2025 Agenda

From Spotlight to Stakeholders: Celebrities and Athletes Investing in Tomorrow

We’ll explore the journeys of celebrities and athletes stepping into the racquet sport investment world. Discover how they are leveraging their influence to back ventures that drive meaningful change and reshape industries, proving that their legacy extends far beyond the spotlight.

Racquet Tourism – How Padel, Pickleball, Tennis and Squash are attracting the sporty jetset

From luxury tennis vacations to emerging trends in padel and pickleball travel, racquet sports tourism is booming across the globe. In this first-ever session dedicated to racquet tourism, we’ll explore some of the most desirable resorts and destinations for enthusiasts of padel, pickleball, tennis, and squash. We’ll dive into what sets these resorts apart, from exclusive padel clubs and pickleball courts at stunning high-altitude resorts to iconic squash retreats in Africa and Asia. Discover how racquet sports are capturing the imagination of luxury travelers and shaping the future of destination sports tourism. This session is a must for anyone interested in the intersection of travel and racquet sports, and what it takes to create unforgettable active vacation experiences.

Joe Middleton

CoFounder

Club Aguilas

Mendert Kooistra

Founder

Squash Retreats

Pathways to Play: Opening Doors for Young Athletes

This panel focuses on empowering parents to get their kids involved in racquet sports, highlighting pathways to higher education, scholarships, and career opportunities. Featuring insights from the US Junior Nationals Squash Director, a leading academy representative, a college coach, and a college sports consultant, we’ll explore how to make these opportunities accessible to all. With additional support from industry organizations, we'll discuss public courts and affordable access to play. Join us to discover how sports can be a stepping stone to both athletic and academic success for young players.

Mastering the Mind: Applying The Inner Game of Tennis with AI

Discover how the timeless wisdom of The Inner Game of Tennis is being brought to life with cutting-edge AI. In this session, Ryan Sweeney will showcase their groundbreaking conversational AI tool, developed using the core teachings of Timothy Gallwey, which rounded modern performance psychology and coaching. By harnessing AI, this tool helps athletes and performers quiet self-doubt, enhance focus, and tap into peak performance states. Join us to explore how the principles of the "Inner Game" are now accessible through technology, providing powerful insights for both personal growth and professional excellence.

Ryan Sweeney

Highly Technical GTM Exec

The Inner Game of Tennis

Andrew Sokolsky

Sr. Vice President & Co-Head, Sports & Entertainment

Brand Innovators

Game, Set, Recover: The Science of Performance & Healing

Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring experts from leading brands in sports health and recovery. This session will delve into the physical demands of racquet sports—both for amateurs and professionals—and explore the latest advancements in performance tracking and recovery techniques.n

From Racquet Pro to Social Pro: Leveraging Influencers and Social Media for Success

Join us for an engaging discussion on how to elevate your racquet sports brand through effective social media management and influencer partnerships. This panel will explore the essential marketing mix needed to thrive in today’s digital landscape.nnLearn how to establish a strong presence on key platforms and create impactful content that resonates with your audience. We’ll cover strategies for identifying the right influencers, crafting compelling campaigns, and integrating your social media accounts into a cohesive marketing strategy.nnParticipants will leave with a valuable PDF content calendar example to help kickstart their social media efforts and enhance their brand’s visibility in the racquet sports community. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your approach to social media and drive engagement like a pro!

Rachel Stuhlmann

Tennis & Pickleball Content Creator and Correspondent

Freelance

Trey Poerschke

Founder

Winners Only

Ian Westermann

Founder

Essential Tennis

Ed Starr

Managing Partner

BMF

Live Podcast Recording

Pickleball at a Crossroads: Navigating the Wild West of Equipment, Standards, and Regulations

This provocative panel will delve into the heated and complex issues shaping the future of pickleball equipment, standards, and regulatory frameworks. As the sport experiences explosive growth, industry leaders, manufacturers, and governing bodies face mounting challenges, from escalating certification fees to concerns over fairness, innovation, and environmental sustainability. This panel is designed to be a transparent, no-holds-barred discussion addressing the sport's most pressing questions.

The Next Gen: The Padel and Pickleball Race for Olympic Status, and how the US is readying the Padellers and Picklers of the future for Olympic Stardom

In this session, we dive into the challenges and opportunities for padel and pickleball as they aim for Olympic inclusion. While both sports are gaining global popularity, joining the Olympic Programme requires more than a cultural surge, as demonstrated by squash’s ongoing battle for a spot. We’ll hear from Taktika CEO Ryan Redondo, a key player in developing future U.S. champions, alongside a leading voice in pickleball and an expert from squash who will shed light on the Olympic selection process and what it takes to secure a place in the Games.

Ryan Redondo

CEO

Taktika Padel

Renato Paiva

Executive Director at Access Youth Academy

Access Youth Academy

Carl Schmidt

Chief Technology Officer & Director of Manufacturing and Paddle Testing at USA Pickleball

USA Pickleball

Soon to be confirmed

Sneaker Culture. Brand Collaborations, and Exclusive Drops: The Future of Modern-Day Product Marketing

Brand collaborations are taking the racquet sports world by storm, blending the style of streetwear with the energy of the court. In this session, our panel will explore the future of streetwear’s interest in racquet sports, and uncover why consumers are going wild for exclusive, limited-edition products. Join us to learn how these collaborations are reshaping both industries and captivating fans globally.

