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
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
11:30
Welcome Lunch & Networking
12:30
Kickoff: Executive Open Space
2:00
Know the Game, Win the Game.
An opening perspective on the evolving youth sports landscape—and how leading organizations are positioning themselves to win. Featuring insights from LeagueApps leadership, with a preview of key trends shaping the industry.
2:30
They Got Game: Voices of Youth Sports Leaders
Hear from leading operators at the forefront of youth sports as they share how the landscape has evolved—and how they’re adapting to stay ahead. From shifting expectations to new competitive pressures, this conversation will unpack what’s changed and highlight the strategies top organizations are using to grow, differentiate, and win today.
3:00
Breakout Sessions
Choose your track:
AI in Action
Max Out Your Facility
From Difficult to Devoted Parents
4:00
Rules of the Game: The Risks You Can’t Ignore
4:45
Depart for Happy Hour
Transportation to the venue will be provided.
6:00
Happy Hour at Dude Perfect HQ
Step inside one of the most over-the-top sports spaces ever built—an 80,000-square-foot playground designed for trick shots, competition, and creativity.
Day 2
7:30
Check-In & Breakfast Opens
8:00
Women in Sports Breakfast
8:45
The Experience Game: Deliver What Families Expect
Today’s families expect more—and the best organizations deliver. Explore the youth sports experience from three perspectives: facility and fan experience at scale, brand and customer mindset, and the athlete journey.
9:30
Breakout Sessions
Choose your track:
Data That Drives Growth
The Future of Rec Sports
Building a Brand Families Choose
10:30
Networking Break
10:45
Breakout Sessions
Choose your track:
Unlock New Revenue
Develop the Whole Player
Master Your Finances
11:40
Move to Offsite Lunch & Learn
12:00
The Finance Game: Where Growth Meets Opportunity
Private equity is reshaping youth sports. Gain a clear understanding of the landscape, including opportunities, risks, and what it takes to build a business that attracts investment.
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
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