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The youth sports conference is headed to Texas

May 11-12, 2026

Dallas, Texas

Since 2019, NextUp has brought youth sports organizers together each year in New York City to learn, connect, and grow their businesses.

For the first time ever, we're expanding the experience to two cities—our flagship NYC conference and NextUp: Dallas.

More regional

NextUp: Dallas is our first-ever regional edition, designed specifically to connect the leaders driving youth sports forward in the South.

More focused

Join in unfiltered, high-impact conversations with the most influential voices in youth sports.

More interactive

Take part in unforgettable offsite experiences at hand-picked, one-of-a-kind Dallas venues.

What to expect

NextUp: Dallas is where the South’s most driven youth sports operators come together to tackle the topics that matter most in today’s industry. The format is intimate by design: fewer people, deeper conversations, and the chance to build real relationships with the leaders shaping youth sports right here in your region.

Keynotes

Big ideas from the leaders shaping the future of youth sports. Hear bold perspectives, real stories, and actionable insights from the industry’s most influential voices.

Panels

Honest, unfiltered conversations between operators, innovators, and experts tackling the biggest challenges and opportunities in youth sports.

Breakouts

Smaller, focused sessions designed to go deeper—practical strategies, real-world examples, and ideas you can put into action right away.

Agenda

Day 1

11:00

Check-In Opens

12:00

Networking Lunch

12:30

Youth Sports Executives "Open Space"

2:00

Know the Game. Win the Game.

Kick off with Brian & Jeremy — how the game has changed, and how top operators are winning.

2:30

Panel: They Got Game — Perspectives from Youth Sports Leaders

Youth Sports Organizers share how they’re competing and winning — real talk from operators at the frontier of the industry.

3:00

Breakout Sessions

Choose your track:

Unlocking the Power of AI

Controlling and Maximizing Your Space

Turning Parents from Problems to Partners

4:00

The Risks Every Youth Sports Organization Should Know About

SafeSport compliance, insurance gaps, and legal exposure — what operators are on the hook for that they may not realize.

4:35

Day 1 Closing Remarks

4:45

Depart for Happy Hour at Dude Perfect HQ

Transportation to the venue will be provided.

Day 2

7:30

Check-In & Coffee

8:00

Women in Sports Breakfast

8:45

The Experience Game: Reimagining What Parents and Players Deserve

Three distinct lenses — facility experience at scale, parent as customer, and the pro athlete perspective on what youth sports meant growing up.

9:30

Breakout Sessions

Choose your track:

Leveraging Data and Analytics to Drive Your Organization
The Future of Player Development
Building a Brand that Attracts Families

10:30

Networking Break

10:45

Breakout Sessions

Choose your track:

New Revenue Strategies
A Holistic View of Player Development
The Keys to Effective Financial Management

11:40

Move to Offsite Lunch

Venue within walking distance.

12:00

Lunch Keynote: Investment, Growth & the Business of Youth Sports

Private equity in youth sports — the landscape, the opportunity, the risks. What independent operators need to understand about capital and valuation.

The Lineup

The people leading the charge in youth sports join NextUp to learn, network, and share insights on what’s shaping the industry today.

Leon Blazer

Executive Director, Houston Stars Volleyball

Andrew Yaffe

CEO, Dude Perfect

Chad Hutchinson

Partner, Arctos Partners

Lisa Wolf

VP of Youth Sports, Club Capital

Carrie Gamper

Co-Founder, BASE Sports Group

Shaun Smithson

EVP of Club Sports, Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Brad Wylde

Executive Director, Charlotte Soccer Academy

Diron Tappin

President, Arizona Youth Football League

Matt Quinn

Executive Director, Dallas Sports Commission

Pat Geroni

CEO, PRD Baseball

Norman Schippers

Founder & President, Alodia Basketball Academy

Mike Gilligan

Founder & President, PENN Athletics Club of Bucks County

Adam Falla

Director, Lonestar FHC &
Co-Founder, Leap Hockey

Local leaders across every sport

NextUp: Dallas will feature intentionally local content and networking, allowing you to hear from inspirational speakers and have in-depth conversations with others making sports happen in the area.

Being in the room with so many impressive people here who have all got the humility to say we don't have all the answers—but the more we work together, the better we'll serve the youth… It's been great.

Steve Jones

SVP of Steel Sports Coaching System

The W Dallas

We wanted to bring NextUp closer to you! While our flagship conference is based in NYC, Dallas gives us the opportunity to connect and better serve professionals across other parts of the country.

Frequently asked questions

Will there still be an event in NYC?

Yes, NextUp ’26 will take place in October in NYC. More details will released closer to the event.

 

Who should attend NextUp: Dallas?

Club & League Operators, Program Directors, Facility Managers, Startup Founders, Tech Builders, Marketers & Recruiters, Nonprofit Leaders & Brand Strategists.

Where can I find the agenda?

The full agenda for NextUp: Dallas will be published closer to the event date. Stay tuned—we’ll announce agenda details via email and on this website as they become available.

Questions? Email us nextup@leagueapps.com