapés and premium drinks.
As the opening event of the convention, the Cocktail Networking Evening sets the tone for an impactful weekend. Mingle with industry leaders, business innovators and fellow football enthusiasts, all while enjoying a night of gourmet food and fine beverages. This is the perfect opportunity to build connections that can drive the future of football in Queensland.
Dates: Saturday, 2 – Sunday, 3 November 2024
Location: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Dive deep into the strategic direction and future of football in Queensland over an immersive two-day event. Engage with renowned guest speakers and participate in expert-led panels that will explore the strategic aspects of our game. Tailored breakout sessions for clubs and coaches will provide practical knowledge and strategies that can be directly applied to your role. This pivotal event is your chance to gain invaluable insights and contribute to shaping the future of football in Queensland.
Saturday’s sessions begin with a compelling keynote address, setting the stage for a day focused on football innovation and growth. Specialised breakout sessions in the afternoon allow you to delve into areas most relevant to your role, providing actionable strategies for coaching or club management. On Sunday, the conversation deepens with a focus on growth, sustainability, and technology, equipping you with the tools needed to excel in your area. The convention will culminate in a comprehensive closing session that synthesises the weekend’s learnings and sets the stage for future initiatives.
Don’t miss this opportunity to network, share experiences, and be at the forefront of football’s evolution in Queensland. Secure your place now and join us in driving the future of our game.
Date: Saturday, 2 November 2024
Time: 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Brisbane City Hall, King George Square
Join us for the prestigious 2024 Football in Queensland Awards Night, a highlight of our football calendar, as we recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals, teams, and clubs across the state.
Football Queensland’s highest accolades will be awarded to the state’s most outstanding male and female players, referees, coaches, and clubs. We will also pay tribute to the invaluable contributions of volunteers, administrators, and clubs who tirelessly support the game at all levels.
Experience an unforgettable night while enjoying a superb two-course meal and four-hour premium drinks package. Tickets are on sale now, so secure your spot at the 2024 Football in Queensland Awards Night and join us for a night to remember.

Ross Bernstein
A best-selling author and award-winning speaker, Bernstein's extensive background in the professional sports industry across the USA has seen him interview thousands of professional athletes and coaches to uncover the secrets behind championship-winning teams. One of three speakers globally to hold the titles of Speaker Hall of Fame, Certified Speaking Professional, and Global Speaking Fellow, his work discusses the unique philosophies that drive elite-level success both on and off the field and has been featured in CNN, ESPN, and The New York Times.

Catherine Clark
Catherine Clark GAICD is a distinguished sports leader with over 25 years of experience, including as CEO of state and national sports organisations including Paralympics Australia, Gymnastics Australia and Netball Queensland and as a Board Member for major sports associations. She has driven significant achievements in the sports sector, engaging with government and stakeholders while leading impactful national and local programs.

Michael Connelly
Michael Connelly is the Managing Director of CPR Group, bringing over 27 years of expertise in governance and strategic development for a diverse range of community, stakeholder and sports organisations. With partnerships through CPR Group with major governing bodies like Netball Queensland and Queensland Touch Football, Michael's dynamic approach through CPR's 'clubMENTOR' program has empowered thousands of clubs to enhance resilience and achieve long-term success through effective governance and leadership.

Shane Britten
Shane Britten is the founder of SocialProtect, an online security app that partners with leading sports clubs like Ajax, Penrith Panthers, Melbourne Storm, and Fremantle Dockers to create safer digital environments for fans and players. With a strong background in intelligence and security, including leadership roles at AlphaSix Consulting and Crime Stoppers International, Shane is dedicated to enhancing online safety and fostering positive interactions within the sports community.

Chris Rawlinson OLY
Christopher Rawlinson is a former two-time Olympian and top 8 international 400m hurdler, representing England and Great Britain. With extensive experience in high-performance sport and government relations from previous roles at Football Australia and Netball Queensland, he has built a diverse career in sports consultancy, project management, and mentorship across the sports ecosystem.

