SFIA - Sports & Fitness Industry Association

March is Women's History Month! ?? Let us celebrate by honoring the trailblazing women who forged the path for significant change, who broke barriers to reach their goals, and by supporting the women who are making history today. In sports and fitness, women are breaking barriers and inspiring future generations every day. At SFIA, we are committed to keeping girls and women active in sports and fitness to experience the many benefits, outside of just physical health, that it can have. The achievements of many sports icons, such as Billie Jean King, Serena Williams, and Mia Hamm?have shown us the power of perseverance and determination. Tell us in the comments below - who is an athlete that has inspired you?! ??

SFIA announced today the addition of Bonnie McLaughlin as Vice President, External Affairs & Industry Relations, to its Executive Team. McLaughlin will oversee external affairs, industry relations, and communications and marketing when she begins her new role on Monday, March 10, 2025. The organization also announced the promotion of Lisa Futterman to Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications. Futterman, who has been with SFIA for nearly four years, will report directly to McLaughlin. "Bonnie's vast experience in policy and strategic communications, membership and partnership relations, and coalition building, coupled with her passion for sports and fitness, makes her a great fit to join SFIA's leadership team," said Todd Smith, President & CEO, SFIA. "She will have an immediate impact on our industry." "Lisa has been consistently elevating SFIA's communications and amplifying our industry initiatives," said Smith. "Her promotion recognizes her valuable contributions, and I know she and Bonnie will make an outstanding team that advances our mission and supports our members." Read more here: https://lnkd.in/exNcXXEa

We are just ONE MONTH AWAY from the 2025 Team Sports Conference! One of the sessions at the event will be: Team Response: Sports Industry Disaster Relief When disaster strikes – from the recent LA fires to the 2023 Maui wildfires to annual hurricanes and tornados in the southeast – the sports industry rapidly mobilizes its manufacturing, retail, and organizational networks to support affected communities. This session shares frameworks for coordinated relief efforts, including rapid mobilization protocols, resource deployment, and sustainable program management. Learn how partnerships between amateur (youth, high school, and college) and professional sports organizations and their equipment providers strengthen community resilience through structured response programs. Discover best practices for organizing resources, building relief partnerships, and creating lasting community impact through collaborative industry support. Speakers Include: ??: John Lynch (Moderator):?Vice President, Marketing, Franklin Sports ??: Melissa Harper: Co-Founder and CEO, Good Sports, Inc. ??: Vice President, DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation Learn more about the full program and register here! https://lnkd.in/eEb7MGnW Hope to see you March 31-April 1!

Reserve your spot today for 2025 Team Sports Conference, taking place March 31-April 1 in Indianapolis! One of the sessions at the event will be: Beyond the Game: Building an Ecosystem for Girls and Women’s Sports Empowerment The landscape of girls’ and women’s sports is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by record-breaking viewership, increased investment, and expanding opportunities from youth to professional levels. New initiatives in accessibility and affordability are breaking down traditional barriers to participation, while emerging sports, professional leagues, and collegiate programs are creating visible pathways for young female athletes. This session brings together leaders in girls’ and women’s sports to examine how investment, awareness, and development programs transform opportunities for the next generation of female athletes. Speakers Include: ??: Erin Griffin (Moderator): Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications,?Riddell ??: Janelle Anderson: CEO,?RIP-IT Sports ?: Susan Riley: Vice President, Brand Marketing and Campaigns,?BSN SPORTS Learn more about the full program and register here! https://lnkd.in/eEb7MGnW

?? NEW 2025 SFIA RESEARCH REPORT ?? The 2025 Topline Participation Report, considered THE sports and fitness industry's essential reference document for sports participation, is NOW AVAILABLE! **FREE for SFIA Members** The new report features data from the largest single source sports, fitness, and leisure activity participation study in the country - tracking 124 sports, recreation, and fitness activities. DOWNLOAD TODAY: https://lnkd.in/eG4RGBPw FREE for SFIA Members | $475 for Non-Members

