Deadline: April 10, 2026

2026 Conference: Defining the Next Era of Convention, Sports & Entertainment Development

The Convention, Sports & Entertainment Facilities Conference brings together industry leaders, stakeholders, and visionaries to explore the intersection of economic development, urban planning, and community engagement in the development of major venues. We invite public and private sector professionals to share their expertise through case studies, insights, and strategies that are shaping the future of convention centers, hotels, stadiums, arenas, performing arts centers, and entertainment districts.

This is your opportunity to connect with industry leaders and decision-makers while contributing to meaningful discussions on the most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities in the convention, sports and entertainment infrastructure sector.

We are seeking abstracts focused on the following themes and topic ideas:

Financing Models & Public-Private Partnerships

• Creative financing solutions for convention centers, stadiums, and entertainment districts
• Public-private partnership (P3) models for large-scale facility development
• Revenue diversification strategies for venue operators
• Tax incentive programs and economic impact assessments

Project Types on the Rise

• Professional and collegiate stadium expansion and relocation opportunities
• Collegiate stadiums and innovative campus venues  
• The rise of women’s sports and facilities purpose-built for female athletes
• Increased interest in youth and amateur sports facilities  
• Esports arenas and technology-driven entertainment hubs

Venue Design & Construction Trends

• Next-generation convention center design, including hybrid event capabilities and modular spaces
• The rise of multi-use and flexible venues that accommodate sports, concerts, conventions, and esports
• Integration of digital twins, AI, and smart technology in new facility development
• Innovations in safety, security, and crowd management

Placemaking & Economic Development

• The role of convention centers, sports arenas, and entertainment venues in revitalizing cities and urban master planning
• Transit-oriented development (TOD) and connectivity to major venues
• Strategies for ensuring year-round activation and mixed-use development
• Convention center expansion and its role in tourism and business travel
• Brownfield projects, lessons learned and long-term economic impact

World-Class Moments

• Lessons learned from the 2026 FIFA World Cup that can be applied to future sporting events
• Opportunities for the 2028 Olympics and other major global events
• The role of convention centers in supporting international sporting, business events and tourism
• Legacy planning: Long-term benefits of hosting major events

Convention Centers as Catalysts

• The evolution of convention centers as multi-purpose economic engines
• How convention center design is changing to meet the needs of hybrid and digital-first conferences
• Adaptive reuse of spaces: Transforming convention centers for broader community use

Sustainability in Facility Development

• Green building certifications (LEED, WELL, etc.) and energy-efficient retrofits
• Strategies for carbon-neutral venues and reducing operational footprints
• Sustainable materials and construction practices in large-scale venue projects
• Waste management, water conservation, and sustainable food & beverage operations

Submission Guidelines
Abstracts should include a 100-250 word synopsis and include the types of envisioned panelists (e.g.,public sector owners, architects, engineers, financiers, etc.)

Speaker Registration Policy
Public sector speakers will receive complimentary registration. Private sector speakers will receive complimentary registration if they or their companies are sponsors or exhibitors of the conference. Non-supporting private sector speakers are required to pay the General Audience registration fee.

We look forward to receiving your innovative ideas and insights—Step Up, Stand Out, and Shape the Future at the Convention, Sports & Entertainment Facilities Conference!