Event Archive
SFIA Sideline Sessions
SFIA's is excited to bring you Sideline Sessions - a new, bi-monthly virtual series - that will cover a wide variety of pressing topics in the sports and fitness industry!
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*NEW* virtual series featuring timely topics and speakers to provide your business with industry insights and updates.
SFIA is excited to bring you Sideline Sessions – a new virtual series – that will cover a wide variety of pressing topics in the sports and fitness industry!
Each 60-minute Sideline Session will consist of a panel discussion followed by live Q&A. All Sideline Sessions will be recorded and registration is complimentary.
These sessions will provide you with an opportunity to hear directly from industry experts on topics that are shaping the ever-evolving sports and fitness industry. Don’t miss your chance to get in the game.
Upcoming Sideline sessions
Stay tuned for more Sideline Sessions coming soon!
Previous Sideline Sessions
Changes in College Athletics: The House vs. NCAA Settlement Explained
Tuesday, August 7, 2025
To view the recording from this webinar, please sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars + Sideline Sessions, 2025 Collection – Changes in College Athletics: The House vs. NCAA Settlement Explained.
The Franchise Playbook: Understanding Franchise Opportunities in the Sports & Fitness Industry
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
To view the recording from this webinar, please sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars + Sideline Sessions, 2025 Collection – The Franchise Playbook: Understanding Franchise Opportunities in the Sports &
Fitness Industry.
For more information or for questions on SFIA’s Sideline Sessions, please contact [email protected].
Interested in sponsoring a Sideline Session? Contact Glenn Horine at [email protected]
Calling All Sports & Fitness Innovators!
We’re looking for driven entrepreneurs who are changing the landscape of the sports and fitness industry with their product, technology, or idea.
Present your start-up to an esteemed panel of judges made up of sports & fitness executives, venture capitalists, and leaders from private equity. Network with industry leaders, raise funds, create brand partnerships, expand distribution, and compete in SFIA’s Start-Up Challenge.
WIN SFIA AND THE PLAYERS IMPACT MEMBERSHIP AND CONNECT WITH SPORTS INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS AND ATHLETES!
*2026 DATE TBA*
2025 Champions
Be Part of The Story
Compete on stage (virtually) and be a part of the growing $350MM+ story during the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s Start-Up Challenge.
Pitch Your Game Plan
Present your game plan to an esteemed panel of judges made up of sports & fitness executives, venture capitalists and leaders from private equity.
2025 Champions Spotlight
InSquare
A patented low-profile force deck, just one square meter, that redefines fitness. For the first time, one compact and portable unit fuses cardio, strength, balance, isometric, and impact training with real-time performance metrics once reserved for elite athletes, delivered seamlessly on-board or through a mobile app.
jbrds
Our company’s mission is to start kids off on the right foot with anatomically correct footwear for an active lifestyle. Walking becomes running, running is core to play, and play is where kids discover sports. Our vision is for kids to start sports off on the right foot.
Lineman Probs
A niche athletic brand built to finally shine a light on those who play football, work the hardest, and never get the full attention they deserve – the linemen.
Ruley AI
An AI-driven rules companion that translates referee jargon into plain language – instantly. Type or ask your question mid-game and get a clear, concise explanation before the next play unfolds.
UltimateTag
The world’s first objective scoring system for multiplayer team sword fighting, featuring our patent-pending Magnetic-Velcro-Tag Capture System. This innovation addresses a centuries-old challenge by reversing the design: instead of striking your opponents, your goal is to capture their “UltimateTags”.
Previous Champions
MAAREE – 2024
MAAREE is a sports bra company known for its innovation Overbadn Technology featuring a curved panel that provides superior upward support to reduce bounce, especially for high-impact activities.
REEPLAYER – 2023
Reeplayer, led by Founder Orhan Basak Ajredinovski, uses AI technology to autonomously record and live-stream high-quality footage for youth and amateur sports.
IDA SPORTS – 2022
Creator of a soccer cleat designed specifically for women. This initiative is about more than a shoe. IDA is dedicated to gender equality, empowering women and girls, and ensuring everyone has the right to enjoy sport.
bisu – 2021
Bisu Body Coach is a home health lab that provides personalized nutrition and lifestyle advice through easy, accurate urine tests. bisu has received over $3MM in funding.
MIRO AI – 2019
Miro has created complex algorithms to capture valuable athlete data from various athletic competitions. This type of AI provides insights to brands and retailers, picking up in-depth trends and patterns, regarding apparel and equipment, among many different demographic breakdowns. Since being founded two years ago, Miro AI has raised more than $800K.