Designed to Win: A Showcase of Racquet Sports Apparel

In this dynamic session, leading apparel brands will showcase their latest collections, highlighting innovation, style, and functionality in racquet sports fashion. This session offers attendees an exclusive opportunity to see cutting-edge designs presented in a curated setting.

Day 0: How to Raise Capital & Get Started

Turning a vision into reality begins with securing the right resources. If you’re launching a new facility, understanding how to attract investors and build a strong foundation is crucial. This session will guide you through the essentials of raising capital, sharing practical advice and real-world insights from those who’ve successfully navigated the journey. From pitching strategies to funding options, learn how to take the first steps toward making your vision a reality.

Navigating the Certification Landscape

As demand for racquet sports grows, so does the complexity of the certification landscape. In this session, we’ll break down the differences, similarities, and unique value of various certifications across racquet sports. Learn why even small distinctions can lead to vastly different outcomes and how to determine the certification path that best aligns with your goals. Whether you're a player, coach, or club owner, this discussion will help you make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving industry.

Marcos del Pilar

Co-Founder & Fmr. CEO & Commissioner

Pro Padel League

Dan Santorum

CEO

Racketpro

Branding & Marketing for Clubs

It’s not enough to be great—you need the world to know it. Branding and marketing are essential for clubs looking to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape. Join industry-leading experts as they share insights on defining your brand, crafting your story, and effectively reaching your audience. Learn practical strategies to amplify your club’s presence and ensure it resonates with the right people.

Kyle LaCroix

Chief Education Officer

SETS

Robert Mazzucchelli

Chairman & CMO

SportsEdTV

Winning Strategies in Sports Marketing: Insights from Leaders in Tennis

Andrew will moderate an intimate discussion focusing on sports marketing specific to the tennis industry. The conversation will feature industry experts exploring the challenges and opportunities in this dynamic and globalized field. Our panelists will delve into a rich tapestry of topics that underscore the strategic role of sports marketing in today’s evergrowing professional tennis landscape

Andrew Sokolsky

Sr. Vice President & Co-Head, Sports & Entertainment

Brand Innovators

Connecting the Dots: Leveraging All Racquet Sports for Growth

Did you know that there’s an average 30% crossover rate among racquet sports enthusiasts? This unique overlap highlights a significant opportunity: the potential to grow one racquet sport by tapping into another’s community. In this engaging panel, we’ll explore strategies for building bridges between racquet sports, creating integrated programs that drive participation, and fostering a thriving total racquets ecosystem. Hear from industry leaders and innovators who have successfully leveraged multi-sport approaches to unlock new avenues for growth.

Andrew Cordova

Racquets Director

Maryland Club

Rich Wade

Director of Squash & Padel

The Philadelphia Cricket Club

Brock Orlowski

Director of Racquet Sports

Fort Wayne Country Club

Investing in Your People

Great programs and great businesses are founded by great people. But we need to be good mentors first! Clubs and businesses across the world have master plans for facilities but how many have master plans on investing in their people. Join us and some of the biggest names in racquets as we dive into the importance of people and how we can invest in them so they invest in others!

Matt Greyson

Athletic Director

Ansley Golf Club

Brian Dillman

CEO

RSPA

The Feeling of Hospitality

ervice can be delivered, but hospitality is something that leaves a lasting impression. Join us for a conversation with some of the world’s most renowned General Managers as we uncover the subtle yet powerful details that set their clubs apart. Discover how creating a true sense of hospitality transforms a club into a global standard of excellence.

Soon to be confirmed

Join us for a vibrant live Padel focus group designed to spark insightful dialogue and collaboration. This session will feature a diverse panel comprising builders, industry experts, influencers, and club owners/investors, each bringing unique perspectives to the table. Together, we’ll explore key trends, challenges, and opportunities within the Padel community.

Why Clubs Fail: Lessons from the Trenches

With the rapid expansion of pickleball and padel facilities, it’s crucial to understand what separates success from failure in the world of racquet sports clubs. In this insightful session, we’ll hear from industry leaders who have experienced both ends of the spectrum—sharing firsthand stories of what went wrong and the strategies that turned challenges into success. Discover key lessons and actionable insights to help your club thrive in this competitive landscape.

Patricio Misitrano

Founder & CEO

Misitrano Consulting

Peter Nicol

Co-Founder + Director of Squash

Nicol

Will Richards

Founder & CEO

Dill Dinkers

Dominique Lemperle

NA

NA

Hiring & Retaining Staff: A Conversation Around Compensation

Compensation is one of the most pressing and debated challenges facing the racquet sports industry today. Many clubs struggle to navigate fair compensation structures, while search firms often lack deep understanding of the racquets landscape. This leaves leaders grappling with how to attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive market. Join us for an in-depth conversation about innovative compensation strategies, and gain actionable insights to help your club build and sustain a team of exceptional professionals.

Jarrett Chirico

Director of Racquets

Royal Oaks Country Club

Jonathan Fralick

VP of Racquet Sports

Invited Clubs

Getting Attention in a World of FOMO

In today’s fast-paced world, capturing and retaining attention is more challenging than ever. This session will explore strategies to stand out in a crowded market and create experiences that keep members engaged and coming back. Join our experts as they shares insights on building buzz, fostering community, and leveraging the fear of missing out (FOMO) to drive growth and loyalty.

Lindsey Vermillion

Pickleball Partnerships Coordinator

Chicken N Pickle

Club Experience (RX Methodology)