You do not want to miss out on the 2025 Team Sports Conference (March 31-April 1, 2025)! One of the sessions at the event will be: NFHS State Administrators: Navigating Change in?High School Athletics. Join NFHS State Association Directors for an in-depth discussion of emerging challenges and opportunities in high school sports. This session examines critical initiatives reshaping athletics programs, from innovative funding models and safety protocols to evolving school-community partnerships. Leaders will share strategies addressing coaching shortages, officiating recruitment, and alternative program structures while exploring how these changes impact equipment needs and market dynamics. Speakers Include: ?? Dr. Karissa Niehoff (Moderator): CEO, NFHS ?? Dr. Robert Lombardi: Executive Director, PENNSYLVANIA INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION ?? Dr. Jennifer Mast Rukstad: Executive Director, Missouri State High School Activities Association ?? Dr. Jim Reynolds: Commissioner, South Carolina High School League - SCHSL Learn more about the full program and register here! https://lnkd.in/eEb7MGnW

?? Don't forget to register for SFIA's first Sideline Session - THIS Tuesday, February 25 at 2 p.m. ET! This virtual event is complimentary for all! ?? This Sideline Session, The Franchise Playbook: Understanding Franchise Opportunities?in the Sports & Fitness Industry, features expert speakers from?F45 Training?and?Ace Pickleball Club, who will discuss the relationship between franchise owners and franchisees, the opportunities that exist for investing in a franchise, how to build a winning team, and more. Whether you are an aspiring franchisee, a current owner, or an investor looking to expand your portfolio, this Sideline Session will provide a playbook for success in franchising opportunities in the sports?and fitness industry. Speakers: — (Moderator) Todd Smith: President & CEO, SFIA — Brian Killingsworth: Chief Marketing Officer,?F45 Training — Tara Sue Gally: Franchisee and Owner,?F45 Training — Brianne L. Carter: Chief Operating Officer,?ACE?Pickleball Club —?Bob Miller : Franchisee and Owner,?ACE?Pickleball Club REGISTER TODAY: https://lnkd.in/eC7Z_K42 More information on SFIA's Sideline Sessions: https://lnkd.in/ejFc4kiS

Don't forget to register for the 2025 Team Sports Conference, taking place March 31-April 1, 2025! One of the sessions at the event will be: Youth Team Sports: New Investments, New Growth, New Opportunities. The youth team sports landscape is experiencing unprecedented change through emerging investments, sports growth and innovative program delivery models. Flag football leads to new participation patterns, while traditional sports evolve through multi-sport approaches and school partnerships. Industry experts will examine how emerging sports, access innovation, and program development create new opportunities for youth team sports growth and engagement. Speakers Include: ?? Megan Hunt (Moderator): Product Safety and Compliance Manager, Champro Sports ?? Justin Brown: Chief Revenue Officer, SCORE Sports ?? Stephanie Kwok: VP, Head of Flag Football, National Football League (NFL) ?? Jim Reynolds: CEO, Football and Lacrosse, Unrivaled Sports Learn more about the full program and register here! https://lnkd.in/eEb7MGnW

? FRIDAY DEADLINE ? The application deadline to apply for the 2025?class of Excelerator Associates?and Mentors is?THIS FRIDAY, February 14! Guided by principles of accessibility, diversity, and industry engagement, the Excelerator Program plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of emerging leaders in the sports and fitness sector. Associates will receive hands-on training that builds leadership skills, expands industry networks, and strengthens career development, working closely with an industry mentor. For more information about SFIA's Excelerator Program and the benefits for Associates and Mentors,?click here: https://lnkd.in/gA2VXN5S *Associates and Mentors will be chosen in March 2025, with core programming running from April to October 2025.*

?? TARIFF WEBINAR THIS THURSDAY ?? Stay ahead of the game on tariff developments and join SFIA for a Members-Only webinar, Tariffs Overview: Expert Insights & Navigation Strategies, featuring trade experts from Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. New tariffs have already been enacted on imports from China, and the possibility of tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico looms. The experts at ST&R will provide valuable insights and strategies to help your business navigate the ever-evolving tariff situation and help manage its effect on the sports and fitness industry. Webinar discussion points: ??Current Status Update: Get the latest updates on tariffs affecting Mexico, Canada, and China ??New China Tariffs: Learn about the recent new tariff implementations on China and the implications ??Business Strategies: Discover actionable steps to mitigate the impact of tariffs on your business Speakers: —?Nicole Bivens Collinson: Managing Principal, Operating Committee, International Trade & Government Relations, ST&R —?Mark Tallo: Partner, Advisory Committee, ST&R —?Todd Smith: President and CEO, SFIA *Webinar available to SFIA Members-only; Free-of-charge* REGISTER HERE: https://lnkd.in/eFnSRQmW