Events
SFIA Start-Up Challenge
The SFIA Start-Up Challenge is an event designed for entrepreneurs in the sports and fitness industry to present their innovative products, technologies, or ideas to the world.
Read more
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.
2025 DATES AND LOCATION COMING SOON
2024 Start-Up Challenge Finalists
Be Part of The Story
Compete on stage (virtually) and be a part of the growing $310MM+ 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.
2024 Champion
Previous Champions
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
Judges
CLICK HERE to view the list of 2024 Judges!
2024 Competitor Application + Process
2025 DATES COMING SOON!
Once reviewed by our distinguished panel of experts, up to 15 finalists will be chosen to compete for the top 3 spots in the 2024 SFIA Start-Up Challenge. The top 3 selected will compete LIVE IN-PERSON at BABSON COLLEGE on OCTOBER 29, 2024.
Each of the 15 finalists will work with a professional to produce a pitch video and an investment profile for the judges to view prior to a Virtual Q&A Session. On September 26th, 2024 the SFIA Start-Up Challenge Virtual Q&A Session will take place, where judges will be able to ask the finalists any questions they may have about their competing company. The judges will then evaluate each finalist and the top 3 will be selected to compete LIVE IN-PERSON at BABSON COLLEGE on OCTOBER 29th, 2024.
How It Works
-
Competitor applications now open for anyone to apply to compete until July 31st
-
Once the competitor application window is over (July 31st), 15 finalists will be selected to create an investment profile + pitch videos + participate in a Virtual Q&A session in front of the judges
-
The Virtual Q&A session will take place on September 26th, 2024
-
At the conclusion of the LIVE Q&A session for the 15 finalists, the top 3 finalists will be selected to compete LIVE IN-PERSON at BABSON COLLEGE on OCTOBER 29, 2024
If Chosen to Compete
Should you be chosen as a 2024 SFIA Virtual Start-Up Challenge finalist, you will receive:
-
An official invitation to participate in the 2024 SFIA Virtual Start-Up Challenge Q&A Session on Thursday, September 26th, 2024 from 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM (EST)
-
One-free-year of SFIA Membership
-
Exposure and connections to 100+ industry judges (virtually) and their feedback
-
A logo-feature in an SFIA research report
-
Personal introduction to five judges of your choice
-
The opportunity to present to sports & fitness industry brands & retailers + potential investors and partners
Timeline
-
Competitor applications open: June 17 – July 31st (extended from July 20th)
-
Up to 15 finalists selected by the judges: August 1st
-
Creation of investment profiles + initial pitch videos: August 1st – September 26th
-
Virtual Q&A Session for 15 finalists: September 26th, 2024
-
Judges review and select a top 3 to present LIVE IN-PERSON: October 1st
-
2024 Start-Up Challenge Main Event LIVE IN-PERSON at BABSON COLLEGE: October 29th, 2024
2025 DATES COMING SOON
2024 Judge Application
Judge applications will be continuously reviewed throughout the process and will be announced periodically. You will be notified in a timely manner if you have been selected to judge for the 2024 SFIA Virtual Start-Up Challenge.
Anyone connected to the sports & fitness industry can apply to be a judge.
If Chosen to be a Judge
Should you be chosen as a 2024 SFIA Start-Up Challenge Judge, you will be asked to:
-
View each start-up finalist’s investment profile (before the LIVE Q&A on September 26th)
-
View each start-up finalist’s pitch video (before the LIVE Q&A on September 26th)
-
Send in 1 question you have for each finalist (before the LIVE Q&A on September 26th)
-
Attend the 2024 SFIA Start-Up Challenge Virtual Q&A Session, on September 26th at 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM (EST)
-
Evaluate each of the 15 start-up finalists and help decide the top 3
-
Join us LIVE IN-PERSON at BABSON COLLEGE on October 29th to help us determine the 2024 Start-Up Challenge Champion (not required)
When a judge completes the tasks above, they will receive the complete judges roster.
2025 DATES COMING SOON
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.
What Competitors Had tO Say
“Participating in the SFIA Startup Challenge was an incredible experience for our team. Presenting in front of leaders across the sports and tech fitness space, including investors, potential partners, and mentors, was invaluable. The connections we made were instrumental to our growth and ultimately helped lead to our acquisition by Volt Athletics. The SFIA Startup Challenge truly accelerated our journey, and we are grateful for the support and insights we gained.”
– BRENDAN SULLIVAN, FOUNDER & CEO, ZAMA HEALTH
“Participating in the SFIA Start-Up Challenge was a great opportunity for PlaySight. It definitely helped us with our ongoing fundraising efforts as well.”
– JEFF ANGUS, PLAYSIGHT
– KENT MCKEAIGG, FOUNDER OF ORDERMYGEAR
– STEVEN WEBSTER, CEO OF ASENSEI
“The Start-Up Challenge was really well done. Companies should not be shy about asking for capital, and they should present the terms of the investment opportunity while on stage. I look forward to judging in future years to come.”
– KEITH BANK, CEO OF KB PARTNERS
– TAYLOR HOST, CEO OF MIRO
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 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
Thursday, December 12 @ 12 p.m. ET
Beyond Our Borders: Navigating the Complexities of Global Tariffs (SFIA Member-Only Webinar)
Thursday, December 12 @ 12 p.m. ET
SFIA MEMBER-ONLY WEBINAR
With so many conversations currently taking place around the implementation of new tariffs on imported products, SFIA wants to ensure you have the best possible understanding of the current landscape. Join us for a webinar discussing the tariff landscape to help you plan for what comes next.
Key points we will be covering on the webinar include:
– Tariffs on imports from China
– Tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada
– Tariffs on imports from all other U.S. trading partners
Speaker:
Bill Sells: SVP, Government and Public Affairs, SFIA
Past WEBINARS
RECORDINGS AVAILABLE TO SFIA MEMBERS ONLY
Supply Chain Disruptions, Due Diligence and Crisis Management
Thursday, August 1: 2 p.m. ET
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 – Navigating Supply Chain Disruptions, Due Diligence and Crisis Management.
Navigating PFAS Regulations: Addressing Challenges and Consumer Concerns
Thursday, July 18, 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 – Navigating PFAS Regulations: Addressing Challenges and Consumer Concerns.
Aluminum Extrusion Tariffs: Impact on Sports and Fitness Equipment
Wednesday, June 26, 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 – Aluminum Extrusion Tariffs: Impact on Sports and Fitness Equipment.
State of the Industry Webinar
Thursday, June 6, 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 – State of the Industry Research Webinar.
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.
SAVE THE Date for the 2025 Team Sports Conference: March 31-April 1, 2025!
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
More information on the 2025 coming soon!
Click here to view pictures from the 2024 event!
Photos Courtesy of G. Watson Images
Questions? Contact Gregg Hartley.
2024 Team Sports Conference Sessions (April 16, 2024)
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.