NIX BIOSENSORS – 2018
Nix’s high-tech sensors, capable of measuring hydration status via sweat to optimize safety and physical and cognitive performance are changing the game for athletes. Nix has received over $1.5MM in funding.
SHOTTRACKER – 2017
ShotTracker’s Founder and CEO, Davyeon Ross, and Co-Founder, Bruce Ianni, won SFIA’s 2017 Start-Up Challenge with their game-changing product helping basketball players, teams, and coaches get real-time insights on court performance. Since competing two years ago, ShotTracker has raised more than $10,000,000 and now counts Magic Johnson, David Stern, and Ryan Howard as investors.
HOOKIT – 2016
Hookit’s CEO, Scott Tilton, took the Start-Up Challenge prize in 2016. Hookit’s sponsorship analytics platform is disrupting the sponsorship marketing industry by equipping marketers and properties with actionable insights to effectively valuate partnerships. Since winning the inaugural challenge, Hookit has raised more than $16,000,000.
Finalists Through The Years
Snapshot of success
April 9, 2024 – Volt Athletics Elevates AI-powered Athlete Development Platform with Acquisition of ZAMA Health
July 11, 2023 – Greenfly Acquires AI Provider Miro AI to Enhance Short-Form Content Solutions.
June 2021 – Raised 5.1MM, led by existing investor KB Partners, as well as new investors including Northwestern University, Alex Alimanestianu (former CEO Town Sports International, and investor/advisor to Mirror and their founder), former NFL wide receiver Scotty McKnight and former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez.
October 2021 – Raised 3.2MM in seed round, also reaching an agreement with ASICS Corporation to collaborate on health and fitness service initiatives.
October 2021 – Acquired by Slinger for deal valued at $82MM
January 2021 – Raised $11MM led by Verizon Ventures and broadcast equipment manufacturer Evertz Technologies, based in Canada.
December 2019 – Slinger Bag goes public under ticker symbol “SLBG”
September 2021 – Acquired by Nautilus, Inc.
Start-Up Challenge Supporting Partners
Questions? Contact Chandler Hoffman
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
Stay tuned for more 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.
Previous Super Regionals
Thank you to everyone who has attended one of our Super Regionals!
2024
Boston Super Regional
October 29, 2024: Babson College
Click here to view photos from the Boston Super Regional
St. Louis Super Regional
October 1, 2024: Rawlings Sporting Goods Global Headquarters
Click here to view photos from the St. Louis Super Regional
Chicago Super Regional
July 24, 2024: Wilson Sporting Goods Headquarters
Click here to view photos from the Chicago Super Regional
New York Super Regional/State of the Industry Premiere
May 28, 2024: Offices of Loeb & Loeb
Click here to view photos from the New York Super Regional
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 for SFIA Members only unless otherwise noted. 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. Slide decks will be provided if applicable.
WEBINARS
Stay tuned for more webinars coming soon!
Past WEBINARS
RECORDINGS AVAILABLE TO SFIA MEMBERS ONLY
Webinar: The Supreme Court’s Ruling on Tariffs and Its Impact on the Sports and Fitness Industry
Thursday, February 26, 2026
To view the recording from this webinar, please sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars + Sideline Sessions, 2026 Collection – The Supreme Court’s Ruling on Tariffs and Its Impact on the Sports & Fitness Industry.
Webinar: Navigating the Latest Tariff Developments for the Sports & Fitness Industry
Thursday, September 18, 2025
To view the recording from this webinar, please sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars + Sideline Sessions, 2025 Collection – Navigating the Latest Tariff Developments for the Sports & Fitness Industry.
Webinar: Global Tariffs Announcement Update (SFIA Members-Only Webinar)
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
To view the recording from this webinar, please sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars + Sideline Sessions, 2025 Collection – Global Tariffs Announcement Update.
Tariffs Overview: Expert Insights & Navigation Strategies (SFIA Member-Only Webinar)
Thursday, February 13, 2025
To view the recordings and slides from this webinar, please sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars + Sideline Sessions, 2025 Collection – Tariffs Overview: Expert Insights & Navigation Strategies.
President Trump & the new Congress’s First 100 Days in Office (SFIA Member-Only Webinar)
Thurday, February 20, 2025
To view the recording from this webinar, please sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars + Sideline Sessions, 2025 Collection –President Trump & the new Congress’s First 100 Days in Office.
Beyond Our Borders: Navigating the Complexities of Global Tariffs (SFIA Member-Only Webinar)
Thursday, December 12, 2024
To view the recording from this webinar, please sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars, 2024 Collection –Beyond Our Borders: Navigating the Complexities of Global Tariffs.
