Renowned tennis commentator Barry Millns will host proceedings at the inaugural Tennis Summit on April 9 after confirming he will act as master of ceremonies for the event.
A familiar voice during The Championships, Millns is a former chairman of the Lawn Tennis Writers Association and has worked as a tennis journalist for over 20 years, first commentating at Wimbledon in 1990.
Millns, who has also worked for Eurosport, BBC Radio 5Live and the International Tennis Federation, believes the occasion will be a “pivotal event for British tennis”.
“I was instrumental in forming the relationship between the LTWA and the TIA UK, and I’m certain that the Tennis Summit is going to be a pivotal event for British tennis,” he said. “It certainly sets the stage for a good debate.”
With the theme, “Is British Tennis fighting back?”, The Tennis Summit will take place at the Holiday Inn at the Olympic Park in Stratford, east London.
New Lawn Tennis Association chief executive Michael Downey is a confirmed panelist alongside TIA UK chairman Steve Matthews, Prince CEO Mike Ballardie and Chris Trickey, chief executive of the Sports and Play Construction Association. Two further panelists will be announced over the coming weeks.
It is hoped that the 2014 Tennis Summit will become an annual event as the TIA UK brings the industry together to discuss the state of British tennis and how cooperation can help further development and growth.
“We see this as an important gathering of the minds and hope The Tennis Summit attracts delegates from across the broad range of businesses that depend on the success of the game in this country,” said TIA UK chairman Matthews.
“We have to find ways to collaborate to effectively build participation and grow the sport, and I hope the Tennis Summit will be the first of many small steps that will help to achieve great things.”
Registration is now open with discounted rates offered to delegates who sign up before February 28.
“We are delighted with the response we have had for the Tennis Summit but would like to remind people that the early bird rate ends at the end of February so book your place now to beat the price increase,” said TIA UK Executive Director Brett Watson.
Space is limited to 100 places. For tickets, contact Gilly English.
Before February 28:
Members £35+VAT
Non-members @ £45+VAT
After March 1:
Members @ £45+VAT
Non-members @ £55+VAT
The 2014 Tennis Summit