This evening sees the opening of the GAA's National Coaching and Medical Conference. The now annual event has expanded to include medical issues and has also embarked on a different approach to last year's conference, which saw a number of very high-profile figures from the world of intercounty games.

"That was probably a mistaken emphasis," according to the GAA head of games Pat Daly. "The running of these conferences is a learning curve and we took a conscious decision this year to pull it back towards the field of education and ensuring a good grounding in coaching - knowing what it's about and the most effective way of going about it."

This year the conference is spread over three days. Tonight sees modules on technology and how it can assist in the development of coaching aids. Sunday is set aside as a family day, which will combine viewing the exhibition village "so that delegates and visitors can acquaint themselves with what suppliers have to offer in terms of supports to coaching, club and games development", face painting, tours of Croke Park and access to the museum.

Tomorrow is, however, the main day's activity and will be opened with an inaugural address by GAA president Nickey Brennan. One of the reasons for having a Friday session is to spread the burden of registering 650 delegates and allow the Saturday sessions to get off to an early start.

There are six sessions, mostly including up to six modules, the subject matter for which will reflect the varying areas of specialist interest among delegates. "People indicate in advance their area of interest and the whole event is more focused and tailored to individual interests, whether that's adults' or children's coaching or administrative matters," says Daly.

There is a growing awareness within the GAA's coaching structures that the old attitudes and priorities need to be changed. Initiatives such as Go Games have been devised to encourage participation and skills development.

"There has been such an emphasis on winning," says Daly, - minimise mistakes and do what you have to do to win. Increasingly, teachers are saying the competitive model isn't working and that the participation model is better. We encourage coaches to adjust rules as they want provided everyone plays."

Even at adult levels of the games the GAA is, according to Daly, trying to address the almost exclusive emphasis on serious competitive fixtures as the only playing outlet as well as the now pressing matter of inadequate club fixtures schedules.

"Increasingly we're looking at the recreational model with its emphasis on participation and involvement.

"There are a number of issues there. Are we providing a balanced and co-ordinated programme of games? We're not because at one extreme players have to play too many matches and at the other, not enough."

A broad range of national and international speakers will address the conference across the range of issues from coaching and medical to administrative. This includes experts in coaching and games development such as Paudie Butler, national hurling development coordinator; Pat Flanagan, outgoing Kerry senior football trainer; Dublin academy coach Val Andrews; and former Meath footballer, coach and RTÉ analyst Colm O'Rourke. Specialists in developing off-the-field expertise will include Dr Rod McLaughlin, physiotherapist Ronan Carolan and consultant engineer Michael Horgan.

Further information on family open day bookings is available by contacting 01 7007578. Stadium tours and access to the Croke Park Museum will be limited and bookings are advised in advance.