FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Collegiate Athletic Leaders Gather for Premier Professional Development and Networking Event
LAS VEGAS, NV – June 07, 2026 — The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) opens its 2026 NACDA & Affiliates Convention today, June 7, at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, bringing together thousands of collegiate athletic administrators for four days of intensive professional development, networking, and industry insights, concluding on June 10.
Market Context & Industry Trends
The landscape of collegiate athletics is undergoing significant transformation, driven by factors such as evolving NIL legislation, the transfer portal, and the need for sustainable financial models. Athletic departments are increasingly challenged to adapt to these changes while maintaining a focus on student-athlete well-being and academic integrity. The 2026 NACDA & Affiliates Convention addresses these critical issues, providing a vital forum for leaders to discuss strategies for navigating the "Modern Era" of intercollegiate athletics. The event emphasizes the importance of operational sophistication, strategic execution, and a commitment to the university's broader academic mission amidst accelerating commercialization.
Event Highlights
- The convention is NACDA's premier annual event, recognized as the largest gathering of collegiate administrators in the country, attracting over 7,000 attendees from NACDA and its Affiliate Associations, alongside numerous sponsors and exhibitors.
- A specialized educational programming track for General Managers (GMs) in intercollegiate athletics, hosted by the NFL, is scheduled for Monday, June 8, offering practical leadership insights for this rapidly growing area of the industry.
- The recipient of the inaugural FloCollege College Sports Communicators (CSC) Spotlight Award will be announced and honored during a reception on June 9 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
Speakers & Conference Agenda
The 2026 NACDA & Affiliates Convention features a comprehensive agenda designed to address the most pressing topics in collegiate sports. Attendees will benefit from a diverse range of sessions, including keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops. Jonny Greco, Co-Founder and Chief Energy Officer at Shine Entertainment, will deliver a keynote address to NACMA Attendees on Monday, June 8, during the Convention Kickoff and Opening Ceremonies. The NFL-hosted GM programming track on June 8 will feature experienced leaders from professional sports and collegiate athletics, sharing insights on effective leadership, team building, and departmental organization.
"The NACDA & Affiliates Convention remains the essential platform for collegiate athletic leaders to converge, share best practices, and collectively shape the future of our industry," said Pat Manak, Chief Executive Officer at NACDA. "This year's program is meticulously designed to equip our members with the strategic foresight and practical tools needed to thrive in an ever-evolving environment, ensuring the continued success and integrity of collegiate athletics."
Registration Information
The NACDA & Affiliates Convention targets athletic directors, associate and assistant athletic directors, conference commissioners, and other key administrators in collegiate sports. The event runs from June 7-10, 2026, in Las Vegas, NV. Further details and registration information can be found on the official website: https://nacda.com/sports/2018/7/17/convention-nacda-convention-html.aspx
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About National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics - NACDA
The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), established in 1965, is the professional organization for those in the field of intercollegiate athletics administration. NACDA provides educational opportunities, fosters networking, facilitates information exchange, and advocates on behalf of the profession. As the largest organization of its kind, NACDA is dedicated to enhancing the professional development of its members and promoting integrity, diversity, and inclusion within collegiate athletics.
Media Contact
Contact Name: Media Relations
Title: PR Department
Company: National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics - NACDA Press Office
Website: https://nacda.com/sports/2018/7/17/convention-nacda-convention-html.aspx