JW Marriott Indianapolis, Indiana - February 29 - March 1, 2024

2024 Football Career Conference

This conference is your chance to meet Scouts, Agents, Player Personnel, Media, and Management in NFL careers. In the process, you'll learn how to advance your career at all levels of football! 

Our annual Football Career Conference at the NFL Combine provides you with the exposure that you can't get anywhere else:

 
  • Networking with NFL executives
  • Career guidance from well-known NFL executives
  • Insights on who is doing the hiring and what you need to know to get hired
  • Connect with sports career-minded individuals
  • Mentors who have been where you are and want to assist you with your career
  • Insider information about changes in the industry that put your career on the fast track
  • Strategies to catapult your career to the next level
  • NFL Combine Ticket registration

 

 

Who Should Attend the 2024 Football Career Conference?

This conference is designed for individuals who have always dreamed of working in football. Aspiring agents, executives, scouts, sales reps, marketers, and analysts – all will learn a bevy of insider information to help set them apart in the employment race. 

Attendees include business professionals hoping to break into sports, sports agents looking to network, college students trying to get a foot in the door, football fans interested in changing careers, and many more satisfied participants.

We do require attendees to be over age 18 (16-17 if accompanied by an adult).

   
   
 

 

2023 Featured Speakers
*Speakers are subject to change.

 
Adam Schefter
ESPN Announcer
 
Paraag Marathe
San Francisco 49ers President
 
Mark Dominik
ESPN Analyst and Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM
 
Scott Fitterer
Carolina Panthers General Manager
 
Dr. China Jude
Denver Broncos VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
 
Amanda Dinkel
Atlanta Falcons Director of Community Relations
 
Aaron Schatz
Football Outsiders Founder & ESPN Insider & SMWW Faculty
 
Brian Richardson
Indianapolis Colts Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
 
Kavontae Turpin
Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver/Return Specialist
 
Kelli Masters
NFL Agent
 
Bryan Harper
Minnesota Vikings VP of Media and Content
 
Dane Vandernat
NFLPA Bowl Director of Player Personnel
 
Jim Van Dam
Indianapolis Colts VP of Ticket Sales and Service
 
Kristen Kuliga
NFL Agent
 
Patrick Woo
Tennessee Titans Scouting Coordinator
 
Joel Corry
Former NFL & NBA Agent and Salary Cap Expert
 
Ric Serritella
NFL Draft Bible Founder
 
Bill Guertin
800-Pound Gorilla CEO
 
Dr. Lynn Lashbrook
SMWW President & Founder, Certified NFL Agent, Former NCAA Athletic Director, Sports Business Keynote Speaker

 

Why Should You Attend the Football Career Conference?

Rod Graves, Arizona GM

There are very few chances for you to learn from, and ask questions of, pillars in the industry. Speakers like Adam Schefter, Mark Dominik, John Wooten, and Dr. China Jude aren't coming to your current business, or your college classroom, to discuss the strategies and skills necessary to work in the NFL.

At the Football Career Conference, they will. If fact, following their presentations, many speakers stick around to engage the attendees in one-on-one discussions.

Head coaches, Directors of Player Personnel and Scouting, ESPN writers, Sports Agents, Pro Athletes, and many others will be present at this one-of-a-kind event.

 

 

Attend the "Invite Only" 2024 NFL Combine:

In past years, approximately thirty days prior to the conference, those registered would be sent an invitation for complimentary tickets to the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. We recommend you choose Saturday to attend the combine but other days should be available. For those of you booking flights that want to attend the combine, we recommend booking your flight to leave after 5 pm Saturday.

Come enjoy the excitement of the NFL Combine and watch future NFL playmakers participate in on-field drills in front of NFL scouts and NFL Network cameras! Fans are encouraged to wear their favorite NFL team gear and cheer on NFL prospects as they start their journey to becoming a member of the NFL family. Take the opportunity to take a photo with the Colts Super Bowl XLI Vince Lombardi Trophy and view all 55 Super Bowl rings up close! Listen to NFL stars and Legends break down the game in exclusive chalk talks the first week of March.

Our wish is to offer attendees an opportunity to watch college players as they are evaluated by 32 NFL teams. Register for the conference and you will be sent the NFL Combine registration information.

Where Does the Conference Take Place?

