Your Guide to AB Show 2026: 10 Educational Sessions to Add to Your Schedule

The 2026 Athletic Business Show (AB Show) is almost here! From November 17-19, recreation, athletics, and facility management professionals will come together in Orlando, Florida, to share ideas, explore industry trends, and discover new ways to better serve their communities.

With educational sessions covering everything from recreation programming and facility operations to emerging technology and community engagement, there's something for every recreation professional.

At nextRec, we're always looking for ways to make recreation management simpler and more effective. We know that staying informed, learning from other agencies, and exploring fresh ideas can make a real difference in your department's day-to-day operations. 

To help you make the most of the Athletic Business Conference 2026, we've rounded up 10 educational sessions worth checking out!

Read on to discover the 10 sessions worth adding to your list! 

• • 👇 Jump to Wednesday's Educational Sessions (Wednesday, November 4)

  • 👇 Jump to Thursday's Educational Sessions (Thursday, November 5)

  • 👇 Jump to Friday's Educational Sessions (Friday, November 6)
    

2026 ABC Educational Sessions: Tuesday, November 17

1. Delivery Methods: The Most Important Decision You'll Make on Your Next Project

Time: 3:15 p.m.- 4:15 p.m.

Speaker: Stephen Springs

2. Transforming Underutilized Space Through Strategy, Collaboration, and Results: A Penn State Case Study

Time: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Speakers: Steve Kampf, Scott Haines

3. The Esports Blueprint 2.0: Expanding Access, Engagement, and Revenue Through Community-Based Gaming

Time: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Speaker: Justin Swaney

2026 ABC Educational Sessions: Wednesday, November 18

4. Stop Guessing. Start Planning. How Master Planning Keeps Facility Projects on Track

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Speakers: Katie Denti, Colleen McKenna

5. Your Recreation and Fitness Program Can be Funded: Real Models for Grants, Philanthropy, and Payor Partnerships

Time: 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Speakers: Kenneth Gorman, Ryan Lavell

6. Access Starts Before the Trip: Rethinking the Registration Process

Time: 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Speakers: Meghan Fox, Amanda Preperato

2026 ABC Educational Sessions: Thursday, November 19

7. Emergency Planning & Risk Management for Sport, Recreation, and Special Events

Time: 8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Speakers: Dr. Duane Crider, Dr. Scott Bradshaw

8. From Good to Great: Esports Facility Growth

Time: 8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Speakers: Doug Benedict, D.J. Preston

9. The Architecture of Ideas: Igniting Team Innovation That Drives Community Success Through the Power of Play

Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Speakers: James Braam, Laurie Braden

10. Panic-Proof Planning: We Don't Wing It, WE P.L.A.N. It

Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Speaker: Jason Chadock

Discover What's Next at AB Show 2026!

No matter which sessions you attend, AB Show 2026 is a great opportunity to discover fresh ideas, connect with other recreation professionals, and find new ways to make an impact in your community. 

Between sessions, be sure visit Xplor Recreation and say hello to the nextRec team!

We'd love to learn more about your department, hear about your goals, and show you how nextRec can help simplify recreation management and create better experiences for your staff and residents.

Want to see nextRec in action? Stop by and discover how easy recreation management can be!

We can't wait to see you at AB Show 2026!