The future of youth sports starts here.
Created in 2019, NextUp is the only annual conference tailored to providing youth sports organizers with the professional development and networking opportunities they need to take their business to the next level.
October 15-16, 2025
New York City
What is NextUp?
Over 400 leaders in youth sports gather each year to make sense of the shifting landscape of youth sports and shape what’s coming next.
Designed for directors, operators, and entrepreneurs this year’s conference will deliver two dynamic days of connection, insight, and action in the name of making youth sports happen
Speakers
Youth sports leaders
Years running
Technology partners
Have the conversations that matter
NextUp ’25 will feature two days of content and networking, allowing you to hear from inspirational speakers and have in-depth conversations with others in the room.
Day 1
Keynote Presentations
Hear from experts on the forces shaping play: AI, education, investment, and more.
- Get Informed
- Spark Ideas
- Meet the Community
Day 2
Custom Content Tracks
Dive into the topics that you care about the most – with a collection of leaders tailored to your track.
- Breakouts
- Roundtables
- Networking Sessions
- Workshops
Agenda
This year, the NextUp Conference will be a two-day journey of ideas, connections, and celebration— with Day 1 featuring bold keynotes and visionary sessions, and Day 2 focused on interactive breakouts, purposeful networking, and a powerful closing ceremony honoring the leaders and rising stars shaping the future of youth sports
DAY 1
DAY 1
11:00
Check-In Opens
Lunch Opens
12:00
Session I: The Tools of Transformation
How technology and AI are reshaping youth sports.
Event Kickoff: Jeremy Goldberg & Brian Litvack set the stage
The Future of AI & Youth Sports: Hear from the leading voices in AI about the breakthroughs shaping youth sports.
Innovation Demo: Discover how the next wave of technology will empower youth sports leaders to work smarter, not harder.
1:00
Round Tables
Curated table discussions on how leaders are thinking about and using AI. Exchange practical ideas with peers in small, high-impact conversations.
1:30
Networking Break
2:00
Session II: Building the Business
Insights and best practices for running and scaling a youth sports organization.
Lessons From Private Equity and Operational Growth: Learn how proven strategies from private equity and high-growth businesses can help youth sports leaders scale sustainably, sharpen operations, and drive lasting impact.
Attendee Spotlights: Actionable strategies from featured organizations — covering Participation & Rec Models, Facility/Space Management, Player & Coach Development, and Experience-driven programming
3:00
Round Tables
3:30
Networking Break
4:00
Session III: Designing for Stakeholders
Exploring the parent/coach/athlete triangle and the dynamics that shape youth sports.
The Parent Perspective: Hear directly from parents who have shaped the conversation around youth athletics, sharing their perspectives and experiences.
Strategies for Effective Communication & Development: Learn how to strengthen relationships at every level of your program.
5:00
Happy Hour
DAY 2
DAY 2
8:00
Check-In Opens
Breakfast Opens
9:00
Sport Forums
10:00
Starting the Day with Why
Framing of Day 2’s content tracks, followed by a leadership & culture exercise. Set your vision for the day and reflect on how values-driven leadership can drive growth.
10:45
Breakout Sessions
Choose your track:
Business & Finance: The Modern Marketing Playbook
People & Operations: Facility Management Strategies
Tech & Data: Metrics That Matter
Youth Sports Product: The New Recruiting Game
X
Networking Break
11:30
Networking Break
X
Networking Break
11:45
Breakout Sessions
Choose your track:
Business & Finance: Financial Planning & Growth
People & Operations: Athlete Safety & Compliance
Tech & Data: Intelligent Play – AI in Youth Sports
Youth Sports Product: The Future of Competitions
X
Networking Break
12:30
Lunch
X
Networking Break
1:30
Breakout Sessions
Choose your track:
Business & Finance: Reimagining the Youth Sports Business Model
Youth Sports Product: Running Tryouts That Work
People & Operations: Growing Participation Strategies
Youth Sports Product: Winning with Parents
X
Networking Break
3:00
Conference End
The Lineup
From business leaders in youth and pro sports and professional athletes, to innovators from media and tech, NextUp speakers are the changemakers shaping how kids play and how we lead and grow—on the field and beyond.
Ben Joffe
Director of Operations, NYS Nevada
Cat Dailey Minyard
Owner, Northeast Volleyball Club
Chris Koerner
Chief Operating Officer, True Lacrosse
Craig Robinson
Executive Director NABC
Danny Altamar
Club Director & Director of Collegiate Athletic Operations, Sideout Sports Volleyball Club
Eddie Sutton
Director of Operations, Manhattan Soccer Club
Frank DeMarco
Executive Director, Arlington Youth Soccer
Graham Leveston
Founder, College Properties Group
Jami Lobpries
CEO, The Alliance Fastpitch
Jess Brodsky
Chief Commercial Officer, PlayerData
Jesse Winter
President & CEO of Level Up Basketball
Jessie Doig
VP, Strategic Partnerships and Programs, Player's Health
Jordan Baltimore
CEO, NY Empire Baseball
Josh Burr
Executive Director, Northside Youth Organization
Justin Brashear
Attorney, Adviser, Agent, Athlete Advocate
Kate Whitman Annis
Executive Director, Devils Youth Foundation HBSE
Kevin Crow
Executive Director, Ballistic United
Kyle Albrecht
Vice President & General Manager, MLS NEXT & MLS GO
Kyle Lubrano
VP, Compliance & Athlete Safety, Ankored
Leigh Jakes
Youth Development Director, Atlanta United FC
Leonard C Stephens Jr
CEO, Perfect Performance
Martin Brown
President & CEO, Steel Sports
Matt Chandik
Director of Communications, Dynamic Sports Management
Meredith Thompson
Sr. Director, Health and Safety, Unrivaled
Mike Babich
Senior Recruiting Analyst, SportsRecruits
Mike Gabel
Co Founder & Owner, True Sports Group
Mike Klatsky
Owner, MultiSports Kingdom
Nicole Hynds
CFO, Steel Sports
Pat Geroni
CEO, PRD Baseball Academy
Ryan Silver
President, All in Elite
Stephen Cavalier
BPG|SPORTS, President
Sydney Redisch
Director of Strategic Marketing & Partnerships, Downtown United Soccer Club
Tony Zasowski
Vice President of Events & BBTV
Tyler Shipstad
CEO - Colorado Rampage, 365 Academy & Monument Ice RInks
Zach Eddinger
Owner, Vale Sports Club
Zain Motani
Chief Information Officer, Pro Skills Basketball
Past speakers
Julie Foudy
ESPN Analyst and former USWNT champion
David Robinson
Admiral Capital co-founder, NBA champion
Swin Cash
3x WNBA champion
Shane Battier
TEDx Speaker and NBA champion
Paul Rabil
President, PLL
David James
Vice President, Baseball & Softball Development, MLB
Hundreds of organizations, across every sport
NextUp ’25 will feature two days of content and networking, allowing you to hear from inspirational speakers and have in-depth conversations with others in the room.
Secure your spot
Registration closes in
Frequently asked questions
When and where is the NextUp conference?
NextUp ‘25 will take place from October 15-16, 2025 at Civic Hall in Union Square.
Address: 124 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003 View map
Who should attend NextUp ‘25?
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 ‘25 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.
Are meals included?
Lunch is provided on both days, along with snacks throughout the event and breakfast on Day 2. Happy hours and light snacks provided both evenings, however dinner is not included.
Questions? Email us nextup@leagueapps.com