2024 SMWW NFL Combine Career Conference details

Friday, March 1, 2024

Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location:   JW Marriott

10 S West St,

 

SMWW Welcome Reception

Thursday, February 29, 2024 

Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Location:  TBA

What to Expect at the Football Career Conference 

Upon arrival and registration, you will receive a full agenda outlining the entire 2-day conference. Due to the NFL combine schedule and the fluidity of our speaker's work commitments, we juggle speaking engagements and panels up to the last minute! Below you can see the final agenda of our event last year, to give you a rough idea of what this year will present.
One thing we can guarantee – the event will be jam-packed with speakers and opportunities to network, ask questions, and learn from the best in the business. Every year, we have surprise visits from NFL personnel, who literally walk by our meeting rooms all day and jump into a discussion or panel.
Being in the heart of the NFL Combine, where over 2,500 team executives, scouts, and media members are congregating, makes the difference!
Please note: This is NOT an opportunity to participate in the combine as an athlete. 

Registration Now Open!

This event is limited to the first 300

Conference Registration includes:

Prices Increase October 13th
Prices Increase
October 13th

General Admission : $500 $350.00 USD

 

College Students, Faculty & SMWW Alumni : $500 $350.00 USD

 

Team & Agency Employees : $500 $350.00 USD


** Please note that the conference fee does not include flight or hotel accommodations.

Walk-up registrations will not be accepted. Please register online in advance.

 

SMWW’s Industry Leading Courses Featured In:

 

Group Discounts

In the past, entire University Sports Management programs have attended. If you are interested in a group rate, please contact ike@smww.com, and we can provide group discounts for 5-50 people. 

*SMWW's Career Conference is not affiliated with the NFL.
 

2023 FOOTBALL CAREER CONFERENCE AGENDA (2024 Agenda will become available closer to the event)
Note: Speakers and speaking times will change as NFL team meetings change. Information will be updated as it becomes available.


Thursday: March 2nd, 7-9 pm EST

Welcome Reception at Punch Bowl Social

  • 7:30 PM: Kicking Off Your Career in Sports with Paraag Marathe, 49ers President

Friday: March 3rd, 8 am-5 pm EST

 

  • 7:30 AM: Registration Opens 
    • Coffee and Bagels, Check-in, get settled in seats
       
  • 8:10 AM: Kick Off with Bill Guertin, The 800 Pound Gorilla Founder & CEO
     
  • 8:20 AM: Adrenalize Today, Monetize Tomorrow with Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, SMWW President & NFLPA Agent
     
  • 8:30 AM: Sports Media Landscape (Moderator: Bill Guertin) 
    • ​Andrew Siciliano - NFL Network Host
    • Jen Mueller - Seattle Seahawks Sideline Reporter
    • Bryan Harper - Minnesota Vikings VP of Content and Production/SMWW Mentor
       
  • 9:15 AM: The Life of an NFL General Manager (Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook)
    • Mark Dominik - Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM 
    • Rick Spielman - Former Minnesota Vikings GM
       
  • 9:50 AM: Break
     
  • 10:00 AM: The Man Behind the Breaking News (Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook) 
    • Adam Schefter - ESPN Senior NFL Insider 
       
  • 11:00 AM: The Art of Scouting and Analytics (Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook)
    • ​Patrick Woo - Tennessee Titans Scout
    • Dane Vandernat - NFLPA Bowl Director of Player Personnel/SMWW Mentor
    • Ric Serritella - NFLPA Bowl Scout
    • Aaron Schatz - Football Outsiders Almanac Editor in Chief/SMWW Mentor
       
  • 12:00-1 PM: Halftime (Lunch)
     
  • 1 PM: Making it to the NFL with Kavontae Turpin (Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook)
  • Kavontae Turpin - Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver/Return Specialist
  • Brian Lowe - SMWW Agent Advisor and TeamUp Sports Consulting LLC
  • Perry Boler - SMWW Agent Advisor and TeamUp Sports Consulting LLC
  • Joel Corry - SMWW Mentor and Former NFL Agent
     
  • 2:00 PM: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Sports: (Moderator: Orlando Ledbetter)
    • Dr. China Jude - Denver Broncos Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • Brian Richardson - Indianapolis Colts Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
       
  • 2:45 PM: Break
     
  • 3 PM: Breaking into the Sports: The path to an entry-level job (Moderator: Bill Guertin)
  • Jim Van Dam - Indianapolis Colts Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service/SMWW Mentor
  • Amanda Dinkel - Atlanta Falcons Director of Community Outreach
     
  •  3:45 PM: The Life of an NFL Agent and the Secrets of Contract Negotiation (Moderator: Ike Worth)
    • Kristen Kuliga - NFL Agent/SMWW Mentor
    • Kelli Masters - NFL Agent/KMM Sports Founder
    • Joel Corry - SMWW Mentor and Former NFL Agent
    • Ryan Williams-Jenkins - NFL Agent/Divine Sportsent Agency
    • Nick Polk - Former Atlanta Falcons Director of Football Operations
       
  • 4:45 PM:   Go Global or Go Home (Bill Guertin and Dr. Lynn Lashbrook)
     
  • 5:00-6:30 PM: Overtime (Networking Happy Hour with drinks & appetizers)

 

NFL Combine Information
Lucas Oil Stadium
500 S Capital Ave
Indianapolis, Indiana 46225

  • For those of you who registered for the conference, you may be given preference to attend the NFL Combine 

  • Upon registration, you will receive instructions on how to apply for your ticket (please check your ticket for time confirmation).

