Events
SFIA Super Regional Series
SFIA's Super Regional Series brings the sports and fitness industry together to a local city to help build community.
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The SFIA Super Regionals are a series of intimate, half-day conferences and receptions focused on the State of the Industry and critical topics for SFIA members and their regions
The Super Regional Series travels the country targeting regions with high SFIA member concentrations. SFIA will curate an afternoon of dynamic panel discussions with industry experts addressing the most relevant issues of the day, catering to the specific market and SFIA member focuses. Each Super Regional will include a State of the Industry Presentation, along with panels in subject areas including grassroots sports participation, consumer behavior, public policy, product innovation, women in sports, retail marketing, research, and people and culture.
Each Super Regional will conclude with a networking reception and, in some cases, a “fireside chat” with an industry leader.
Upcoming Super Regionals
May 29, 2024 | New York, NY: Offices of Loeb & Loeb
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 | 5:30 P.M.
Offices of Loeb & Loeb
345 Park Ave
New York, NY 10154
*This Super Regional will premiere the 2024 State of the Industry Report as presented by SFIA’s President & CEO, Tom Cove*
Pricing:
SFIA Members: $125 per person/$100 for 4+
Non-Members: $150 per person
July 24, 2024 | Chicago, IL: Wilson Sporting Goods HQ
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 | 1:00 P.M.
Wilson Sporting Goods Headquarters – Prudential Tower
1 Prudential Plaza
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60601
Pricing:
SFIA Members: $225 per person/$175 for 4+
Non-Members: $300 per person
Registration Opening Soon!
October 1, 2024 | St. Louis, MO: Rawlings World HQ
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 | 1:00 P.M.
Rawlings World Headquarters
462 W. Port Plaza Dr.
Saint Louis, MO, 63146
Pricing:
SFIA Members: $225 per person/$175 for 4+
Non-Members: $300 per person
Registration Opening Soon!
Stay tuned for more 2024 Fall Super Regionals dates and locations to be announced soon!
Advanced registration is required for these limited-capacity events. Registrations will be coordinated on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to SFIA approval. If you have any questions on registration, please contact Chandler Hoffman.
2023 Super Regionals
Thank you to everyone who attended our Super Regionals in November 2023!
Boston Super Regional
November 1, 2023: Warrior Ice Arena
Click here to view photos from the Boston Super Regional
Seattle Super Regional
November 9, 2023: Brooks Sports Global Headquarters
Click here to view photos from the Seatle Super Regional
New York Super Regional
November 15, 2023: Offices of Loeb & Loeb
Click here to view photos from the New York Super Regional
“Brooks hosted a Super Regional in Seattle, and it was a great way to engage the industry in local markets and in smaller groups. The SFIA team did a great job putting together an agenda and list of speakers that drove great conversations and even better networking opportunities.”
— Dan Sheridan, CEO, Brooks
“Attending a Super Regional was an eye-opener for me. It’s clear that the SFIA is leading the way in uniting the sports community during these transformative times. With the NHL’s support, these events are not just meetings; they are catalysts for meaningful dialogue on the pressing issues we face. This partnership underscores the importance of coming together to drive progress. I encourage anyone passionate about sports and fitness to experience the synergy and innovation at these super regionals firsthand.”
— Rob Wooley, Vice President of Legislative Affairs and Executive Director, NHL Foundation
“The Boston Super Regional provided a unique and local opportunity to indulge in some timely state of the industry information from a reliable source. The Super Regional agenda allowed for a nice mix of presentations, panel discussions, and breakouts that helped make the topics engaging and actionable. It was also good to reconnect with some old friends and make a few new ones at the networking reception.”
— Ray Hilvert, Vice President, New Balance
“Super Regionals provide a unique and local opportunity to indulge in some timely state of the industry information from a reliable source. The agenda allowed for a nice mix of presentations, panel discussions, and breakouts that helped make the topics engaging and actionable. It was also good to reconnect with some old friends and make a few new ones at the networking reception.”
