Football Career Conference during the NFL Combine - Indianapolis

March 3 - 5, 2022
Indianapolis, Indiana 

Our annual Football Career Conference provides people of all ages with a desire to work in the NFL insight and exposure they can't get anywhere else:

 
  • Network 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

 

Chania

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

Learn More About Attending This Conference Learn More About Attending
This Conference

Fill out the form below and an SMWW Career Counselor will follow up directly with you.

CONNECT WITH A CAREER COUNSELOR

The SMWW Team will contact you
within two business days.

 

Who Should Attend the 2022 Football Career Conference?

This conference is designed for individuals who have always dreamed of working in football. Aspiring agents, executives, scouts, sales reps, marketers, 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).

   
   
 

 

2020 Featured Speakers
*Speakers are subject to change.

 
Adam Schefter
ESPN Announcer
 
Paraag Marathe
San Francisco 49ers President
 
Scott Fitterer
Carolina Panthers
General Manager
 
Mark Dominik
ESPN Analyst
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM
 
Dr. China Jude
Denver Broncos
VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
 
Aaron Schatz
Football Outsiders Founder
ESPN Insider & SMWW Faculty
 
Kelli Masters
NFL Agent
 
Jim Van Dam
Indianapolis Colts
VP of Ticket Sales and Service
 
Kristen Kuliga
NFL Agent
AMB Mentor
 
Joel Corry
Former NFL & NBA Agent
 Salary Cap Expert
 
Mike Tainer
Football Outsiders
Senior Analyst 
 
Russ Lande
Montreal Alouettes
Dir. of US Scouting
 
Ric Serritella
NFL Draft Bible Founder
 
Kelly Kleine
Denver Broncos Executive Director of Football Operations
 
Kevin Abrams
New York Giants
Senior Vice President of Football Operations & Strategy
 
Rod Graves
Fritz Pollard Alliance
Executive Director
 
Bill Guertin
800-Pound Gorilla
President and CEO
 
Steve Palazzolo
Pro Football Focus
Senior Analyst
 
Aaron Henderson
NFLPA Agent
 
Bryan Harper
Minnesota Vikings
VP of Media and Content
 
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 Greg Hylton 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" 2022 NFL Combine:

*Approximately thirty days prior to the conference, those registered will be sent an invitation for complimentary tickets to the 2022 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. This event is closed to the general public, but because of our strong relationship with the NFL, special consideration is being provided to conference attendees. You will be allowed to watch college players as they are evaluated by the 32 NFL teams. Attendees are not guaranteed entrance. Early registrants will be given priority. The earlier you register, the better your chances! The 2022 Combine has switched its timing, and all workouts will be in the evening. 

Where Does the Conference Take Place?

SMWW NFL Combine Career Conference

Friday, March 4, 2022

Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Location:   JW Marriott

10 S West St,

 

SMWW Welcome Reception

Thursday, March 3, 2022 

Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Location:  Punch Bowl Social

120 S Meridian St,

Punch Bowl Social cultivates an eclectic approach to the new concept of eat-entertainment. In a design-forward environment, Punch Bowl Social effectively combines a diner-inspired scratch-kitchen, craft beverages, and classic parlor-style entertainment that will turn your night into a shuffleboard showdown and your bowling buds into chicken 'n' waffle connoisseurs. All ages are invited to attend this event. 
 

 

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!
Early Bird discount available until February 27

This event is limited to the first 300.

Conference Registration includes:

- Meet sports executives, SMWW Staff, and speakers. (First drink and appetizers included!)
Final Day To Register: February 28
Final Day To Register:
February 28

General Admission : $400 $325.00 USD

 

College Students, Faculty & SMWW Alumni : $400 $275.00 USD

 

Team & Agency Employees : $400 $300.00 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.
 

2020 FOOTBALL CAREER CONFERENCE AGENDA
Note: this is the 2020 agenda. We are in the proccess of organizing the 2022 agenda. 


 

Speakers, in addition to dates and times, will change but the structure will be similar. Information will be updated as it becomes available. 

Wednesday

Registration Open

12noon - 8pm  

JW Marriott, 2nd Floor Lobby

10 S West Street

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

 

 

Thursday


Registration Open

12noon - 5pm

JW Marriott, 2nd Floor Lobby

10 S West Street

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

 

 

SMWW Welcome Reception

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Punch Bowl Social

120 S Meridian Street

Indianapolis, Indiana 46225

 

 

Friday, February 28th

 

SMWW Football Career Conference

JW Marriott Grand Ballroom 1-4, 3rd Floor

10 S West Street

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

 

 

7:00 am - Registration Opens

 

7:45 am - How to get the most out of your time at the NFL Combine with Jen Mueller and Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

8:00 am - Morning Coffee with Greg Hylton and Mark Dominik

Moderator: Jen Mueller, Seattle Seahawks Sideline Reporter

  • Greg Hylton, Indianapolis Colts Vice President Ticket Sales,  and SMWW Faculty

  • Mark Dominik, NFL TV Analyst, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM, and SMWW Faculty

9:00 am - The Man Behind Breaking News

  • Adam Schefter, ESPN NFL Insider

10:15 am - It All Begins with Scouting

Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, SMWW President, and Founder

  • Salli Clavelle, San Francisco 49ers Pro Personnel Analyst

  • Russ Lande, Calgary Stampede US Scout, GM Jr. Founder, and SMWW Faculty

  • Ric Serritella, NFL Draft Scout Founder

  • Eric Galko, XFL Director of Player Personnel

11:15 am - How Does The Salary Cap work in the NFL?

Moderator: Jen Mueller, Seattle Seahawks Sideline Reporter

  • Joel Corry, CBSsports.com Writer, and SMWW Faculty 

  • Zack Moore, Caponomics Author

12noon - Lunch Buffett - Located in Grand Ballroom 7-9


1:00 pm - The Growing Need in Football Analytics and Video Editing

Moderator: Jen Mueller, Seattle Seahawks Sideline Reporter  

  • Aaron Schatz, Football Outsiders Almanac Founder, and SMWW Faculty

  • Mike Stoeber, Jacksonville Jaguars Director of Football Technologies, and SMWW Faculty

  • Steve Palazzolo, Pro Football Focus Senior Analyst

  • Josh Liskiewitz, Pro Football Focus High School Operations Manager, and SMWW Alumni

2:00 pm - The Changing Landscape in Sports Media and Communications
Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, SMWW President, and Founder

  • Doug Farrar, Sports Illustrated NFL Writer

  • Jen Mueller, Seattle Seahawks Sideline Reporter

  • Dei Lynam, Veteran Sports Reporter, and SMWW Faculty

  • Herbie Teope, The Kansas City Star Chiefs Lead Beat Reporter

3:00 pm - Behind The Scenes with an NFL Agent
Moderator: Jen Mueller, Seattle Seahawks Sideline Reporter 

  • Kelli Masters, KMM Sports President, and Owner, NFLPA Agent

  • Kristen Kuliga, K Sports & Entertainment Founder, NFLPA Agent

  • Ray Haija, MGA Sports Agency NFLPA Agent

4:00 pm - Power Hour with San Francisco 49ers President, Paraag Marathe

Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, SMWW President, and Founder

5:00 pm - Closing remarks with Dr. Lashbrook and Jen Mueller

 

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
  • Alyssa Rutherford, SMWW Business Operations Manager
  • Ike Worth, SMWW Business Operations Coordinator
  • Jon LaForce, 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
 

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