Athletic directors have a unique array of conferences and events designed to inspire, educate, and connect professionals across the intercollegiate athletics landscape. From cutting-edge discussions on facility management to empowering forums for women in sports business, this year’s lineup of conferences and events promises to offer invaluable insights and networking opportunities. Whether you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills, stay ahead of industry trends, or simply connect with peers, these events are tailored to meet your professional development needs. Here’s a curated list of the upcoming, must-attend events and conferences for athletic directors, each offering a distinct perspective and set of tools to help you lead your program to new heights.
College Sports Communicators Unite 2024
June 9-12, 2024; Mandalay Bay Resort; Las Vegas, NV
College Sports Communicators Unite 2024 is an essential conference for professionals dedicated to intercollegiate athletics communications. This event is designed to educate, advocate, and connect members of the athletics communications community, with a mission to engage and empower participants, foster exceptional leadership, and elevate the profession. Attendees will benefit from insightful sessions, expert-led workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities. By participating, you’ll gain cutting-edge strategies, develop leadership skills, and be part of a dynamic community committed to enhancing the impact and reach of college sports communications. This conference is a must-attend for anyone passionate about advancing their career and the field of athletic communications.
Campus Athletics Facilities Summit 2024
June 23-25, 2024; The Westin New Orleans; New Orleans, LA
The Campus Athletics Facilities Summit (CAFS) is the premier conference for Division I college and university Athletic Directors, dedicated to the enhancement of athletic facilities and event operations. In the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, recruiting top student-athletes goes beyond championships to include the academic environment, campus aesthetics, and school pride, all of which are reflected in athletic facilities. CAFS offers unparalleled professional development through practical, real-world insights gained from peer-to-peer collaborative sessions and organic conversations. This summit provides a unique opportunity to network, address challenges, and explore new ideas and strategies for supporting and improving college-level athletic facilities. For anyone committed to advancing their institution’s athletic brand, attending CAFS is essential.
NFHS Summer Meeting
June 28-July 1, 2024; Boston, MA
The NFHS Annual Summer Meeting is the premier conference exclusively for National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) members, including state high school athletic and activities associations’ staffs and boards of directors. This event provides a unique opportunity for state associations nationwide to network, share best practices, and engage in comprehensive professional development programs. Attendees will gain valuable insights and skills to enhance their roles and contribute to the advancement of high school athletics and activities. For those committed to excellence in high school sports and activities administration, this meeting is an essential event to attend.
Game Changers Conference: Elevating & Celebrating Women in Sports Business
September 25-26, 2024; New York, NY
The Game Changers conference is a dynamic platform designed to inspire, motivate, and educate anyone passionate about elevating women in the sports industry. As a women-centric, yet inclusive event, it focuses on the investment in and growth of women’s sports, leadership principles, and emerging industry trends. Attendees will benefit from insightful athlete and executive profiles, discussions on women as sports consumers, and an in-depth look at the state of women’s sports leagues. This event is essential for anyone committed to advancing women’s roles and opportunities within the sports business landscape.
PrimeTime Sports Management Conference & Trade Show
November 10-12, 2024;The Westin Harbour Castle Hotel; Toronto, CAN
The PrimeTime Sports Management Conference & Trade Show is a leading event for professionals across the sports industry, offering a platform to explore the latest innovations, trends, and strategies in sports management. Attendees will benefit from engaging keynote presentations, interactive panel discussions, and extensive networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers. The trade show component provides a firsthand look at cutting-edge products and services that are shaping the future of sports management. For anyone looking to stay ahead in the competitive world of sports, this conference is a must-attend event, providing valuable insights and connections that drive professional growth and success.
Intercollegiate Athletics Forum: College Sports Couldn’t be at a More Crucial Turning Point
December 10-11, 2024; The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas; Las Vegas, NV
Sports Business Journal’s (SBJ) Intercollegiate Athletics Forum is for those invested in the business of college sports, and is essential for planning ahead in 2025 and beyond. This forum offers a unique insider’s perspective from key figures shaping the future of intercollegiate athletics, providing attendees with peer-to-peer insights and balanced views from influential industry stakeholders. The forum is designed to inform, educate, and equip participants with the necessary tools to lead and succeed in the evolving landscape of college sports. For anyone whose business relies on the success of college athletics, attending this forum is imperative.
National Athletic Directors Conference & Exhibit Show
December 13-17, 2024; Austin, Texas
The National Athletic Directors Conference & Exhibit Show, hosted by the NFHS and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), is the premier event for interscholastic athletic administrators nationwide. This conference offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, professional development, and engagement with industry leaders. Attendees can look forward to inspiring keynote speakers, enriching workshops, and the chance to celebrate excellence at two distinguished award banquets. For those dedicated to advancing their careers and enhancing their programs, this conference is an essential event to attend.
NCAA Convention
January 15-18, 2025; Nashville TN
The 2025 NCAA Conference is set to be an essential event for professionals dedicated to the growth and success of collegiate athletics. This conference provides a unique platform for attendees to explore the latest trends, innovative practices, and groundbreaking research in sports management and education. With a diverse array of sessions tailored for coaches, athletic directors, academic coordinators, and compliance officers, the conference ensures that each participant leaves with actionable insights and strategies. Beyond the informative sessions, the event also fosters networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers, making it an invaluable experience for anyone invested in the future of NCAA athletics.
NAIA National Convention
April 3-7, 2025; Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina; San Diego, CA
Each year, the NAIA National Convention offers a unique opportunity for those dedicated to student-athletes to come together, discuss legislation, engage in professional development, and honor outstanding achievements. The 2025 NAIA National Conference is not just about association business; it’s about understanding why the NAIA stands out as a top fit for student-athletes. Attendees will benefit from tailored sessions designed for various roles, including CEOs, athletics directors, faculty athletics representatives, conference commissioners, and campus character representatives. By attending, you’ll gain valuable insights, enhance your professional skills, and connect with peers who share your commitment to excellence in collegiate athletics.