— Ed Kinnaly, CEO, Bauer, Maverik & Cascade
“The Super Regionals are a great way to dive into relevant sports industry topics with colleagues from a variety of organizations. We found it invaluable for learning and networking and were quite pleased to bring a large contingent to the 2023 Boston event.”
— John Lynch, Vice President, Marketing, Franklin Sports
“Being part of the SFIA’s Super Regional was truly meaningful for me. It was great to speak up for girls’ and women’s sports, focusing on how we can all help remove the barriers that keep people from participating. SFIA is doing an awesome job at leading these important conversations as the sports world keeps changing. These super regionals are more than just get-togethers; they’re opportunities for us to come up with new ideas to make sports more welcoming for everyone. If you care about pushing sports forward, especially for women and girls, getting involved in these events can make a real difference.”
— Haley Skarupa, Olympic Gold Medalist, NHL Foundation Ambassador, Head Scout of the U.S. Women’s National Ice Hockey Team
Thank You Super Regional Series Sponsors
For more information or for questions on SFIA’s Super Regional Series, or if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Glenn Horine at [email protected] or (203) 814-7307.
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association has secured an allocation of exclusive VIP Hosted Buyer passes for DELIVER Americas which are available for our members to claim.
VIP passes include travel refund of $300, complimentary hotel, meals and transfers for the two-day event in September.
SFIA MEMBERS CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS DEAL BY: Logging in here & navigating to the “Members Only” tab.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2022 Industry Leaders Summit (ILS), presented by Credova, on October 25-26, 2022 in Chicago!
The Secrets to Building a Disruptor Brand
Mega Trends and Consumer Insights
Understanding the trends and consumer insights can position us to react, but disrupting the trends and shaping the insights can position us to lead! In this session, we dive into the data and the trending insights we are seeing across the consumer landscape. Using the massive bank of consumer purchase information that only Mastercard could collect, Rustom will then go deeper, with a focus on being disruptive marketers to push ahead of those trends now and into the future.
Rustom Dastoor
Executive Vice President, Integrated Marketing & Communications, North America, Mastercard
What Makes “hot” new brands “hot”
The dynamic and fast-paced emergence of innovation, new brands, and new services makes for exciting change and opportunity for the industry and the consumers. But what makes these new companies successful? Why do some thrive while others are still searching for relevance? Let us dive into a fun discussion with some fairly young brands to understand – what makes a “hot” new brand “hot?”
Acquiring and retaining talent in a hyper-competitive labor market
The fallout from the “Great Resignation” has impacted companies large and small across all industries. Hiring managers face new challenges to attract and retain talent from early career roles up through the executive ranks. Join this group of top HR professionals to learn about issues that are keeping those in charge of people and culture up at night, such as navigating the change management process, managing remote work environment expectations, escalating salary demands, recruiting diverse talent, and more.
digital products, web 3.0, crypto, and beyond
The future of digital products is happening in real-time. Hear from leading innovators in the space to discuss how emerging digital products, technologies, and services must be transformative and relevant to the growth of the business, the desires and needs of the consumers, and the expectations of the evolving sports participant, fan, and consumer.
Rob McCutcheon
Director, Digital Innovation and Ecosystems, Gatorade
Dan Moriarty
Vice President, Marketing, Chicago Bulls
HOW Title IX Changed the face of sports and our industry
As we honor the 50th anniversary of Title IX, let’s highlight the progress women have made in the industry, both on and off the field. As importantly, let’s discuss the future that Title IX presents to women’s sports and the businesses that support them. Where are the future opportunities to unlock growth in participation, build investments from brands and media, and connect with new and evolving demands from the female consumer? Leading female executives will lean in on what Title IX looks like after 50.
Mid-Term Elections insight in the new political landscape
Charlie Cook is one of the most authoritative analysts of US elections – an exceptionally trusted and respected voice on the American electorate. In this session, Charlie will look ahead to the 2022 midterm elections and beyond. As the political landscape quickly evolves, Charlie will provide a glimpse into the future and provide sports leaders with tips on how to navigate the political terrain.
