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.
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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.