Culture, leisure and sport remain in a perfect position to enable local services to meet targets and outcomes and drive positive change for society as a whole. This annual conference considered how the sector can meet the challenges that lie ahead and promote its position in providing high quality public services responsive to the needs of communities. The event discussed how to negotiate and deliver the critical role culture and sport can play in meeting the new indicators in Local Area Agreements. In the context of Comprehensive Area Assessments delegates also examined how to realise the contribution of culture and sport to improve the quality of life and performance of services in local areas. The conference explored the latest policy developments and opportunities for the sector such as the Empowerment White Paper and Find Your Talent.