Trends in US Sports Retail
Back by popular demand! Join Matt Powell, one of the most respected and widely followed analysts in the country on U.S. sports product industry retail, brands, trends, and forecasts for our morning session as he shares the highlights and insights on U.S. retail and consumer behaviors from the first half of 2022. Matt will then do a deeper dive into the specific sports product trends, how they are impacting the industry now, and how they will shape the future of sports retail and product innovation. As a long-time NPD veteran, Matt brings a unique experience and skill set to identify trends and highlight potential industry shifts.
NIL: The Intended and Unintended Gamechanger
Name Image Likeness (NIL) continues to be a hot topic that fuels discussion and debate from all ends of the spectrum. It has undoubtedly changed the financial landscape for a number of young student-athletes. It has unlocked opportunities for new business models creating a new marketplace in collegiate sports. But, has the impact been positive for all stakeholders? We will have a real and honest discussion on the merits and challenges of NIL, including how it affects high school and college sports participation and experience, best strategies for sports products companies to engage, and what role the industry can play now to ensure the future of NIL is positive and good for business.
Kristina Minor
Senior Associate Athletic Director – Compliance & Regulatory Affairs, Northwestern University Athletics
The Future of Influence
Are you confident about the time and money you are spending on marketing? Is it really influencing your customers and growing your business? Learn how leading brands ensure that the influential content, conversations, and recommendations customers trust improves performance in every channel. Join ExpertVoice CEO Tom Stockham as he explores the confluence of influencer marketing in consumer decision-making.
Supply Chains: More Disruption Disasters or Sustainable Stability?
The fragility of supply chains was exposed by COVID-19 as factories and ports closed, shipping slowed, containers were abandoned, and demand for products shifted. The pandemic adversely impacted everything from the availability of raw materials and product inputs, to labor issues at factories and ports, to shortages of truck drivers and containers.
What does the future hold? How will shipping reform help and when? What is the impact of West Coast labor talks? This much-anticipated supply chain analysis will address these questions and more.
Vince Iacopella
Executive Vice President, Growth & Strategy, Alba Wheels Up International LLC
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Click here to learn more about Credova and to connect.
Friends Of the Industry Leaders Summit
Throughout the year, SFIA hosts webinars to provide attendees access to timely expertise and interactive guidance to address pressing industry challenges.
SFIA Webinars are FREE for members and $259 for non-members. Each webinar is 30-45 minutes of a presentation, followed by live Q&A. Recordings of each webinar and contact information are provided free for members, and to non-members who registered. Slide decks will be provided if applicable.
UPCOMING WEBINARS
More Webinars Coming – Stay Tuned for Dates!
Past WEBINARS
RECORDINGS AVAILABLE TO SFIA MEMBERS ONLY
Sports & Fitness Participation Webinar
Monday, March 4, 2024
To view the recordings and slides from this webinar, please visit sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars, 2024 Collection – Sports & Fitness Participation Webinar.
Tariff Relief in 2024: Lowering Costs of Getting Imported Goods to Market | Presented by ST&R
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
To view the recordings and slides from this webinar, please visit sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars, 2023 Collection – Tariff Relief in 2024: Lowering Costs of Getting Imported Goods to Market | Presented by ST&R.
How to Build an Impactful Narrative For Your Brand Protection Program | Presented by Corsearch
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
To view the recordings and slides from this webinar, please visit sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars, 2023 Collection – How to Build an Impactful Narrative For Your Brand Protection Program.
The Professional Growth of Emerging Leaders | Presented by SFIA’s Excelerator Program Associate
Thurday, October 26, 2023
To view the recordings and slides from this webinar, please visit sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars, 2023 Collection – The Professional Growth of Emerging Leaders Webinar.
The State of Pickleball Research Webinar | Presented by SFIA and Pickleheads
Monday, August 21, 2023
To view the recordings and slides from this webinar, please visit sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars, 2023 Collection – The State of Pickleball Research Webinar.
