2024 Team Sports Conference

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2024 Team Sports Conference!

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.

SAVE THE Date for the 2025 Team Sports Conference: March 31-April 1, 2025!

Location: The Alexander
333 S Delaware St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204

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.

Karissa Niehoff

CEO, National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)

SPEAKER BIO

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) 

SPEAKER BIO

David Hines

Executive Director, Arizona Interscholastic Association

SPEAKER BIO

Jennifer Rukstad

Executive Director, Missouri State High School Activities Association

SPEAKER BIO

Mark Uyl

Executive Director, Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA)

SPEAKER BIO

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.

Amy Halpenny

Moderator: CEO, FlipGive

SPEAKER BIO

Candice Haynes

Director, National Basketball Association (NBA)

SPEAKER BIO

Meghan Watson

Chief Operating Officer, United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA)

SPEAKER BIO

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.

Rebecca Hendel

Moderator: Vice President, Valuation, Endeavor Analytics

SPEAKER BIO

Ian Fitzpatrick

Sr. Director, Global Performance Marketing, New Balance

SPEAKER BIO

Cheri Kempf

Senior Vice President and Executive Producer, Broadcast, Athletes Unlimited

SPEAKER BIO

Amanda Lamb

VP, Global Brand, Wilson Sporting Goods

SPEAKER BIO

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.

Tom Cove

President & CEO, Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA)

SPEAKER BIO

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)

SPEAKER BIO

David Shapiro

President, North America, Pixellot

SPEAKER BIO

Michael Hughes

Senior Director, Digital Strategy & Innovation, United States Tennis Association (USTA)

SPEAKER BIO

John Weinerth

Vice President, Sport & Enterprise Sales, NBC Sports Next

SPEAKER BIO

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.

Lindsey Naber

Moderator: Senior Director, Brand Marketing, Rawlings Sporting Goods

SPEAKER BIO

Skip Gilbert

CEO, US Youth Soccer

SPEAKER BIO

Jamie Riley

Chief Operating Officer, USA Football

SPEAKER BIO

Paul Seiler

Executive Director/CEO, USA Baseball

SPEAKER BIO

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.

Kristina Minor

Moderator: Senior Athletic Consultant, Husch Blackwell

SPEAKER BIO

Kam Cox

Assistant AD, Strategic Initiatives, University of Illinois Athletics

SPEAKER BIO

Danny Morrissey

Co-Founder, Postgame

SPEAKER BIO

Drew Russell

Executive Vice President, Properties & Media Assets, Intersport

SPEAKER BIO

Event EmCEE

Glenn Horine

Chief Operating Officer, Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA)

SPEAKER BIO

Team Sports Conference Sponsor

 Questions? Contact Gregg Hartley.

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