National Sports Leadership Conference – NSLC

About

The National Sports Leadership Conference – NSLC is a premier event designed to bring together leaders, athletes, coaches, and executives from various sports to discuss leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) within the sports industry. This conference provides a platform for meaningful dialogue, innovation, and strategic development to drive positive change across all levels of sports.

Mission

Our mission is to empower leaders in the sports industry to embrace diversity, foster inclusion, and lead with equity. We aim to equip attendees with the tools, insights, and strategies needed to champion DEIB efforts, enhance leadership practices, and create an inclusive environment within their organizations and teams.

Vision

The vision of the National Sports Leadership Conference is to create a sports industry where diversity and inclusion are integral to leadership and organizational success. We aspire to foster a future where all athletes, leaders, and participants in sports feel respected, valued, and empowered to thrive, regardless of their background or identity.

Founder’s Welcome

Dennis KennedyWelcome to the National Sports Leadership Conference! I am honored to welcome you to this important gathering of leaders, athletes, and advocates committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sports industry. As we gather here, we recognize that sports play a critical role in shaping culture, breaking barriers, and fostering unity, and it is our responsibility as leaders to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed and contribute.

This conference is not just an event; it’s a movement. Together, we will explore innovative leadership practices, examine the current state of DEIB in sports, and collaborate on strategies that will create more inclusive spaces across all levels of competition. Whether you’re an executive, coach, or athlete, your voice and perspective are vital to this conversation, and I encourage you to engage, ask questions, and share your experiences.

Our goal is to leave this conference not only with new ideas but with actionable plans to make a real impact in our organizations and communities. Thank you for your dedication to creating a more equitable sports industry, and I look forward to the progress we will make together.

Dennis Kennedy
Founder
National Sports Leadership Conference – NSLC

 

Training

The National Sports Leadership Conference offers a variety of training programs aimed at enhancing the leadership skills of sports professionals while advancing DEIB initiatives. Our training offerings include:

  • Leadership in Sports: Developing effective leadership strategies tailored to sports organizations.
  • Building Inclusive Teams: Practical techniques for fostering team environments that prioritize diversity and inclusion.
  • Equity in Sports Management: Implementing equitable practices in the governance and management of sports organizations.

On-demand training is also available to accommodate busy schedules and learning preferences.

We would love to have your participation, please use this link to sign up for training.

Recognition

The National Sports Leadership Conference offers an exciting two-day schedule filled with keynotes, workshops, and panels that focus on leadership development and DEIB in sports. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, participate in hands-on training, and connect with peers during networking sessions. Our goal is to equip sports professionals with the tools needed to create lasting change in the industry.

  • Outstanding Sports Leaders: Honoring individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in advancing DEIB in sports.
  • Inclusive Team Awards: Recognizing teams that exemplify inclusive practices both on and off the field.
  • Emerging Leaders in Sports: Highlighting up-and-coming leaders who are making strides in fostering diversity and inclusion in their organizations.

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Schedule

2025:

  • Day 1: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
    • Opening Keynote: Leadership for the Future of Sports
    • Workshop: Creating a Culture of Inclusion in Sports Teams
    • Panel: Leading with Equity in Sports Governance
    • Networking Reception: Building Connections Across Sports
  • Day 2: Thursday, April 10, 2025
    • Workshop: Leadership Development for Coaches and Managers
    • Panel: Diversity in Leadership Roles in Sports
    • Interactive Session: Elevating DEIB in Sports Organizations
    • Evening Networking: Celebrating Sports Leaders

2026:

  • Day 1: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
    • Opening Keynote: Fostering Leadership at Every Level in Sports
    • Workshop: Addressing Bias and Building Equity in Teams
    • Panel: Innovative DEIB Practices in Professional Sports
    • Networking Reception: Expanding Leadership Networks
  • Day 2: Thursday, April 9, 2026
    • Workshop: Empowering Coaches to Lead Inclusively
    • Panel: DEIB in Sports Management and Governance
    • Interactive Session: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
    • Evening Networking: Honoring Emerging Sports Leaders

2027:

  • Day 1: Wednesday, April 7, 2027
    • Opening Keynote: Leadership and Social Responsibility in Sports
    • Workshop: Inclusive Leadership in Collegiate and Professional Sports
    • Panel: Equity and Representation in Sports Leadership
    • Networking Reception: Building a Culture of Belonging
  • Day 2: Thursday, April 8, 2027
    • Workshop: Best Practices for Advancing DEIB in Sports Organizations
    • Panel: Intersectionality in Sports and Leadership
    • Interactive Session: Creating Inclusive Pathways for Athletes and Coaches
    • Evening Networking: Celebrating Leaders in Sports Diversity

Register

Please click here to register.

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