The Impact of Forever Chemical Regulations on the Sporting Goods Industry | A Regulatory, Scientific, and Legal Overview
Thursday, July 20, 2023
To view the recordings and slides from this webinar, please visit sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars, 2023 Collection – The Impact of Forever Chemical Regulations on the Sporting Goods Industry | A Regulatory, Scientific, and Legal Overview.
Fighting Online Infringement in the Sports Industry: Practical Steps to Protect Your Brand and Revenue | Presented by Red Points
Thursday, June 1, 2023
To view the recordings and slides from this webinar, please visit sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars, 2023 Collection – Fighting Online Infringement in the Sports Industry: Practical Steps to Protect Your Brand and Revenue.
State of the Industry Research Webinar | Presented by SFIA
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
To view the recordings and slides from this webinar, please visit sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars, 2023 Collection – State of the Industry Research Webinar.
Sports & Fitness Participation Research Webinar | Presented by SFIA
Thursday, March 16, 2023
To view the recordings and slides from this webinar, please visit sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars, 2023 Collection – Sports & Fitness Participation Research Webinar.
Supply Chain Challenges and the Future of Digitalization and Innovation | Presented by DELIVER
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
To view the recordings and slides from this webinar, please visit sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars, 2023 Collection – Supply Chain Challenges and the Future of Digitalization and Innovation.
More Money in Your Pocket | Improving Your Bottom Line: Presented by Merchant Cost Consulting
Thursday, February 7, 2023
To view the recordings and slides from this webinar, please visit sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars, 2023 Collection – More Money in Your Pocket | Improving Your Bottom Line.
PASS PHIT: Save Money on Youth Sports | Take Action Now to Lower Family Activity Costs
Thursday, December 1, 2022
To view the recordings and slides from this webinar, click here to view the recording from our brief webinar (passcode 6pF^Dif^) – PASS PHIT: Save Money on Youth Sports | Take Action Now to Lower Family Activity Costs
For an information flyer on PHIT, click here.
China Tariffs: Expire, Exclude, or Extend
Thursday, July 14, 2022
To view the recordings and slides from this webinar, please visit sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars, 2022 Collection – China Tariffs: Expire, Exclude, or Extend.
State of the Industry Webinar Series: Business Intelligence
Thursday, June 9, 2022
To view the recordings and slides from this webinar, please visit sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars, 2022 Collection – State of the Industry: Participation Update.
State of the Industry Webinar Series: Participation Update
Thursday, June 2, 2022
To view the recordings and slides from this webinar, please visit sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars, 2022 Collection – State of the Industry: Participation Update.
To view our entire list of previously hosted webinars and access prior recordings and slides, please visit MemberSuite, select Members-Only, Webinar Recordings. To view these webinars, you will need to be logged in as an SFIA member.
For more information or for questions on the SFIA Webinar Series, please contact [email protected].
If you are a member of the media and would like to attend free of charge, please contact Lisa Futterman.
Join Us for the 2024 Team Sports Conference, taking place April 15-16!
Hosted by SFIA, NFHS, and NCAA, the Team Sports Conference brings together SFIA members, sporting goods brands, professional leagues, and governing bodies for a comprehensive event to explore the youth and school team sports arena.
Location: The Alexander
333 S Delaware St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
*Schedule and agenda are subject to change
SFIA Council Meetings will take place on Monday, April 15 beginning at 1 p.m. and will conclude prior to our Welcome Reception, taking place at 6 p.m. at Plat 99 in The Alexander Hotel. All Council Meetings are limited to SFIA Members and invited guests only.
Team Sports Conference Day Two Sessions (April 16)
Tackling the Challenges and Opportunities in High School Sports
In the digital ecosystem, the imperative to seamlessly share information and gameplay intersects, and a fusion of scheduling apps, game streaming solutions, and coaching tools have emerged. This discussion will guide equipment brands on how to leverage these converging technologies and amplify brand awareness, boost product usage, and capture an expanded market share. Unlock the potential of how to leverage these digital tools in elevating your brand’s presence and competitiveness.
