Connection to change: the impact of face to face learning.
“What I love about this conference is it’s all about movement…Everyone is really connected; it’s almost like a networking event. There’s such a buzz in the air” Jamie McDonald aka Adventureman
In a world where learning can happen almost anywhere — online, on demand and at scale — some may ask why face to face learning still matters.
At Together an Active Future (TaAF) we believe system change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people come together, build trust, and learn with and from each other.
Our Curiosity Conference is a powerful example of why being together in person is irreplaceable. It’s where human connection, shared understanding and collective insight spark action.
The challenges we’re tackling don’t exist in silos. People move through complex, overlapping systems every day. So to create meaningful change, we need space where change can be reshaped together. The Curiosity Conference was designed with this in mind; to bring people from a range of sectors and places together to build relationships, collaborate, and form lasting partnerships.
Learning together brings systems to life
“We’re required to produce reports, demonstrate impact and show evidence – but where that really travels is when we come together in person.” says Emily Brady Young, Research and Evaluation Lead, Together an Active Future.
Reports, evaluations and evidence are essential, but face to face learning is what brings them to life, connects data to people, places and purpose. Coming together allows participants to experience ideas collectively; ask questions and learn alongside people they may never otherwise meet. This shared experience helps turn theory into understanding and understanding into action.
Breaking down silos across sectors
“You soon realise the connections that fall into place with your own work when you hear from people in different sectors.” Matt Donnelly, Park Play Co-ordinator for Lancashire.
“It’s a really good opportunity for people to come together to share ideas”, Paul Foster, CEO, Burnley Leisure and Culture.
A key benefit of face to face learning is the ability to connect people across different sectors – education, health, local government, physical activity, primary care and community organisations. The conference created space for these sectors to “un-silo” their thinking, helping participants see how their work weaves through a person’s life, rather than in isolation. These connections are more immediate and meaningful when we’re in the same room.
Learning whilst moving
“It was great not to be sat down for too long – you could feel the thoughtfulness that had gone into how people learn.” Kenny Chu, Merseyside Sports Partnership.
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e know from research that movement boosts learning by enhancing engagement, memory and focus. The day was designed to keep people moving. Instead of staying in one room, delegates moved across three different venues in the town, walking and talking as they went. The ‘Place Standard Tool’ session, took form of a walking tour, putting theory into practice. A number of speakers, including Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, Royal College of GPs Lifestyle and Physical Activity Clinical Champion, encouraged everyone to move during the sessions they delivered.
Relationships matter
“I really enjoy this conference for different reasons, one of those is definitely deepening connections. You might have heard a name before, but you get the chance to put the face to a name and have a chat with them at different points throughout the day” Rosie Fenwick, Project Manager, Active Blackburn with Darwen.
Delegates repeatedly describe the value of informal conversations – walking between venues, sitting together at lunch, or taking part in workshops. These moments help people put faces to names, make connections and build relationships that continue beyond the event itself. As Michelle Fletcher, TaAF Comms Manager says “Connections really matter – knowing who to call when you want to learn more or when you need an ally to lean on.” These interactions are harder to achieve in virtual spaces, where conversations are more transactional and time‑limited.
Confidence, capability and culture change
“That gives people permission to test and learn, to try new things and new ideas.” Andrew Whittaker, Strategic Lead – Partnerships Advisor for North West & North East, Activity Alliance.
Sport England gave TaAF permission to test and learn new approaches to physical activity and share these lessons openly. This conference was a safe space for people to share their stories, not just their successes but their struggles and how they adapted. When we share our honest reflections, we provide others with real insight and valuable learning. Hearing real stories of impact from peers helps shift culture and inspires participants to believe that they too, can drive change in their own communities.
Information sharing and knowledge exchange
“I was able to connect with someone about funding and now I’ll be supporting them further with their application.” Dr Lauren Hall, Research Associate, Dept of Applied Health Sciences.
“We’ve built a relationship today, and that’s already led to plans to work together next.” Obed Enningful, Active Travel Officer, Lancashire County Council.
By the end of the day, learning had already started to ripple outward. Delegates didn’t just take learning away for themselves but for their organisations. Conversations sparked collaborations and face to face learning was the catalyst.
Lasting impact
TaAF appreciates how hard it is to step away from busy roles, to make space for learning, to justify time and cost when resource and capacity is stretched. That’s why TaAF is committed to make the Curiosity Conference a free event to all.
We believe the Curiosity Conference is not just a learning event, it is an active driver of system change. From the feedback we’ve received, we know that when people are given the time, space and permission to learn together change happens faster. TaAF has created the opportunity to learn together, enabling others to make connections, increase their confidence in their capabilities to make new ways of working and lasting change possible.
Watch the video to experience conference and hear first-hand from various members of the TaAF team, various presenters including keynote speaker Jamie McDonald also known as ‘Adventureman’ and a host of delegates.