Prof. Fabio Serpiello
A leading expert in sport and exercise science, Serpiello has collaborated with world football giants including Juventus, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona and will share his world-class knowledge on the role that sport science and technology play in advancing football in his session at the 2024 Coaching Convention, 'The Future of Football Technology: Driving Innovation with Impact'.

Ademir Calovi Costa
Calovi Costa's background in high-performance coaching has shaped the careers of many professional players. As a FIFA instructor and recognised expert in coach development, he boasts over 24 years of experience including as High-Performance Youth Coordinator at Sport Club Internacional and will bring his wealth of knowledge to the 2024 Coaching Convention as he delivers a session titled 'Individual Development of Athletes: Strategies for Navigating Game Challenges'

Dan Favier
Dan Favier is the Head of Strength and Conditioning and Sport Science for the Brisbane Roar FC Isuzu A-League Men’s team, bringing a diverse background in athletic performance. With previous experience in Olympic sports such as Youth Beach and Indoor Volleyball, Women’s Football, and the Australian Olympic Archery team, as well as roles in the NRL and NRLW, Dan has contributed to various state and national sporting programs showcasing his commitment and expertise in enhancing athletic development.

Mirelle Van Rijbroek
Mirelle van Rijbroek is the Chief Football Officer for the Women's Professional Game, where she leads initiatives to develop and elevate women's football in England, overseeing the Barclay's Women's Super League and the Barclay's Women's Championship leagues. With extensive experience in talent identification, she previously served as the Director of Talent Identification for the U.S. Soccer Federation, focusing on youth national team development, and has also held roles with FIFA and KNVB (Royal Dutch Football Association).

Janet Drakos
Janet Drakos is the National Female Wellbeing Manager for Football Australia, where she oversees the wellbeing of the Australian women's national team across all age groups, leveraging her extensive experience in athlete support. Previously, she served as High-Performance Manager at Netball Australia and has worked with Endeavour Energy and Springboard Health and Performance, focusing on health and wellbeing management.

Dr. Steve Rynne
Dr. Steven Rynne is an Associate Professor in Sports Coaching at The University of Queensland, where he specialises in high-performance coach learning and Indigenous sport. With over 20 years of community coaching experience, he has collaborated with organisations such as the Queensland Academy of Sport and the Australian Sports Commission, focusing on enhancing athletic performance and fostering inclusive coaching practices across various levels, including school, Olympic, Paralympic, and professional sports.

Bo Hanson
Bo Hanson is a former Australian Rower and three-time Olympic bronze medallist, who is a seasoned expert in sports leadership and development, with over 25 years of experience helping athletes and organisations achieve peak performance. As the founder of Athlete Assessments, he pioneered the world’s first sport-specific DISC Behavioural Profiling tool and has worked with over 100,000 individuals, clubs and schools across over 40 sports, including the Queensland Firebirds, University of Florida and the London City Lionesses, consistently delivering exceptional results for his clients in coaching strategies and performance.

Dr. Ceri Bowely
Ceri Bowley is a seasoned football professional, having served as a first team coach for Rangers FC and playing a pivotal role at City Football Group in developing the City Football Methodology that contributed to the success of teams like Girona FC, Manchester City, and Melbourne City. He holds a PhD in Sports Psychology and Coaching Science and currently serves as the technical director for the Elite Clubs National League, building on his extensive past experiences with clubs such as Barry Town and Swansea.

Hans Vander Elst
Hans Vander Elst is a football professional with over 25 years of experience as a coach, academy director, and sporting director across Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Africa. Currently serving as the Director of Football with Double Pass, he has previously held roles at multiple Belgium clubs including assistant manager for the first team and academy director at Oud-Heverless Leuven, as well as Youth Coordinator at Zwarte Duivels Oud-Heverlee.

Jelle Van Camp
Jelle Van Camp is a Sports Diplomacy Advisor based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, currently collaborating with Double Pass and drawing on prior expertise with clubs such as STVV, Al Shabab, and Al Ahli Saudi FC. His diverse roles, including Technical Director and Football Manager, have enabled him to significantly influence football development across various organisations worldwide.