  • You are not guaranteed you will get into the NFL Combine.

Scholarships

SMWW will award a limited amount of full and partial scholarships for each SMWW Career Conference. You must be 18 years or older to be considered. If interested, fill out an application and submit your resume and a one-page letter explaining why you should receive a scholarship to info@smww.com. 

Scholarships do not include lodging or airfare. Those who have completed an SMWW Training Program will be given preference. Scholarships cannot be given retroactively after having purchased a registration. 

 

SMWW Staff

  • Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, SMWW President
  • Liz Lashbrook, SMWW Executive Director
  • Jeff Brodie, SMWW Vice President & NFLPA Agent
  • Ike Worth, SMWW Business Operations Manager
  • Jon LaForce, SMWW Career Advisor
  • Sara Landis, SMWW Business Operations Coordinator
  • Maikel Tsuji, SMWW Career Advisor
  • Dr. Chuck Patterson, SMWW Career Advisor

 

 

Previous Speakers

Note: Due to Team Meetings, speakers are not guaranteed and will change. The closer we get to the date, the more accurate the schedule becomes as executives do not yet know their team meeting schedules.

  • Aaron Schatz, Football Outsiders & Pro Football Prospectus
  • Adam Caplan, ESPN NFL Insider
  • Adam Farrand, Athletes Performance Institute – NFL Combine & Football Business Development Manager
  • Adam Schefter, ESPN NFL Insider
  • Alex Brown, Optimum Scouting Head Central Scout
  • Bill Guertin, The 800-Pound Gorilla, Marketing Consultant to 65 Major League Teams
  • Bill Polian, ESPN Analyst, former NFL Executive
  • Bryan Harper, Minnesota Vikings VP Content and Productions
  • Daniel Krywaruczenko, InstantScouting Assistant Director
  • Darren Heitner, Sports Lawyer, Dynasty Dealings, Sports Business Author
  • Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, President, and Founder of Sports Management Worldwide
  • Greg Hylton, Indianapolis Colts VP Premium Seating and Ticket Sales
  • Jack Mills, NFL Agent
  • Jackie Davidson, NFL Consultant
  • Jackie Davidson, NFL Salary Cap Consultant
  • Jen Mueller, Seattle Seahawks Sideline Reporter
  • Jim Solano, NFL Agent
  • Joel Corry, CBSsports.com Writer, and SMWW Faculty  
  • John Wooten, NFL Legend
  • Josh Liskiewitz, Pro Football Focus Analyst (SMWW Success Story) 
  • Kelli Masters, KMM Sports Agency Founder & NFL Agent
  • Kristen Kuliga, NFL Agent
  • Les Snead, LA Rams General Manager
  • Marc Trestman, Toronto Argonauts Head Coach
  • Mark Dominik, ESPN Analyst and Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM
  • Matt Moore, Former NFL Quarterback, Miami Dolphins Scout
  • Matt Sheldon, Miami Dolphins director of Football Research and Strategy
  • Michael Tanier, Bleacher Report NFL National Lead Writer
  • Mike Stoeber, Jacksonville Jaguars Associate Director of Football Technology and SMWW Faculty
  • Mike Tannenbaum, Miami Dolphins Executive Vice President, Football Operations
  • Paraag Marathe, San Francisco 49ers President
  • Ray Farmer, Former Cleveland Browns
  • Ray Haija, MGA Sports NFL Agent (SMWW Success Story)
  • Ric Serritella, NFL Draft Bible Founder
  • Russ Lande, GM Jr. Founder and SMWW Faculty
  • Steve Baker, NFL Agent
  • Steve Palazzolo, Pro Football Focus Senior Analyst
  • Tom Mills, NFL Agent (Baker Mayfield)
  • Tony Khan, Jacksonville Jaguars Senior VP of Football Technologies
  • Zack Moore, Caponomics Author

 

Check Out Our Photos From The 2019 Football Career Conference

Our 2019 Football Career Conference during the NFL Combine in Indianapolis was our biggest yet. Some of the biggest...

Posted by Sports Management Worldwide on Tuesday, 5 March 2019

 

 



Download a Copy of the
2023 SMWW Football Career Conference Program Here

Download a Copy of the 2023 SMWW Football Career Conference Program Here

 

Thank you! We will let you know as soon as conference dates are announced!