Indianapolis, Indiana - February 25, 2026
INSIDE THE LEAGUE SCOUTING AWARDS During NFL Combine Week
The NFL Scouting Industry’s “Academy Awards”
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 5:30 PM sharp | Indianapolis, Indiana
17th Annual ITL Scouting Awards | NFL Combine Week
Join NFL scouts, player personnel executives, and football decision-makers for the most respected scouting awards night of the year. This is where the scouting community gathers to celebrate excellence, recognize lifetime achievement, and honor the people who build NFL rosters.
Awards Program + Open Bar Reception Immediately Following
Hosted by:
Neil Stratton (Inside the League) & Dr. Lynn Lashbrook (SMWW)
EVENT OVERVIEW
The Inside the League (ITL) Scouting Awards is the premier annual celebration of the professionals behind the scenes in football—the scouts, evaluators, and personnel departments whose work drives the NFL Draft, free agency, and championship rosters.
Now in its 17th year, this event has become one of the most anticipated gatherings of NFL Combine Week. It is widely regarded as the scouting industry’s version of the Academy Awards, bringing together the most influential football evaluators in one room.
This is an evening of recognition, networking, and celebration—followed by a high-energy reception with an open bar.
CO-HOSTED BY
Neil Stratton – Publisher, Inside the League (ITL)
Dr. Lynn Lashbrook – President & Founder, Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW)
PROUD SPONSOR
Ellison Kibler at Merrill Lynch & Sports Management Worldwide
WHO ATTENDS
The ITL Scouting Awards is one of the most concentrated annual gatherings of pro football personnel anywhere in the world.
Attendees include:
- NFL Scouts (College & Pro Personnel)
- NFL Player Personnel Executives
- Directors of Player Personnel
- General Managers & Front Office Leadership
- National Scouts & Regional Scouts
- Pro Personnel Departments
- College Pro Liaisons
- Strength & Conditioning Leaders
- Football Operations & Support Staff
- Select partners and trusted football professionals
This is a rare opportunity to be surrounded by the people who evaluate talent, build draft boards, and shape NFL rosters.
WHO CAN ATTEND
Complimentary Admission (RSVP Required)
All NFL team employees are complimentary, but must RSVP to confirm attendance and entry.
General Admission – $100
The public may attend for $100, including:
- NFL Agents
- SMWW Students & Alumni
- Football professionals and aspiring scouts
- General public
- Industry partners and vendors (apparel, equipment, technology, analytics & performance companies)
- Media credentials available upon request
- Ticket includes:
- ✔ Admission to the Awards Program
- ✔ Access to the Open Bar Reception following the program
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is a respected annual gathering where the NFL scouting community comes together to recognize top performers, celebrate the profession, and honor those who help build NFL rosters year after year.
The program includes:
- Welcome remarks from Inside the League Neil Stratton & SMWW Dr. Lynn Lashbrook
- Sponsor recognition and featured updates
- Award presentations and honors
- Video tributes and special acknowledgments
- NFL Scout Industry insights and highlights
The atmosphere is professional, energetic, and relaxed—followed by one of the best networking receptions of Combine Week.
AWARDS PRESENTED
The ITL Scouting Awards honors excellence across NFL scouting and player personnel, including:
Best Draft Award (2025 Draft Class)
Recognizing the NFL team that delivered the strongest overall draft class.
Best Pro Department Awards
Honoring the Top 3 NFL Pro Personnel Departments, as voted on by peers.
The BART List Awards
Recognizing elite scouts at multiple levels, including:
- Next Wave
- Road
- Executive
Plus additional scouting superlatives such as:
- Best on a Visit
- Best Running a Pro Day
- Best Gathering Character Information
Strength Coach of the Year
Selected by NFL scouts and personnel professionals.
Pro Liaison of the Year
Recognizing the college pro liaison who provides exceptional professionalism and support to the scouting community.
Most Improved Visit Award
Honoring the college program that made the biggest improvement in supporting NFL scouting visits.
PRESTIGIOUS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONORS
The ITL Scouting Awards also includes its most respected annual honors:
C.O. Brocato Memorial Award
Lifetime Service to NFL Scouting
Eugene E. Parker Memorial Award
Lifetime Service to the agent industry
These honors recognize decades of impact and influence across professional football.
OPEN BAR RECEPTION
Immediately following the awards program, attendees are invited to continue the evening at the official reception featuring an open bar.
This is where the scouting community reconnects, relationships are strengthened, and the Combine Week networking truly comes alive.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Times: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM for awards at Indiana Convention Center
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Open bar & networking
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Venue: Indiana Convention Center (room details to be announced)
NFL Team Employees: Complimentary (RSVP required)
Public Admission: $100
RSVP / TICKET INFORMATION
NFL TEAM EMPLOYEES (Complimentary)
All NFL team employees are complimentary but must RSVP to confirm entry.
RSVP Here: [Insert RSVP Link]
PUBLIC TICKETS ($100)
Public tickets are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Purchase Tickets Here:
FAQ
Is this event only for NFL personnel?
No. NFL team employees are complimentary, but the event is also open to the public with paid admission.
Who is included in the public admission category?
Public admission includes NFL agents, SMWW agents, SMWW students and alumni, football professionals, and general public.
What does the $100 ticket include?
Your ticket includes admission to the ITL Scouting Awards program and access to the open bar reception immediately afterward.
Do NFL team employees have to pay?
No. All NFL team employees are complimentary, but they must RSVP.
Is there a dress code?
Business casual is recommended. Many attendees dress in smart professional attire.
Is seating guaranteed?
Seating is limited. RSVP/ticket purchase is strongly recommended to secure entry.
Where exactly is the event held?
The event takes place at the Indiana Convention Center. Room # _______
What time should I arrive?
Doors typically fill quickly. Plan to arrive early. The program begins promptly at 5:30 PM.
Is the open bar included for everyone?
Yes. Both NFL team RSVPs and paid ticket holders receive access to the open bar reception.
Is this a networking event?
Yes. The ITL Scouting Awards is considered one of the most valuable networking nights of the NFL Combine week.
** Please note that the meet & greet fee does not include flight or hotel accommodations.
Walk-up registrations will not be accepted. Please register online in advance.
Event Registration includes:
February 16thGeneral Admission:
$ $100.00 USD