The Player Development Summit is an in-person gathering designed for professionals who support athletes beyond performance. The summit brings together leaders from across sports and industries to share ideas, systems, and real-world practices that enhance the athlete experience and elevate programs.

Through keynotes, panels, and intentional conversations, attendees gain insight into how player development impacts culture, retention, performance, and long-term success on and off the field.

The 2026 Player Development Summit will take place May 29–30 in Detroit, Michigan.

Detroit was intentionally selected for its strong sports culture, accessibility, and ability to host a diverse group of professionals from across the country and around the world. Additional venue and travel details will be shared closer to the event.

The Player Development Summit is open to anyone interested in supporting athletes and building stronger programs.

Past attendees have included:

• Player development and athlete engagement professionals

• Coaches and athletic administrators

• Business leaders and organizations connected to sports

• College students and aspiring professionals

• High school and local coaches

• Community and nonprofit leaders working with athletes

Whether you are experienced in the space or exploring how player development fits into your work, the summit is designed to meet you where you are and help you grow.

Attending the Player Development Summit is designed to create real growth, meaningful connections, and lasting partnerships.

You will gain practical systems and frameworks you can immediately apply in your role, helping you move from ideas to execution with greater confidence and clarity. The summit is built to support your professional growth by exposing you to how player development is being approached across sports, levels, and organizations.

You will also build relationships with others working in the player development and athlete support space. This network provides ongoing support, shared learning, and perspective in a role that continues to expand and evolve across the sports industry.

In addition, the summit creates opportunities to partner with individuals and organizations who can support your journey, collaborate on initiatives, and help you take the next step in your path.

The transformation:
You will leave with clearer direction, stronger systems, and a broader network. Instead of feeling isolated or unsure, you will return to your organization with tools, relationships, and momentum to more intentionally develop people and elevate programs.

The Player Development Summit is intentionally designed to focus on both education and connection.

Attendees will take part in keynote sessions, breakout sessions, and interactive discussions that emphasize learning, practical application, and shared insight. These sessions are balanced with structured and organic opportunities to meet, connect, and build relationships with others working in the player development and athlete support space.

The summit is built to help people grow together. Learning does not happen in isolation, and meaningful progress often comes from conversation, collaboration, and shared experience.

Everything at the summit is aligned with its core pillars:

• Grow through education, systems, and shared knowledge

• Network through intentional connection and relationship building

• Partner by creating opportunities for collaboration beyond the event

The goal is for attendees to leave not only more informed, but more connected and better supported in their work.