Conference Tracks
Sports
A deep dive into the business, passion, and complexities of Iowa youth development programs, college athletics, and beyond.
How are sports impacting the state, and what does growth look like?
SESSION 1
Athletic Director Round Table: What’s shaping the future of college sports?
Join Iowa colleges’ athletic directors to discuss long-term coaching, gender equity in university programs, how to keep fan bases engaged, eligibility requirements, revenue sharing, and how sports impact organization branding.
SESSION 2
Esports
Virtual gaming arenas are being built in colleges and universities nationwide to amplify esports teams. In some rural Iowa communities, e-sports teams are growing as traditional sports are shrinking. Why is this trend happening, and should Iowa schools invest the same attention to esports as traditional physical sports?
SESSION 3
Why are middle schoolers playing up?
In April 2026, Iowa passed legislation allowing eighth graders to compete in all high school athletics. This change is a direct response to shrinking rosters and school consolidations, leaving rural communities without enough players for a team. How will this change impact team dynamics, and what does it mean for the future of sports in all Iowa communities?
SESSION 4
Sports betting in your pocket
With accessibility to sports betting being as simple as it’s ever been, what are the lasting effects? How has sports betting evolved, and what are the long-term implications?
SESSION 5
Are travel teams worth the cost?
Iowa ranks in the top five states in the country for youth sports participation. How are athletes and families impacted as the financial and time costs to participate in travel teams increase? Who’s being priced out of opportunity, and what Iowa communities can do to make sure talented athletes’ future in sports isn’t determined by their family’s bank account? With NIL deals available to college athletes, are travel teams worth the investment?
SESSION 6
Sports tourism’s impact on Iowa
Marathons, tournaments, and championship events bring significant dollars to Iowa communities. How can our cities capitalize on these movements?
