Events & Programs
Where the Sports & Fitness Industry Comes Together
The sports and fitness industry never stands still. SFIA helps you stay ahead through industry events, leadership programs, expert communities, and opportunities to build meaningful relationships across the people and organizations shaping the future of sports and fitness.
Join Us Throughout the Year
SFIA brings the sports and fitness industry together through webinars, roundtables, in-person events, and more. Browse the calendar to get plugged into the industry and check back often for the latest opportunities to connect.
Hosted by SFIA — Next Up
Upcoming Events
HAve an Event to Share?
SFIA members can submit their own events, meetings, and industry gatherings for inclusion on this calendar.
Featured Events
Connect With the People Moving the Industry Forward
From flagship conferences and Sideline Sessions to timely webinars and industry roundtables, SFIA creates opportunities to connect with peers, hear new perspectives, and stay ahead of what is shaping sports and fitness.
Team Sports Conference
Connect With the Leaders Shaping Team Sports
The industry's premier gathering for team sports leaders returns April 19–20, 2027. Manufacturers, retailers, governing bodies, and industry experts come together for two days of exclusive research, candid conversations, and high-value networking focused on the opportunities and challenges shaping team sports.
More than a conference, it is a chance to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas with peers, and stay connected to the people driving the category forward.
More Information Coming SoonSideline Sessions
Get a Front-Row Seat to the Industry's Biggest Conversations
What is changing in sports and fitness, and what does it mean for the industry? Sideline Sessions bring together leading voices for lively panel conversations about the trends, opportunities, and issues shaping what comes next.
These complimentary, 60-minute virtual events include live Q&A, giving you fresh perspectives, sharper context, and a better understanding of where the industry is headed.
Explore Sideline SessionsStart-Up Challenge
Discover the Ideas Shaping What Is Next
For nearly a decade, the SFIA Start-Up Challenge has connected promising entrepreneurs with leaders across the sports and fitness industry, giving emerging companies an opportunity to showcase new products, services, and technologies on an industry stage.
As SFIA prepares for its milestone 10th Start-Up Challenge, we are looking ahead to the next generation of entrepreneurs and ideas that could help shape the future of sports and fitness.
Explore Start-Up ChallengeVirtual Events
Stay Ahead of What Comes Next
SFIA virtual events give members timely access to experts and practical guidance on issues affecting their businesses — from tariffs and policy developments to research findings and emerging industry trends. Focused presentations and live Q&A help you understand what the latest developments mean for your organization.
SFIA also convenes smaller, invitation-only roundtables for deeper discussion among industry peers.
Members only unless otherwise noted.
Explore Virtual EventsFeatured Programs
Go Further With SFIA
From developing future leaders and creating new career pathways to navigating product certification and equipment standards, SFIA programs connect people and companies with opportunities, expertise, and resources that move the industry forward.
Excelerator
Develop Tomorrow's Industry Leaders
Now in its fourth year, SFIA's Excelerator Program develops the next generation of sports and fitness industry leaders through mentorship, peer learning, and hands-on leadership development. Member companies sponsor rising professionals to broaden their perspectives, strengthen leadership skills, and build relationships across the industry. The experience is equally meaningful for mentors, who share their expertise while building relationships with emerging industry talent.
Learn MoreVetsEXCEL
Help Veterans Find Their Next Mission
VetsEXCEL is SFIA's career transition program designed to help military veterans translate their leadership, discipline, and teamwork into rewarding civilian careers in the sports and fitness industry. Through a four-month cohort experience, Fellows build meaningful relationships with sports industry executives, receive veteran-to-veteran mentorship, explore career pathways, and gain practical guidance for successfully transitioning into the industry. Member organizations also gain access to an exceptional pipeline of proven leaders.
Learn MoreFootball Glove & Arm Covering Certification Program
Meet the Standards for Fair Play
SFIA administers certification programs for football gloves and arm coverings to help ensure products used in competition meet established performance specifications. Manufacturers can access testing requirements, certification resources, and guidance to help bring compliant products to the field.
Explore Certification ProgramsEquipment Safety Standards
Have a Voice in Athlete Safety
SFIA represents the sports and fitness industry in the development of equipment safety standards through leadership roles with ASTM International and NOCSAE. By bringing member perspectives to the table, SFIA helps ensure the industry's technical expertise is part of important conversations about protective equipment and athlete safety.
Members can stay informed as standards evolve and contribute expertise to discussions that can directly affect their products and businesses.
Get in Touch to Learn More
Help Shape the Future of the Industry
Some of the industry's most important conversations happen around the table.
SFIA councils and committees bring together leaders from across the sports and fitness industry to share expertise, discuss emerging trends, collaborate on technical standards, and help guide the future of participation, business, and product innovation.
Whether your expertise is research, advocacy, standards, or a specific sport category, there is an opportunity to contribute.
Help More People Get in the Game
Growing sports and fitness participation takes all of us. It takes partners who believe in the power of movement to strengthen communities and improve lives.
SFIA partners with brands, foundations, service providers, and mission-driven organizations to expand access to sports and fitness, develop future leaders, advance industry research, and create programs that leave a lasting impact. If your organization wants to make a meaningful difference while connecting with leaders across the industry, we would love to explore what is possible together.
Get Involved Today
Stay connected to upcoming events, leadership programs, industry initiatives, and new ways to get involved. Whether you are already a member or just beginning to explore SFIA, there has never been a better time to be part of the conversations shaping the future of sports and fitness.
SFIA Pickeball Council Meeting
*SFIA Members -Invitation Only*
Interested in attending or have questions? Contact Alex Kerman at akerman@sfia.org.
Midterm Election Recap – Exploring Key Outcomes, Priorities, and Opportunities Next Congress
Virtual · 11:30–12:30 p.m. ET
Sideline Session: Winning in Today's Digital Consumer Marketplace
Virtual · 1–2 p.m. ET