The Influence of State Associations on High School Athletics
State Associations serve as the backbone of high school sports, wielding significant influence as the primary market for team sports equipment. Hear directly from NFHS State Association Directors in a compelling exploration of state-level initiatives on crucial topics, including coaching and officiating development, school partnerships, funding strategies, athlete safety, the separation of team sports from high schools, and community integration efforts. This session offers a unique opportunity to glean insights into the evolving environment of high school athletics.
Karissa Niehoff
Moderator: CEO, National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)
Navigating the Current Dynamics in Grassroots Sports Participation
The grassroots sports landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, working to transition from casual pickup play to more organized involvement in recreational and travel leagues. This evolution can be propelled by the proactive engagement of professional leagues, governing bodies, and prominent youth sports organizations. From addressing challenges, such as accessibility and affordability, to exploring strategic approaches for sustained growth, this session offers valuable insights into the changing dynamics of youth sports programs.
Meghan Watson
Chief Operating Officer, United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA)
The Rise and Influence of Women in Sports and Fitness
College athletics remain a cornerstone resource and opportunity for female athletes to excel and inspire future generations. Sporting goods and fitness brands, along with governing bodies at all levels, elevate the visibility of women’s sports. Our discussion will highlight the profound impact of high-profile female athletes and the investment in media and marketing for women’s sports. Additionally, the panel will explore crucial facets of engaging women and girls in sports and fitness, including the drivers behind the rise in female participation, effective strategies for further growth, and the increasing demand for innovative products tailored specifically for women.
State of the Industry First Look
Following years of unprecedented disruption and growth, the equipment industry faced uncertainties in 2023, marked by challenges such as inflation, excess inventory, promotional pricing, athlete safety concerns, and worldwide economic instability. Gain an exclusive preview into insights, data, and trend analysis featured in SFIA’s highly anticipated 2024 State of the Industry report, which examines the industry’s alignment with the broader economy throughout 2023. The discussion will also delve into participation trends across 124 sports and fitness activities, with a focus on team sports, offering valuable insights for informed decision-making in your business.
Technology’s Revolutionary Effect on the Team Sports Experience
In the digital ecosystem, the imperative to seamlessly share information and gameplay intersects, and a fusion of scheduling apps, game streaming solutions, and coaching tools have emerged. This discussion will guide equipment brands on how to leverage these converging technologies and amplify brand awareness, boost product usage, and capture an expanded market share. Unlock the potential of how to leverage these digital tools in elevating your brand’s presence and competitiveness.
Mark Koski
Moderator: Chief Marketing Officer, National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)
Michael Hughes
Senior Director, Digital Strategy & Innovation, United States Tennis Association (USTA)
The Legacy Potential of Global Sporting Events for US Sports
Multiple global sporting events, including the Olympics, Paralympic Games, and international soccer tournaments are coming to America and will present major opportunities to increase participation in the U.S. market. Upcoming soccer events in the U.S. over the next five years are poised to elevate the sport to new heights. The inclusion of “optional” sports like baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash in the LA28 games will generate heightened interest, media coverage, and increased participation in these sports. Hear how this convergence of global events presents a unique opportunity for governing bodies and brands to capitalize on unprecedented exposure over the next five years.
Unlocking the Potential of NIL for Team Sports Brands
NIL is driving a fundamental evolution and expansion of athlete rights. Institutions, industry, athletes, and oftentimes the government, are in a constant state of figuring out new rules and options. Our expert panel will examine the opportunities, value, and pitfalls of incorporating NIL programs into your brand strategy, especially as these concepts now extend into select high school programs. Our panel will bring a 360-perspective on NIL opportunities from college and high school athletics, brands, and student-athlete representation.
Event EmCEE
Team Sports Conference Sponsor
Questions? Contact Gregg Hartley.
