Where It's At: My Top Conferences
- Craig Johnson
- Mar 26
- 3 min read
This past week at the Miami Beach Convention Centre was an incredible experience as I attended RacquetX — a three-day 'conference meets trade show festival' dedicated to celebrating everything related to racquet sports, from tennis, squash, padel to pickleball. It seemed like every sport involving a racket (or paddle) was represented in some way by the speakers or exhibitors on display.
When I began my journey in sports business, hockey was my first passion. However, as I explored new opportunities and niches for my career, I found joy in discovering various new sport experiences — from understanding the business side of motorsports to even observing athlete preparation in figure skating for the Olympic games. This journey has also allowed me to attend numerous conferences and trade shows.
After an excellent week at RacquetX, I started to think about the top conferences I would recommend. These three events are notable for their high production quality, uniqueness and exceptional networking opportunities with incredible participants. If these conferences align with your community interests, I strongly recommend registering for them.
RacquetX (Miami)
Who Should Attend:
Anyone passionate about racquet sports!
When I say anyone, that really means anyone — from learning to play to advanced coaching or business entrepreneurs looking to break into this space. The trade show area is vast and the breakout sessions or speakers on the main stage cover key topics for everyone with racquet sports interest.
Why It's The Place To Be?
I was surprised to see how the different racquet sports supported and encouraged each discipline. For example, a highlight speaking session for me this year was how leaders in squash shared with pickleball execs steps and growing pains towards finally becoming an Olympic sport for the first time.
RacquetX is also hosted during the same time as the Miami Premier Padel P1 event and the Miami Open Tennis. Amazing extensions to integrate while attending the conference. Premier Padel was hosted (literally) right beside RacquetX at the Miami Beach Convention Centre.
The Coaches Site Live (Michigan)
Who Should Attend:
This event is sport-specific to hockey and designed with the coach in mind but much like RacquetX I highly recommend anyone with a passion for this game to check out The Coaches Site and their flagship event TCS Live.
Hockey coaches from the grassroots level to pro ranks (and everything in between) congrigate from all over the globe at the University of Michigan each June to share notes and learnings for their recent on-ice season.
Why It's The Place To Be?
The event layout with 'Big Blue' as the backdrop is what sets this apart from any other coach focused conference.
TCS Live offers a 'Ted Talks' like environemnt with amazing hockey insiders in a theatre setting followed by direct on-ice instruction at a one of kind hockey rink like Yost Ice Arena.
SponsorshipX (Canada/Global)
Who Should Attend:
This event is essential for industry insiders, especially if you work in event planning within sports, entertainment or cause marketing.
Why It's the Place To Be?
Now a global platform for sponsorship marketing, it hosts numerous forums, academies, and conferences throughout the year to foster personal learning and networking opportunities.
SponsorshipX excels at linking their forums to distinctive or premier event spectacles, whether collaborating at major events like the Olympic Games or hosting during unique events across Canada such as the CFL's Grey Cup or at non-sporting events like Canada's music award ceremony, The Juno Awards.
What sets all three of these events apart are their links to larger experiences like RacquetX with the Miami Open or SponsorshipX currently at The Juno Awards. These conferences also unite an already vibrant and enthusiastic community, fostering enhanced networking and new business opportunities. Attend if you can!
The upcoming TCS Live is scheduled for June 12-14. Be sure to keep RacquetX and SponsorshipX in mind for the following year.
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