Everything you need to know about the 2026 Rugby Development Conference!
Created in 2023, the Development Conference brings our rugby community together to build relationships, learn, problem-solve, and share best practices. Now in its fourth year, this conference marks a significant shift towards centering developing work around the entire Rugby Ontario community and beyond, helping to build foundational resources, initiatives, and growth opportunities.
2026 Rugby Development Conference
Rugby Ontario is happy to announce details for the fourth annual Development Conference taking place, in person, on December 5th, 2026, at York University in Toronto, ON.
The theme for this year’s conference is Collaborating Beyond the Club! We will build and expand on connections between Club leaders and volunteers, branches, researchers, and community connections from outside organizations through an interactive day of idea-sharing, networking, partnership building, and co-creation. The topic for the day is Youth Leadership Development.
You won’t want to miss it – learn more below and register before November 22nd!
Please Note: this year’s registration is being done through SportLomo. Log in or sign up for an account to register. If you have any issues or questions, contact member services (memberservices@rugbyontario.com).
Conference Details:
Theme: Collaborating Beyond the Club
Topic: Youth Leadership Development
Date: December 5th, 2026
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Address : Executive Learning Centre, Private Dining Room @ Schulich School of Business, York University
56 Fine Arts Rd Toronto ON., M3J 3M6
Please Note: this is an exclusively IN PERSON event
Registration: Open until November 22nd at 11:59 pm
Cost:
- Adult Ticket: $50
- Youth/Student Ticket (Under 30 or currently enrolled as a student): $20
Capacity: Limited spots available
Format:
This year’s conference will have a different format than prior years. Instead of centering around speakers, the day will be divided into a series of working sessions for facilitated discussion among attendees. The overarching question for the day is “How do we grow and develop young leaders?” We will explore this question across three areas: Leadership Development, School Connections, and Program Design. The final two sessions on Grants and Partnerships, and Project Planning will support participants to put everything together into tangible actions before we wrap up. Community experts, researchers, and Rugby Ontario staff and will be present to guide discussions, provide experience-based suggestions, connect on project ideas, network, and Collaborate Beyond the Club! Check out the schedule breakdown below!
Schedule:
FAQs
Who should attend?
This year’s conference is aimed at building connections across the province. We encourage club leaders, program directors, branch representatives, and anyone interested in the development of rugby in Ontario and of young leaders in particular (no matter your role) to join us. External partners, including researchers, community organizations, schools, university student athletes and coaches, municipalities, and others are also welcome!
Do I count as a youth/student?
Youth is anyone under 30 years of age and students must be actively registered with an academic institution.
Do I need a SportLomo account to register?
Yes, you do need a SportLomo account to register for this year’s conference. If you have an existing account, please log in using your email and password. If you do not already have a SportLomo account, sign up using your email. For any issues or concerns, contact member services (memberservices@rugbyontario.com).
What’s included in registration?
Registration includes a day of collaboration and networking with clubs, researchers, and community groups, as well as provided lunch and refreshments, access to the post-conference social at York University, a special gift, and more!
Is virtual attendance available?
With collaboration and discussion at the forefront of this year’s conference, there will be no virtual option to attend. Portions of the event may be made available following the conference date on Rugby Ontario’s YouTube channel, however, we encourage everyone to attend in person if they are able. The Rugby Development Series will remain virtual and accessible to all. Stay tuned for more details on the 2027 Winter Development Series.
What will I get from attending this conference?
The goal of the Collaborating Beyond the Club conference is to build connections between clubs, branches, researchers, and community organizations to create meaningful partnerships for future action. You will leave the conference with actionable ideas from each topic discussion, concrete examples of existing projects, a starting plan for how to achieve your goals, and network and partnership connections with external community organizations, Rugby Development Consultants, other clubs, your branch, and researchers.
How do I get to the venue?
This year’s conference will take place at the Schulich School of Business at York University (56 Fine Arts Rd Toronto ON., M3J 3M6). Parking is available throughout York University’s campus, and TTC subway and bus transit options are available within a 5-minute walk of the venue.
Is parking available at York University?
Parking is not included; however, York University offers a variety of underground and above-ground visitor parking options throughout their campus. The closest parking lot is found across the street from the venue, under York University’s Student Recruitment & Admissions building. Parking costs vary across the university and range from $10 to $20.
Is there a hotel nearby if I’m traveling from out of town?
A variety of accommodation options are available for attendees traveling from out of town. The Schulich Hotel & Conference Centre has rooms in the same venue as the conference and is available for under $220 per night. Other nearby hotels within a 10–25-minute commute of the venue include Best Western, Holiday Inn, Four Points by Sheraton, and Staybridge Suites, which offer rooms between $160 and $230 per night.
What should I bring?
Any required materials and resources will be provided on-site for you. All we ask is that you come with ideas or questions on our key discussion topics, an open-mind, and be ready to collaborate with other clubs, branches, community groups, researchers, and external organizations!
Is there a dress code?
There is no mandatory dress code for the conference, we just ask that you wear something comfortable and professional for the day. Casual/business casual is recommended.
Is the post-conference social included in my registration?
Yes, the post-conference social is included in your registration and will take place at York University.
Check out the past Rugby Development Conferences on Rugby Ontario’s YouTube channel now!