The IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury & Illness in sport will be 2014’s premier international conference for those interested in clinical aspects of sports and exercise medicine. The diverse faculty represent the pre-eminent international authorities in injury and illness prevention. Over 120 leaders in their fields are lined up as speakers. One of many highlights promises be the opening lecture by the dynamic tandem, Prof Dohmnall Macauley and Prof Karim Khan, BMJ/BJSM editors. Other keynote speakers and topics include Paul McCrory on concussion, Benno Nigg on running injuries, Evert Verhagen on how digital and mobile platforms will influence athlete care, Andrew McIntosh on technology and equipment in sport, Juan Manuel Alonso on hamstring injury prevention, Caroline Finch on injury surveillance and rule changes.