A few days removed from our time at the TEAMS Conference & Expo 2026, we’re still reflecting on the conversations, connections, and ideas that emerged throughout the week. Bringing together sports leaders from across North America, the TEAMS Conference & Expo provided an opportunity to connect with the people shaping the future of sports, discuss the evolving needs of athletes and organizations, and learn from industry leaders who are committed to growing the game.
One message stood out above all else: the athlete experience remains at the center of the conversation.
The People Behind Sports Care Deeply About Their Athletes
Youth sports often face criticism for becoming overly commercialized, but our experience at TEAMS told a different story.
Whether we were speaking with national governing bodies, destination marketing organizations, event hosts, or league leaders, the conversations consistently came back to the same question: How can we create better opportunities and experiences for athletes?
From registration and evaluations to competition and development, the organizations we met are working hard to improve every step of the athlete journey. Their commitment was evident in every conversation, and it was refreshing to see so many people united by a shared purpose.
No matter the sport or level of competition, one thing was clear: putting athletes first remains the industry’s north star.
Technology Should Support Better Experiences
As sports organizations continue to grow, many are looking for ways to improve efficiency without sacrificing fairness, transparency, or athlete development.
Throughout the conference, we had countless conversations about how technology can help organizations make more informed decisions while creating smoother experiences for athletes, coaches, and families.
The best solutions aren’t about replacing people. They’re about equipping evaluators, coaches, and administrators with better tools and better data so they can focus on what matters most: developing athletes and creating opportunities for success.
These discussions reinforced something we believe strongly at TeamGenius: when evaluations are organized, objective, and efficient, everyone benefits.
A Visit to the Lakeshore Foundation Was a Highlight
One of the most memorable experiences of the week was touring the Lakeshore Foundation.
Known worldwide for its commitment to adaptive sports, recreation, and athlete development, Lakeshore serves as a training destination for Paralympic and adaptive athletes from around the globe. Walking through the facility and learning more about its mission was both inspiring and humbling.
Seeing athletes of all abilities pursuing excellence at the highest level was a powerful reminder of sport’s ability to create opportunity, build confidence, and change lives.
The visit reinforced the idea that great athlete experiences begin with access, support, and an environment that allows every individual to reach their full potential.
The Value of Getting Out From Behind the Desk
Technology makes it easier than ever to connect remotely, but conferences like TEAMS remind us why face-to-face interactions still matter.
Some of the most valuable takeaways from the week didn’t come from formal presentations. They came from conversations in hallways, at exhibitor booths, and during facility tours with people who are solving similar challenges and working toward common goals.
Those interactions spark new ideas, strengthen relationships, and create opportunities for collaboration that ultimately make sports better for everyone involved.
As Gabe Malinski shared following the event, there was a consistent theme across every conversation: regardless of sport or organization, the people involved genuinely care about creating better experiences for athletes. That perspective was both refreshing and encouraging, especially at a time when youth sports are often viewed through a more cynical lens.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on our time at the TEAMS Conference & Expo 2026, we’re grateful for every conversation, connection, and opportunity to learn.
The event reaffirmed that the future of sports is being shaped by passionate people who genuinely care about athlete development and athlete experience. From discussions with event organizers and governing bodies to our visit to the Lakeshore Foundation, we left Birmingham inspired by the work being done across the sports industry.
To everyone who stopped by Booth #746, shared their perspective, and connected with our team, thank you. We look forward to continuing those conversations and helping organizations create better evaluation experiences for athletes, coaches, and families.
We’ll see you at the next TEAMS. 🏒🏆
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