Supply Chain Disruptions, Due Diligence and Crisis Management
Thursday, August 1, 2024
To view the recording and slides from this webinar, please sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars, 2024 Collection – Navigating Supply Chain Disruptions, Due Diligence and Crisis Management.
Navigating PFAS Regulations: Addressing Challenges and Consumer Concerns
Thursday, July 18, 2024
To view the recording and slides from this webinar, please sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars, 2024 Collection – Navigating PFAS Regulations: Addressing Challenges and Consumer Concerns.
Aluminum Extrusion Tariffs: Impact on Sports and Fitness Equipment
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
To view the recording and slides from this webinar, please sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars, 2024 Collection – Aluminum Extrusion Tariffs: Impact on Sports and Fitness Equipment.
State of the Industry Webinar
Thursday, June 6, 2024
To view the recording and slides from this webinar, please sign-in to your SFIA Member account, select Members-Only, Content Library, Webinars, 2024 Collection – State of the Industry Research Webinar.
Sports & Fitness Participation Webinar
Monday, March 4, 2024
To view the recording and slides from this webinar, please 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 recording and slides from this webinar, please 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 recording and slides from this webinar, please 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 recording and slides from this webinar, please 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 recording and slides from this webinar, please 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 recording and slides from this webinar, please 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 recording and slides from this webinar, please 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 recording and slides from this webinar, please 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 recording and slides from this webinar, please 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 recording and slides from this webinar, please 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 recording and slides from this webinar, please 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 recording 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.
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.
REGISTER TODAY: 2026 Team Sports Conference – April 27-28, 2026!
Hosted by SFIA, NFHS, and NCAA
The Team Sports Conference is back, and this year marks 20 years of bringing the industry together.
As youth, school, collegiate, and professional sports continue to evolve, leaders across team sports are navigating more complexity, more change, and more opportunity than ever before. This conference gives you the opportunity to engage with leaders, explore the key topics shaping our industry, and gain leading insights on what’s ahead for 2026.
Expert-led sessions will explore topics shaping the future of team sports, including the role of AI, the continued growth of women’s sports, and how global sporting moments can be leveraged to drive participation. You will also connect with peers, governing bodies, and decision-makers through council meetings, committee discussions, and meaningful networking — all in one place.
If team sports are part of your future, this is where you belong.
Indianapolis Marriott Downtown
350 W Maryland St
Indianapolis, IN 46225
Click here to view the agenda!
Marriott Downtown Hotel Room Block:
Click here to book!
Booking Deadline: Monday, April 13
Click here for local restaurant options!
Monday, April 27
**Council Meetings are limited to SFIA Members and invited guests only.**
10:00 AM-12:00 PM
SFIA Football Business Council Meeting
SFIA Basketball Meeting (10-10:30 AM)
SFIA Soccer Council Meeting
12:30-2:30 PM
SFIA Baseball/Softball Business
Council Meeting
SFIA Volleyball Council Meeting
3:00-4:30 PM
SFIA Lacosse Business Council Meeting
All Things Running Meeting (3-3:30 PM)
**All attendees are invited to network in the ballroom foyer or lobby area of the hotel throughout the day, as well as attend the opening night reception.**
5:00-6:00 PM
Game-Time Reception
Tuesday, April 28
CONFIRMED 2026 SESSIONS Include:
Leveling the Playing Field: Breaking Barriers for Women in Sports
Indianapolis is on its way to becoming the female sports capital of the country – a city where champions are made and history is written. For many women in sports, the path to success is still riddled with challenges. This session will explore the realities female athletes and business leaders in the industry face, from access and equity to representation and recognition. We will address the impact media coverage has on women’s sports and its role in shaping public perception, the financial impact and economic opportunities driving this movement forward, and how industry leaders and manufacturers can help remove barriers to create opportunities and a more inclusive future for women in sports.
SPEAKERS:
The Winning Decade: Leveraging Global Events in the U.S. for Lasting Impact
Global sporting events serve as a powerful catalyst for increased participation, empowering communities to welcome new sports and stay active. With the 2026 World Cup coming to the U.S. this summer and the 2028 Summer Olympics on the horizon, millions of people of all ages will have a front row seat to be inspired to try new sports and become active. This session will explore how global events can help drive engagement in sports at all levels. We will cover the opportunities these events create, the infrastructure needed to make it easy to welcome new sports participants, and innovative strategies and programs, such as SFIA’s 2034WARD campaign, to ensure the industry takes advantage of this global spotlight to increase sports and fitness participation in America.
