What are the best ways to stay current with sports industry trends?

1 Follow reputable sources

One of the easiest ways to stay current with sports industry trends is to follow reputable sources of information, such as industry journals, magazines, podcasts, blogs, and newsletters. These sources can provide you with insights, analysis, opinions, and news on various aspects of the sports industry, such as marketing, finance, law, ethics, governance, and innovation. You can also use social media platforms, such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, to follow influential sports professionals, organizations, and media outlets, and engage with their content and networks.

2 Attend events and webinars

Another way to stay current with sports industry trends is to attend events and webinars that are relevant to your field and interests. These can include conferences, seminars, workshops, panels, and networking sessions, where you can learn from experts, peers, and industry leaders, and exchange ideas and best practices. You can also participate in online events and webinars, which are often free or low-cost, and offer more flexibility and convenience. You can find events and webinars through websites, newsletters, social media, or professional associations.

3 Join professional associations and communities

A third way to stay current with sports industry trends is to join professional associations and communities that cater to your niche and goals. These can include national or international organizations, such as the North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM), the European Association for Sport Management (EASM), or the International Association of Sports Economists (IASE), or more specialized groups, such as the Women in Sports and Events (WISE), the Sports Lawyers Association (SLA), or the Sports Marketing Association (SMA). By joining these associations and communities, you can access valuable resources, such as publications, webinars, courses, certifications, and awards, and connect with other sports managers who share your passion and challenges.

4 Enroll in courses and programs

A fourth way to stay current with sports industry trends is to enroll in courses and programs that can enhance your knowledge and skills in the sports industry. These can include formal degrees, diplomas, or certificates in sports management or related fields, or short-term courses or workshops that focus on specific topics or skills, such as sports analytics, digital marketing, sponsorship, or leadership. You can find courses and programs through online platforms, such as Coursera, edX, or Udemy, or through universities, colleges, or training institutes that offer sports management education.

5 Seek feedback and mentorship

A fifth way to stay current with sports industry trends is to seek feedback and mentorship from people who have more experience or expertise in the sports industry. These can include your supervisors, colleagues, clients, partners, or mentors, who can offer you guidance, advice, support, and constructive criticism. You can also seek feedback and mentorship from people outside your organization, such as alumni, peers, coaches, or consultants, who can provide you with different perspectives and insights. You can seek feedback and mentorship through formal or informal channels, such as performance reviews, surveys, meetings, emails, phone calls, or online platforms.

6 Experiment and innovate

A sixth way to stay current with sports industry trends is to experiment and innovate with new ideas, methods, tools, or solutions that can improve your performance and impact in the sports industry. You can do this by identifying problems or opportunities, researching best practices, brainstorming alternatives, testing hypotheses, evaluating results, and implementing changes. You can also do this by collaborating with others, such as your team, partners, or stakeholders, who can contribute to your innovation process. You can experiment and innovate with various aspects of your sports management practice, such as your strategy, operations, marketing, finance, or human resources.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?