Every year, the football industry gathers in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. While future draft picks showcase their talent on the field, executives, scouts, agents, and media leaders are making decisions behind the scenes.

Right in the middle of that energy, Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) hosts its annual Football Career Conference — a two-day event built specifically for aspiring NFL professionals.

If you want to work in football, this is where access meets opportunity.

Why Attend the SMWW Football Career Conference?

This isn’t just another sports seminar. It’s a front-row seat to how the NFL truly operates.

You’ll:
• Learn directly from NFL executives, agents, scouts, and media insiders
• Discover real career paths into football operations, analytics, marketing, and representation
• Network during Combine week — when the entire football world is in one city
• Gain clarity on how to position yourself for internships and entry-level roles

Now let’s walk through the 2026 schedule in a simple, easy-to-follow format.

Thursday, February 26 | 6:00–8:00 PM EST

Welcome Reception

Location: Punch Bowl Social – 120 S Meridian St, Indianapolis

Kick off the weekend with a relaxed networking reception in downtown Indianapolis. Meet fellow attendees, speakers, and industry professionals before the main event begins. In sports, relationships matter — and this is where they start.

Friday, February 27 | 7:30 AM–6:30 PM EST

7:30 AM – Registration Opens

Coffee, bagels, check-in, and seating. Arrive early and start connecting.

7:50 AM – Adrenalize Today, Monetize Tomorrow

Speaker: Lynn Lashbrook, SMWW President & NFLPA Agent
Dr. Lashbrook opens the conference with a roadmap for turning your passion for football into a sustainable career.

8:00 AM – Inside a Super Bowl Front Office

Speaker: Nolan Teasley, Assistant GM, Seattle Seahawks
Learn how championship rosters are constructed and what separates elite franchises from the rest.

8:30 AM – Running Football Operations: Inside the NFL

Speaker: Dawn Aponte, SVP of Football Operations, New York Giants
A rare look at salary cap management, compliance, and the operational backbone of an NFL team.

9:00 AM – NFL Analytics & Technology: How Data Is Changing the Game

Moderator: Ric Serritella
Panelists include leaders from the Jacksonville Jaguars, FTN Network, and The 33rd Team.
Discover how analytics departments influence scouting, draft strategy, and in-game decisions.

9:50 AM – Break

10:00 AM – The Man Who Breaks the News

Speaker: Adam Schefter, Senior NFL Insider, ESPN
Gain insight into building credibility, sourcing information, and succeeding in football media.

11:00 AM – Scouting the Next NFL Superstar

Panel includes representatives from the Kansas City Chiefs and former GM of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Learn how teams evaluate elite talent and project future performance.

11:50 AM – Group Photos on the SMWW Stage

12:00–1:00 PM – Halftime (Lunch Break)

1:00 PM – Inside NFL Media: Broadcasting, Reporting & Analysis

Speakers include Brian Baldinger of NFL Network, Courtney Cronin of ESPN, and a digital media executive from the Indianapolis Colts.
Explore career paths in broadcasting, digital content, and reporting.

1:45 PM – Break

2:00 PM – Life as an NFL Agent: Contracts & Cap Strategy

Hear from experienced agents about negotiations, player representation, and long-term career management.

2:45 PM – Break

3:00 PM – How to Get an Entry-Level Job in the NFL

Executives from the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs share actionable advice on landing your first role.

3:45 PM – Break

4:00 PM – Athlete Marketing & Endorsements

Industry leaders discuss endorsements, branding, and how NFL players monetize their platforms.

4:45 PM – Go Global or Go Home

Dr. Lashbrook closes with a forward-looking perspective on the globalization of football and future opportunities.

5:00–6:30 PM – Overtime Networking Happy Hour

Drinks, appetizers, and open networking. Many attendees say this is where real opportunities take shape.

Who Should Be in the Room?

• Aspiring NFL agents
• Future scouts and analytics professionals
• Sports media hopefuls
• College students seeking internships
• Career changers targeting football operations
• Anyone serious about building a career in football

The Advantage of Combine Week

Being in Indianapolis during the NFL Combine places you in the center of the football universe. Pair that with direct access to executives, insiders, and decision-makers, and you’re not just attending an event — you’re positioning yourself for opportunity.

If you’re ready to stop watching the NFL from the outside and start building your career inside it, the SMWW Football Career Conference is where that journey begins.