8:15–9:00 a.m.
Check-in & Networking
All attendees
GLOBAL Alert Overide
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Connect with top sport industry professionals, discover new ideas, and gain insights into the evolving business of sport. Learn more and reserve your place in this amazing event.
Learn More About BOSS
University of Florida Department of Sport Management
Registration for the 2026 Business of Sport Symposium will open soon. Check back for updates and reserve your place to connect with sport industry leaders, faculty, alumni, and students.
Registration Opens August 2026Additional registration details and attendance information will be announced as they become available.
The University of Florida Department of Sport Management is proud to present the 2026 Business of Sport Symposium (BOSS). BOSS serves as the premier intersection for aspiring student professionals, world-class faculty, and elite sports industry executives.
Over the course of this dynamic two-day event, attendees will gain access to keynote presentations, interactive panel discussions, and structured networking sessions led by leaders shaping the landscape of modern sports business. Whether your interest lies in front-office operations, sports marketing, analytics, or athlete representation, BOSS is designed to bridge the gap between experiential learning and industry-based practices.
Our goal is to empower the next generation of sports business leaders by providing an immersive forum that fosters innovation, facilitates mentorship, and drives meaningful action around the evolving challenges and opportunities within the global sports industry.
Reitz Union – 686 Museum Road, Gainesville, FL 32611 – Rion Ball Room
The Future of Sport Leadership: Insights for a Changing Industry
Explore the tentative schedule for the 2026 Business of Sport Symposium. Program details are subject to change as sessions and speakers are finalized.
Monday, November 9, 2026 · 8:15 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
8:15–9:00 a.m.
All attendees
9:10–9:20 a.m.
Speakers: Dean Reid, Dr. Kaplanidou, Presenting Sponsor
9:25–10:25 a.m.
PanelModerator: Jack Lunitz — GSMO President
10:40–11:30 a.m.
PanelModerator: Carrisa Ware — WISE President
11:30–11:35 a.m.
Speaker: Lunch Sponsor
11:45 a.m.–12:35 p.m.
KeynoteSpeaker: Gustavo Costa — LA Games Organizing Committee
12:50–1:40 p.m.
PanelModerator: Dr. Kaplanidou
1:55–2:45 p.m.
PanelModerator: Kristi Dosh
3:00–3:50 p.m.
PanelModerator: Student
4:05–4:55 p.m.
PanelModerator: Randall Penn
4:55–5:00 p.m.
Speaker: Presenting Sponsor
5:00–6:00 p.m.
NetworkingNetworking
7:00 p.m.
Attendees: Speakers
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 · 8:15 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
8:15–9:00 a.m.
All attendees
9:10–9:15 a.m.
Speakers: Dr. Kaplanidou, Presenting Sponsor
9:15–10:00 a.m.
SpeakerSpeaker: George Dudas — NHL, VP Business Development Global Partnerships
10:10–10:55 a.m.
Speakers: Tampa Bay Bucks, Orlando City, & NASCAR
Moderator: Madison Maroulis
11:00–11:45 a.m.
SpeakerSpeaker: Justin Sternberg — Fanatics, Head of Business Marketing/Creative Strategy
11:50 a.m.–12:35 p.m.
PanelModerator: Dr. Norm O’Reily — UF SPM Professor
12:35–12:40 p.m.
Speakers: Presenting Sponsor, Dr. Kaplanidou
12:40–1:30 p.m.
NetworkingAll

Profile Placeholder – Role
Place of Work
Speaker biography coming soon.
Sponsorship information and confirmed sponsors will be added as they become available.
Presenting Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
You must physically sign in at the BOSS registration desk with a designated SPM faculty member
Day 1 & Day 2 Check in: Simply showing up to the ballroom is not enough. Locate the faculty check-in station upon your arrival each morning, sign the official attendance sheet, and verify your name.
Networking is one of the most valuable aspects of the Business of Sport Symposium. Whether you’re exploring career paths or building professional relationships, consider these tips:
• Introduce yourself confidently. Prepare a brief introduction that includes your name, academic program or role, and career interests.
• Do your homework. Review the speaker and panelist information before the event and identify individuals you’d like to meet.
• Ask thoughtful questions. Engage speakers and industry professionals with questions about their career paths, industry trends, or advice for emerging professionals.
• Be an active listener. Meaningful networking is about building relationships, not just exchanging contact information.
• Bring business cards or have your LinkedIn profile ready. A QR code linked to your LinkedIn profile can make it easy to connect.
• Attend networking sessions and breaks. Informal conversations during meals, breaks, and receptions often lead to valuable connections.
• Follow up after the event. Send a brief thank-you message or LinkedIn invitation within a few days to maintain the connection.
• Focus on learning. Networking is most effective when approached with curiosity and a genuine interest in others’ experiences.
Don’t worry, many attendees are networking for the first time. Start by introducing yourself to fellow students, asking questions during sessions, and attending organized networking activities. Industry professionals attending the symposium are often eager to share their experiences and support students interested in careers in the sport industry.
Business casual attire is recommended. Professional dress can help create a positive first impression and prepare you for interactions with industry leaders and potential employers.
Speakers may be available during designated networking periods and other event activities. Please be respectful of their time and follow any event guidelines regarding speaker interactions.
The Business of Sport Symposium is designed to connect students, alumni, faculty, and industry professionals, helping attendees learn about career opportunities and gain insights into the evolving sport industry.
Whether you’re interested in attending, sponsoring, or volunteering, we’d love to hear from you.
Interested in becoming a sponsor or supporting the symposium?
Become a SponsorIf you are interested in volunteering for this event, please contact Carissa Ware at ware.cj@ufl.edu
VolunteerThe University of Florida is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for all participants. Individuals requiring accommodations to attend or participate in the Business of Sport Symposium should contact the event organizers as early as possible. Reasonable accommodations may be available for mobility, hearing, vision, dietary, and other accessibility needs. Advance notice will help ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.