Sessions and Speaker Lineup Set for the April 27-28 Teams Sports Event
(April 22, 2026) – The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), in collaboration with the NFHS and the NCAA, will host the 2026 Team Sports Conference on Monday, April 27-Tuesday, April 28 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown – marking the 20th year of bringing the industry together.
The annual event convenes leaders across youth, school, collegiate, and professional sports, providing the opportunity to engage with peers, explore the key topics shaping our industry, and gain leading insights on what is 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, how global sporting moments can be leveraged to drive participation, and more. Attendees will also connect with peers, governing bodies, and decision-makers through council meetings and meaningful networking.
Confirmed Sessions and Speakers Include:
The Winning Decade: Leveraging Global Events in the U.S. for Lasting Impact
- [Moderator] Melissa Thompson: Vice President, Bids & External Affairs, Indiana Sports Corp (ISC)
- Kyle Albrecht: President & CEO, USA Gymnastics
- Ryan Baise: Co-Founder and CEO, Youth Inc.
- Scott Hallenbeck: CEO, USA Football
- Marc Riccio: CEO, USA Lacrosse
From Service to Sports: Engaging and Empowering Veteran Talent Across the Sports Industry
- [Moderator] Glenn Horine, Chief Operating Officer, SFIA
- Jackie Chang: Vice President, Content Distribution, NHL; Board Member, U.S. Figure Skating; U.S. Army Veteran
- Colonel Jon Lauder: Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs; Advisory Council Member, NHL Foundation; U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
- Donald Remy: 9th Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs; Former Chief Legal and Operating Officer, NCAA
E-Commerce Chalk Talk: Excelling in Today’s Digital Consumer Landscape
- [Moderator] Lindsey Naber: Sr. Director, Partnership Marketing, Rawlings Sporting Goods
- Gary Goldberg: CEO, SquadLocker
- Kurt Hagen: Chief Innovation Officer, BSN Sports
- Daniel Kidera: Senior Director and Head of Federal Government Relations, Fanatics
The AI Playbook: How Technology and Innovation Are Reshaping Team Sports
- [Moderator] Mark O’Brien: President, CEO, and Board Director, LakePoint Sports
- Brooke Austin: Director, Digital Business Development, USTA
- Brian Page: Manager, MLB & Key Accounts, Rapsodo
- Liz Wanless: Director, Sport Innovation Institute, Indiana University Indianapolis
Rising to the Spotlight: The Evolution and Elevation of NCAA Women’s Sports
- [Moderator] Rachel Seewald: Director of Championships and Alliances, Playing Rules and Officiating, NCAA
- Julie Kimmons: Managing Director, Multimedia Strategy and Partnerships, NCAA
- Lynda Tealer: Senior Vice President, Championships and Alliances, NCAA
State of the Industry
- 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
- Mark Koski: Chief Marketing Officer, NFHS
- Phil Rison: Executive Director, NIAAA
- Davis Whitfield: Chief Operating Officer, NFHS
Click here to learn more about our 2026 program.
Registration for the Team Sports Conference for SFIA members is $299, as well as for Non-Profit, Governing Body, Coach/Athletic Directors, and State Association Personnel attendees. Registration is $799 for non-members.
Thank you to our Friends of SFIA who help make this event possible: adidas, New Balance, Franklin Sports, NFL, Nike, Rawlings Sporting Goods, and STX.
Members of the media are invited to attend the event in Indianapolis at no cost. Please contact Lisa Futterman at [email protected] if interested.
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is the leading trade association for the sports and fitness industry, representing over 700 brands, manufacturers, retailers, and governing bodies who collectively employ more than 375,000 people and generate $150 billion in domestic sales. With a mission of increasing sports and fitness participation and promoting industry vitality, SFIA provides thought leadership, advocacy, research, and membership services that empower its members and drive industry growth. SFIA’s leading research and comprehensive insights help members make informed decisions, while its advocacy efforts champion physical health and economic impact. To learn more about joining SFIA’s network dedicated to advancing the sports and fitness industry, please visit sfia.org.