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 are on sale until April 15, 2026

Get your tickets to the Maryland Sports Business Conference

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 Sacks, 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. Moderator: Jummy Olabanji, Co-Anchor, News4 Today NBC Panelists: Alycen McAuley, Chief Business Officer, Washington Mystics Kimberly Bolt, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer, Washington Spirit Hairat D. Babalola, Senior Director, Business Operations & Strategy, D.C. United
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. Panelists: Steve Marino, Senior Director Sales Development, Washington Wizards Abigail Bohn, People & Culture Generalist, Washington Spirit Paige Newton, Human Resources Business Partner, Washington Nationals Melanie Soverinsky, Communications Coordinator, DC Power FC DeAna Tyler, Senior Manager, Marketing & Engagement, Washington Commanders 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. Roy Broderick Jr., Senior Vice President & Chief Business Development Officer, Baltimore Development Corporation Lawrence Garrett, Senior Director, Global Partnership Retention, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Alexandra Cruz, Senior Manager, Corporate Partnership Activation, Washington Nationals Caitlin Totty, Director of Sponsorships, Washington Commanders Chris Hudgins, Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships, Washington Spirit Bergen Houston, Senior Director, Partnership Activation and Strategy, D.C. United
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. Moderator: Courtney Ferguson, Digital Content Strategist Panelists: Grace Debono, Senior Director, Digital Marketing, Washington Mystics Maggie Yanchulis, Senior Manager, Social Media, Washington Commanders Bryana Wise, Manager, Marketing & Communications, DC Power FC Matt Turer, Director Social Media, Washington Nationals Paige Price, Social Media Creator, Washington Spirit 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. Moderator: Courtney Humphrey, Manager, Access, Impact, & Inclusion, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Panelists: Kelly Skoloda, Chief People Officer, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Alexis Dotson, Coordinator of Player & Family Support, Washington Commanders Shauki Smith, Contracts Manager, Washington Spirit Candace McIntyre, Director of Human Resources, Washington Nationals Erica Lloyd, Player Care Officer, D.C. United
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. Moderator: Ashley France, Chief Executive Officer, ANF Consulting Panelists: Marycate Walsh, Vice President External Affairs, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Ashleigh Hazley, Senior Director of Youth Programming, Washington Nationals RaShauna Hamilton, Vice President, Fan Growth & Community, Washington Spirit Shanell Mosley, Senior Director of Community Relations & Executive Director of the D.C. United Foundation, D.C. United Valerie Biberaj, Vice President, Community Relations & Executive Director, Washington Commanders Foundation, Washington Commanders
2:45 p.m.	Closing Remarks Tori Sacks, 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. Participants: Annapolis Blues FC Baltimore Orioles Baltimore Ravens Capital City Go-Go D.C. United Maryland Terrapins Monumental Sports & Entertainment Mounmental Sports Network Playfly Sports Special Olympics Maryland Terrapin Club Washington Commanders Washington Mystics Washington Nationals Washington Spirit

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.