As we prepare for the 2026 Player Development Summit in Detroit, Michigan (May 29–30), this episode gives you a clear and honest look at what this experience is really about.

This is not just another conference.

This is a room built for the people doing the unseen work in athletics.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• A 2026 Summit insight explaining exactly who this event is designed for

• A powerful speaker spotlight from the 2025 Summit

• A real attendee reflection from Kansas City that captures the heart of this community

🎯 Who Is The Player Development Summit For?

This episode answers that question directly.

The Summit is built for:

✔ Professionals currently in player development or athlete development roles

✔ Individuals transitioning into the field

✔ Athletic directors, head coaches, GMs, presidents, and decision-makers

✔ Organizations looking to enhance the athlete experience

✔ Companies and partners who serve athletic departments and athlete-facing leaders

When I started in this role, there was no roadmap.

No central place to grow.

No annual gathering of minds.

No unified community.

That’s why this summit exists.

That’s why I wrote The Player Development Guide.

That’s why this podcast exists.

This is professional development for the professionals who develop people.

🎤 2025 Speaker Spotlight: Jeremiah Brown

You’ll hear from 2025 opening keynote speaker Jeremiah Brown, who delivered one of the most transformational sessions of the Summit.

His message?

“Achievement without alignment is success that drains you.”

We unpack:

• Why chasing titles can lead to burnout

• The difference between achievement and fulfillment

• How trauma often points directly to purpose

• Why alignment is the bridge between who you are and what you do

This wasn’t hype.

It was transformational leadership development for the leaders who shape athletes’ lives.

🤝 2025 Attendee Reflection

You’ll also hear from returning attendees who describe the Summit as:

• A place of growth

• A relationship-builder

• An origin story for real professional friendships

• A community that extends beyond the event

Because this Summit is not transactional.

It’s relational.

🤝 Strategic Partners + Sponsors

We are actively seeking aligned strategic partners for 2026.

This is not just logo placement.

Our audience includes:

• Athletic directors

• Front office executives

• Player engagement professionals

• Athlete-facing leaders across youth, college, professional, and international sports

If your organization serves athletes or supports those who serve athletes, this is a room you need to be in.

We are building long-term, integrated partnerships focused on real return on investment.

The sponsorship interest form is in the show notes.

📍 2026 Player Development Summit

🗓 May 29–30, 2026

📍 Detroit, Michigan

Whether you want to attend, speak, or sponsor, all details are linked in the show notes.

If you care about developing people and elevating programs, this Summit is for you.

I hope to see you in Detroit.

BOOK - Get YOUR copy of the Beyond The Field Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

2026 Player Development Summit - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2026 Player Development Summit Sponsorship - https://forms.gle/vPucKVKaZmTVcLDq9

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

The 2026 Player Development Summit dates are officially set.

The 2026 Player Development Summit will be held May 29 to May 30 in Detroit at TechTown Detroit, and in this episode I share everything you need to know about what the summit is, why it exists, and why Detroit is the right city for this next chapter.

I break down:

• How the Player Development Summit started and what gap it was created to fill

• What made the first in-person summit in Kansas City feel like community, not a conference

• Why we are taking the summit to Detroit and what makes the city special

• What is new in 2026, including breakout rooms and an upgraded closing experience

• Who this summit is for: professionals in the role, those transitioning into the role, leaders, and partners

• The three pillars of the summit: Grow, Network, Partner

• The topics attendees asked for and what you can expect this year

• Why sponsorship matters and how partners help create the full summit experience

If you are focused on enhancing the athlete experience through holistic and intentional programs and initiatives, I want to see you in Detroit.

BOOK - Get YOUR copy of the Beyond The Field Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

2026 Player Development Summit - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2026 Player Development Summit Sponsorship - https://forms.gle/vPucKVKaZmTVcLDq9

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Alumni relations isn’t broken but it is changing.

In this episode, I close out the 12 Days of Player Development by tackling alumni relations in a portal-happy world. With athletes transferring more than ever, programs are being forced to rethink alumni identity, engagement, and connection.

You’ll hear:

• Why alumni relations still matter deeply

• How to define alumni in today’s landscape

• The importance of short-term but intentional engagement

• What current players must commit to

• How to support graduates immediately after they leave

This episode is for player development professionals, athlete engagement staff, coaches, and administrators navigating the new reality of college sports.

BOOK - Get YOUR copy of the Beyond The Field Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

2026 Player Development Summit - https://www.btfprogram.com/pdsummit

2026 Player Development Summit Sponsorship - https://forms.gle/vPucKVKaZmTVcLDq9

Player Development Newsletter → https://substack.com/@btfprogram

🎙 About Ed Jones II:

Founder of Beyond The Field | Author of The Player Development Guide | Host of The Player Development Pod | Creator of the Player Development Summit

Follow Ed:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Twitter → https://twitter.com/BTF_Program