April 15, 2026Educationsport and leadership studiesCollege of EducationSport Managment

Kansas Sport Summit draws record crowd to Wichita State campus

Attendees network and interact in a large open space during the Kansas Sport Summit at Wichita State University.

Wichita State University’s Sport and Leadership Studies program hosted the 2026 Kansas Sport Summit on April 2 at the Rhatigan Student Center on the Wichita State University campus, bringing together students, faculty and industry professionals from across the region.

Held under the theme “Elevating the future of sport leadership and industry connection,” the annual summit aims to bridge the gap between scholarship and application in sport management and related fields. The event featured panel discussions, roundtable discussions and opportunities to share insights, discuss emerging trends and explore collaboration.

A highlight of the summit was the keynote session delivered by distinguished Shocker alumnus Marc Farha, co-CEO of CAA ICON. His presentation was followed by a roundtable discussion featuring Dani Welniak, vice president of communications at the Kansas City Current, offering attendees additional insight from industry leadership.

Keynote speaker, March Farha, presents the keynote address at the KS sport summit

Panelists, including Dani Welniak, speak during a roundtable session at the Kansas Sport Summit at Wichita State University, with attendees seated and listening in a conference room.

The 2026 summit drew a record 225 registrants, with 192 attendees participating throughout the day. The group included 120 college students from 11 regional institutions, including Wichita State, Fort Hays State, Emporia State, Pittsburg State, University of Nebraska Kearney, Washburn University, McPherson College, Central Christian College of Kansas, Sterling College, Baker University and Butler Community College. Of those students, 66 were from Wichita State and 54 represented other institutions.

Four presenters pose together in front of a presentation screen during a panel session at the Kansas Sport Summit at Wichita State University.

In addition to student attendees, 38 practitioners from 20 sport and related organizations participated in the summit, along with 34 faculty and staff members from 10 regional institutions.

Attendees participated in a full schedule of professional development opportunities, including two roundtable sessions, three breakout sessions, a keynote address and a case study competition sponsored by Wichita State Athletics. The summit also included a career fair and networking session.

An attendee holds a microphone and asks a question while seated at a table during a session at the Kansas Sport Summit at Wichita State University.

The Kansas Sport Summit is held annually in early April and is the only sport management conference in the state of Kansas.

Faculty feedback following this year’s event highlighted the summit’s student-centered structure, programs and networking opportunities. Several institutions attended the summit for the first time, including Fort Hays State University, and have expressed interest in returning in 2027 with additional students.

The next Kansas Sport Summit is scheduled for April 1, 2027, at the Rhatigan Student Center at Wichita State University.

 
Photos by Wichita State Student, Teresa Vu
Students and professionals interact with recruiters at tables during the Kansas Sport Summit at Wichita State University, gathered in a conference room with booths and informational displays. Photo by Teresa Vu, Wichita State student minoring in sport management.
A woman speaks with attendees at a booth during the Kansas Sport Summit at Wichita State University, standing behind a table with informational materials and a QR code display.
A student smiles while holding a first-place award plaque during the case study competition at the Kansas Sport Summit at Wichita State University.
Four attendees pose together for a photo during the Kansas Sport Summit at Wichita State University in a lobby setting.
Two men review information at a booth during the Kansas Sport Summit at Wichita State University, looking down at materials together in a conference room setting.
Two men review information at a booth during the Kansas Sport Summit at Wichita State University, looking down at materials together in a conference room setting. Three men pose together at the Kansas Sport Summit at Wichita State University, smiling and wearing name badges in a lobby area.
Students speak with Wichita State sport management staff at a booth during the Kansas Sport Summit at Wichita State University, gathered around a table with informational materials in a conference room.
Two individuals stand at an event entrance during the Kansas Sport Summit at Wichita State University, holding a sign promoting a Kansas City Current giveaway.