Wherever you are in your professional career, there is always room for growth and development. A great place to start is learning from those who have walked the road before you. Taking time to get to know your supervisor, head coach, and others within your department is a great way to start! The next best step would be to attend a conference or two each year that focuses on whatever skill(s) it is you may want to refine.
It’s important to take some time to research what conference and/or convention is right for you! There are annual conferences for all sports at the college level with learning sessions for coaches, managers, operations staff, and more. If you work within other departments, there are plenty of opportunities for you as well!
There are also many similar events for those working in any realm of professional athletics - marketing, equipment, athletic training, etc.!
As a member of USG, you have access to partial or fully- funded trips to these professional development opportunities and more!
Check out these events we enjoy attending and send members to year after year:
Collegiate Basketball Conventions:
These conferences coincide with the Men’s and Women’s Final Four, respectively. They are a great way to increase your knowledge of the game, grow your network, and experience the best college hoops of the year!
National Association of Basketball Coaches (NBCA) Convention & Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Convention
Member Experience:
“I met so many different coaches from many different teams from all over the country from every level of collegiate basketball. I connected with a lot of great individuals and learned from some of the nation’s greatest coaches and former players.” - Cody Taybron, Women’s Basketball Manager at NC A&T State University.
NACDA & Affiliates Convention
The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) is a professional association for individuals within athletic administration. They hold several events each year with the biggest one being a week-long convention with all their affiliate organizations. These affiliate organizations touch on just about every department within collegiate athletics. These include but are not limited to: Business Management, Event and Facility Management, Division specific Athletic Directors, Coaches, Licensing, Minority opportunities, Academics, and Student-Athlete Development, to name a few!
Other College Athletics specific conferences we send members to are, Women Leaders in College Sports and NCAA Emerging Leaders.
SEME - Sports Events Marketing Experience
The SEME Conference provides networking opportunities with high-level sport industry business leaders and provides a deeper understanding of the media surrounding sports.
Member Experience:
“I was fortunate enough to network with other young professionals in the sports industry! Learning about the different backgrounds people had and how they got to where they were was inspiring and insightful.” Lucas Marroquin, Account Executive, Ticket Sales at St. Louis City SC
These are some additional conferences our members have attended in the past: Athletic Equipment Managers Association (AEMA),American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), and National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).
Are you interested in being able to receive funding to attend conferences like these? Join the largest community of Christian future leaders in the college and professional sports industry by applying on our website!
Do you have questions about Uncommon Sports Group? Contact a staff member here!