New Zealand rugby star and motivational leadership expert Sean Fitzpatrick has been announced as the keynote speaker for ukactive’s 2016 Flame Conference.

The former All Blacks captain, who played a record 63 consecutive matches during his 92-test career, will speak about his ongoing work around the science of a winning culture and the secrets of leadership.

“The TEAM ethos is essential in business, and I’m looking forward to talking about my work at this year’s Flame Conference,” said Fitzpatrick, who is also co-founder of the First Row Group of Companies.

“It doesn’t matter what the specific TEAM is of which you are a part; having a clear view on where you want to get to as a TEAM – a clear view that everyone understands and that everyone buys into – is critical to its success.”

Also speaking at Flame is futurist Stefan Hyttfors, who has worked with brands such as Unilever, IBM and PwC to teach businesses how to deal with change in an uncertain world.

Meanwhile, Andrew Macmillan, head of customer Service at John Lewis for three decades and now consultant in customer experience to local authorities, will cover the importance of a strong customer journey.

These speakers will be joined by a host of breakout sessions around the themes of emerging trends and sector insight, with further speakers to be announced around customer service, social media and innovation in business.

The 2016 Flame Conference will be held on 29 June at the International Conference Centre in Telford, followed in the evening by the annual Flame Awards.

“The high demand for tickets this year is testament that the sector sees Flame as a real landmark in the calendar in terms of networking, insight, and celebrating success,” said ukactive operations director Geraldine Tuck, who revealed more than 400 tickets have already been sold for the event.

“Our diverse content means there is something for everyone to take away, whether you are a CEO or a GM; a big operator or a small start-up.”