SPEAKERS:
[MODERATOR] Melissa Thompson: Vice President, Bids & External Affairs, Indiana Sports Corp
SPEAKER BIORising to the Spotlight: The Evolution and Elevation of NCAA Women’s Sports
Women’s sports are experiencing a cultural surge, breaking attendance records, drawing unprecedented viewership, and capturing the national spotlight like never before. That momentum is fueling a transformative era within the NCAA. As engagement reaches new heights, the NCAA is expanding opportunities for women’s athletics through new championships, emerging sports, and increased media visibility. In this fireside chat, learn how the NCAA is building on this momentum by elevating women’s championships, supporting the growth of emerging sports, and partnering with media to bring women’s collegiate athletics to a broader audience, and, what this historic rise means for the future of women’s collegiate sports.
SPEAKER:
From Service to Sports: Engaging and Empowering Veteran Talent Across the Sports Industry
Sports and fitness have the power to unite, inspire, and transform lives – a truth that resonates strongly within the veteran community. Many veterans are drawn to the sports industry because it mirrors the teamwork, discipline, and purpose they value. By intentionally nurturing this talent with support from professional development initiatives such as SFIA’s VetsEXCEL programs, we can engage and empower veterans as they transition into new career paths and help open doors. This session will bring together leaders from across the sports and veteran communities to discuss these pathways, share real‑world success stories, and highlight how intentional support can accelerate veterans’ impact from service to the sports industry.
SPEAKER:
[MODERATOR]: Glenn Horine, Chief Operating Officer, SFIA
Jackie Chang: Vice President, Content Distribution, NHL; Board Member, U.S. Figure Skating; U.S. Army Veteran
SPEAKER BIO
Colonel Jon Lauder: Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs; Advisory Council Member, NHL Foundation; U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
SPEAKER BIO
Donald Remy: 9th Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs; Former Chief Legal and Operating Officer, NCAA
SPEAKER BIOE-Commerce Chalk Talk: Excelling in Today’s Digital Consumer Landscape
As the team sports landscape continues to evolve, digital commerce has become an increasingly important connection point between brands and consumers. From shifting expectations around convenience, and personalization to new tools that enhance the online buying experience, e-commerce is playing a critical role in how the industry reaches and engages athletes, families, and teams. This session will bring together e-commerce leaders from across the team sports ecosystem to explore how organizations are adapting their digital strategies to better serve today’s consumers. Gain insights from industry leaders on emerging trends, innovative platforms, and practical approaches that support sustainable growth, strengthen customer relationships, and help expand participation across team sports.
SPEAKERS:
The AI Playbook: How Technology and Innovation Are Reshaping Team Sports
AI is changing the game and reshaping the rules – literally and digitally. From real-time pitch challenges being introduced in baseball, to the many levels of instant replay assist, to advanced analytics and fan data powered by AI, technology is redefining how sports are played, coached, and experienced. This session will explore how AI is being integrated across all levels of competition, including its growing influence on college and high school athletics. We will discuss the benefits and challenges of adopting AI-driven tools, the impact on athlete development, and what these innovations mean for the future playbook of sports and fan interactions.
SPEAKERS:
The State of the Industry
Team sports leaders are navigating a dynamic environment shaped by economic uncertainty, tariff pressures, and shifting participation behaviors. In this session, SFIA will share exclusive insights from our 2026 State of the Industry Report, grounded in the latest participation data and executive survey benchmarks. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of participation trends, current industry sentiment, and how organizations are performing relative to their peers. Designed to provide context and clarity, this session offers a data-driven opportunity to assess where the industry stands today and how leaders can position themselves for the remainder of the year.
SPEAKER:
Alex Kerman: Senior Director, Research Operations & Business Development, Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA)
Inside the High School Sports Arena: Top Initiatives Shaping the Path Forward
As high school sports continue to evolve across states and communities, programs are navigating new expectations, shifting participation patterns, and rapidly changing day‑to‑day realities. In this session, leading voices from the NFHS – the national authority on high school sports and activities – and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) – the organization dedicated to supporting and developing athletic administrators – will unpack the top initiatives shaping the future of the high school sports arena. Hear directly from the national organizations influencing policies, setting priorities, and guiding athletic departments across the country. Gain valuable, forward‑looking insight into the trends and initiatives redefining high school sports – and what these shifts could mean for the broader team sports ecosystem.
[MODERATOR] Dr. Karissa Niehoff: Chief Executive Officer, NFHS
Phil Rison: Executive Director, NIAAA
Questions on the Team Sports Conference or interested in sponsorship opportunities? Contact Lisa Futterman at [email protected].
Click here to see photos from the 2025 event!
Photos Courtesy of G.Watson Images