Smith's world-class pupils include Olympic gold medallists Steve Lewis, Shawn Crawford, Marie-Jose Perec, Olympic champions and former world record holders Maurice Greene and Kevin Young, and world champions Ato Boldon and Inger Miller.

The festival, which began today (October 29), has been organised to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the European Athletics Coaches Association.

London 2012 and Glasgow 2014 are firmly on the horizon, making the theme of this year's conference "The Winning Difference" all the more relevant to both the home-based and international delegates.

Smith will be joined by fellow American Art Venegas and Dr Piotr Bora to deliver a series of workshops throughout the weekend.

Endurance enthusiasts will have a treat in Renato Canova who has coached multiple world champions in the distance events and was responsible for the Italian marathon team for 11 years, while multiple Paralympic medallist Baroness Tanni-Grey Thompson will be delivering hands-on sessions to members of the Scottish Disability Squad and other interested parties.

Dr Roger Jackson, founding chief executive officer of Canada's "Own the Podium 2010" will deliver a keynote speech entitled "Achieving Excellence" on Sunday (October 31).

The star-studded conference line up will be matched as scottishathletics honour athletes, coaches and volunteers at their Annual Awards Dinner, also at the Glasgow Marriott, on Saturday night.

Double Olympic gold medallist Daley Thompson will be guest of honour after participating in a question and answer session with Bank of Scotland Countdown Camp athletes during the afternoon.