Get in the Game: Maryland Sports Business Conference
Presented by Monumental Sports & Entertainment
This is a premier event in the DC Metro Area designed to connect students with leaders and professionals from across the sports industry. Founded in 2020, the conference aims to increase awareness around sports business, educate students about career possibilities, and foster a diverse, inclusive sports community. This year we are partnering with Monumental Sports & Entertainment to bring you the best conference yet.
2026 Conference Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Samuel L. Riggs IV Alumni Center, 7801 Alumni Dr
College Park, MD 20742
Tickets Now on Sale
Get your tickets to the Maryland Sports Business Conference Today! Early bird pricing ($5 off the student price, $15 off the professional price) is in effect until March 10. Tickets are on sale until April 1, 2026.
2026 Conference Theme
Level up Your Lineup: Build Your Roster Today. Win Your Career Tomorrow.
Your “lineup” is the team of people you surround yourself with — mentors, peers, champions, and future colleagues — and leveling it up today positions you for long-term success in the sports industry.
Presenting Sponsor
We are thrilled to announce that this year the Get in the Game: Maryland Sports Business Conference will be presented by Monumental Sports and Entertainment. Through our partnership, we are excited to enhance the attendee experience by bringing together a variety of professionals in the sports industry and creating ample networking opportunities throughout the conference.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram @umdsportsmgmt for up-to-date announcements on speakers and panelists who will be at the 2026 conference.
What to Expect
- Full-Day Access – Attend every panel, keynote, and networking session from start to finish.
- Networking Expo Access – Connect with top sports business professionals from our networking expo partners who share your passion for the sports industry.
- Raffle Tickets – Get your conference tickets now to be entered into a raffle and earn your chance to win prizes like merchandise and other exclusive items!
- Lunch Provided – Enjoy a meal while networking with fellow attendees and industry professionals.
Schedule
| 9:30 a.m. | Check-in Stop by the check-in table at the Samuel L. Riggs IV Alumni Center to receive official access to the Get in the Game: Maryland Sports Business Conference. |
| 10 a.m. | Welcome Address Tori Shay, Program Director of the Stephen M. Schanwald Sports Management Program Kimberly Marcus, Vice President of Access, Impact, and Inclusion at Monumental Sports & Entertainment |
| 10:15 a.m. | Women’s Sports Boom: From Culture to Commerce (Keynote Panel) Ellie the Elephant is on the cover of Vogue and investors are paying attention. Women’s sports are redefining fandom, storytelling and sponsorship return on investment. This conversation dives into how organizations are turning cultural relevance into sustainable revenue, from media rights and merchandising to purpose-driven partnerships and digital fandom. |
| 11:15 a.m. | Workshops (Select One) Where Careers Click: From First Message to Real Follow-Up This high-energy, hands-on workshop equips students with the skills and confidence to spark meaningful conversations in the sports industry — and turn first connections into lasting professional relationships. Participants will craft personalized LinkedIn outreach messages, practice strategic follow-ups and refine their communication style with direct, actionable feedback from industry professionals. Sponsorship Activation Lab: Pitching Partnerships That Work In today’s sports industry, successful sponsorships go far beyond logos and signage. This interactive workshop provides a behind-the-scenes look at how partnerships are structured and what brands look for when investing in sports properties. Participants will learn the fundamentals of sponsorship strategy, including how value is created for both brands and sports organizations, what makes an activation compelling and how partnerships are measured for success. Students will then work in small groups to develop and pitch a creative sponsorship activation concept to a mock brand, simulating a real-world sports business scenario. |
| Noon | Lunch Join us in Reever Hall for networking and a catered lunch during the conference. |
| 1 p.m. | Choice Panel (Select One) Hot Mics & Highlight Reels: When Sports Go Viral From locker-room mic’d ups to brand-built memes, moments now matter just as much as matches. This panel breaks down the anatomy of virality — who’s making it happen, how it drives fan loyalty and why your next marketing strategy might just be a trending sound. Pivot to the Playing Field Breaking into sports does not always follow a traditional path. This panel highlights professionals who built careers in sports through unconventional routes, offering practical advice and real-world lessons for those looking to make the leap into sports. |
| 2 p.m. | How Sports Shape City Identity (Panel) From Charm City pride to DMV rivalries, teams are not just representing regions — they are defining them. This panel explores how franchises and leagues build civic identity through community investment, brand storytelling and local partnerships. Hear how sports drive tourism, transform neighborhoods and create a shared sense of belonging that lasts long after the final buzzer. |
| 2:45 p.m. | Closing Remarks Tori Shay, Program Director of the Stephen M. Schanwald Sports Management Program Kimberly Marcus, Vice President of Access, Impact, and Inclusion at Monumental Sports & Entertainment Student Executive Directors for the Maryland Sports Business Conference |
| 3 p.m. | Networking Expo Join us for the 2026 Networking Expo. Connect with representatives from local and national sports organizations and expand your professional network while engaging with leaders across the sports industry. |
Leadership and Planning Team
The success of the Get in the Game: Maryland Sports Business Conference is driven by the dedication and passion of its student leaders. The leadership and planning team consists of motivated undergraduate students in the Sports Business Society and the Sports Management Program at the University of Maryland. These students work year-round to create an engaging experience for attendees, ensuring the conference remains relevant, dynamic and impactful. Their efforts make the conference a valuable opportunity for students to gain insight, build connections and explore potential career paths.
Leadership Team
Ari Abramovitz
2026 Maryland Sports Business Conference Executive Director
Schanwald Sports Management Program Cohort 3
Jack Manchester
2026 Maryland Sports Business Conference Executive Director
Ava Meyer
2026 Operations and Logistics Assistant
Schanwald Sports Management Program Cohort 2
Planning Team
Giselle Bridgett
Coordinator, Strategic Partnerships
Leah Cirrincione
Director of Speaker Relations
Sydney Geringer
Director, Strategic Partnerships
Josh Kamins
Coordinator, Ticket Sales and External Affairs
Katie Kucner
Director, Ticket Sales and External Affairs
Eric Lavin
Graphic Designer and Content Creator
Molly Levin
Director of Speaker Relations
Aderinsola Oluwatoba
Coordinator, Strategic Partnerships
Zach Rusnock
Director, Marketing
Sean Thompson Jr.
Coordinator, Ticket Sales and External Affairs
Jaelyn Walsh
Graphic Designer and Content Creator
About Us
Learn about the founding and history of the Maryland Sports Business Conference.
Contact Us
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