🏟️ 2025 Upside US Summit. New Speakers: DaeSean Hamilton (Ex NFL Player, Denver Broncos), Mary Vander Heiden, Dr Thomas Mitchell, MLS VIP Dinner's 1st Speakers: Darcy Norman, Dave Tenney.
Dear colleague,
As you know, on October 21, 2025, we will host our annual 2025 Upside US Sports Tech Summit at the Amerant Bank Arena, the home of the Florida Panthers, the 2 times Stanley Cup NHL Champion, in Sunrise, Florida. We are excited about catching up with all of you there. We have a packed agenda for you guys with a great lineup of speakers, pro teams, vendors and investors. Speaking slots are filling up quickly. We already have nearly 50 speakers confirmed. Some top speakers (Teams, investors, athletes, etc) have yet to be announced. Stay tuned!
We have 1 booth left so this booth will go quickly. So if you want to exhibit, sponsor or speak at our summit, please reach out to us ASAP at julien@upsideglobal.co. We would also like to give a big thank you to our 26 sponsors namely Kinmetrix, HigherDOSE, Winback, Maxxx Force, Kinvent, Multi Radiance, Vert, Orreco, VALD, Quantum Movement, Aris, Cerbrec Beyond Blood, BrainLit, ActivBody, OxiWear, Myocene, Prism Neuro, Machina Sports, Respo.Vision, GameRun.ai, Summus Medical Laser, Box Altitude, ThermoHuman, KinetikIQ, Output Sports.
Due to high demand, we are also extending our early bird special. So you can use the code 70CODE for 70% off tickets ($150 Vs $500 regular price) by clicking on the “Get your discounted ticket(s) button below. The Promo ends on October 15 so hurry up.
We are also pleased to announce the first speakers of our panel discussion at our VIP dinner at the MLS Symposium on December 10, 2025 in Atlanta GA:
Dave Tenney, Director of High Performance at Atlanta United FC (MLS).
Darcy Norman, Director of Performance at Chicago Fire FC (MLS).
If you want to present in front of 50 top MLS Practitioners (Head of performance, HAT, Head S&C coach, Head of rehab..) please email us at julien@upsideglobal.co. We only have 5 spots for vendors to present.
We are looking for some extra volunteers (student preferred) to help our at our US Summit on October 21, so if you are interested in volunteering please email us at julien@upsideglobal.co thank you.
If you cannot attend our Upside US Summit in person, no worries. You can now sign up here, email us and we will send you for free the recorded videos of the panels and keynotes by clicking on the link below:
Some of the Participating Teams and Leagues:
Hotel Partner - US Summit
We are also teaming up with the Double Three in Sunrise FL So if you are looking for a hotel to stay while attending our US Summit, you can benefit from a discounted rate on the hotel rooms. Please note that it also allows for cancellation and full refund up to 2 days prior to check in. Click on the link below to get access to the discounted rate:
Location / Time:
Location: Amerant Bank Arena, the home of the Florida Panthers (NHL), in Sunrise, Florida.
Date: October 21, 2025
Time: 7.30 am to 8.30 pm EST
Highlights:
300 Sports tech executives
50+ Top Teams & Leagues: NBA, WNBA, MLB, MLS, NWSL, NHL, NFL, NCAA, UFL, Premier League, etc
50 Top Speakers
15+ VCs (Sports tech VCs, Family offices, Team owners, Sports tech accelerators, angel investors..)
Media (TV, newswires..)
30 exhibitors
10 Speaking Sessions
2 Keynotes
1 after party
1 hour speed dating session with teams
Featured Speakers
This week we are delighted to announced our new speakers at our 2025 Upside US Sports Tech Summit in Sunrise, FL We have a lot more speakers (teams, leagues, vendors, VCs, team owners, athletes) across various leagues (NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLS, NWSL, MLB, NCAA, pro tennis..) to be announced. This week’s new speakers are: DaeSean Hamilton, a former NFL player for the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins; Dr. Thomas M. Mitchell, D.C., CCSP, a distinguished chiropractic physician and sports performance expert, and Senior Vice President of Exercise Science & Performance at Maxxx-Force; Mary Vander Heiden, the Owner of MVH Sports Medicine, LLC, and the Head Athletic Trainer for the Arlington Renegades (UFL).
DaeSean and Thomas will be speaking on the panel on the science of comebacks while Mary will be speaking on the panel on women teams.
DaeSean Hamilton is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL), most notably for the Denver Broncos. Born on March 15, 1995, in Okinawa, Japan, and raised in Virginia, Hamilton developed a reputation early for his discipline and work ethic. At Penn State University, he became one of the most productive receivers in school history, finishing his collegiate career as the Nittany Lions’ all-time leader in receptions. His precise route running, intelligence on the field, and steady hands earned him All-Big Ten recognition and a strong reputation among teammates and coaches alike.
Hamilton was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, where he contributed as a slot receiver and on special teams across multiple seasons. Despite facing injuries that impacted his professional trajectory, he remained a respected presence in the locker room for his professionalism and leadership. Off the field, Hamilton has been an advocate for mental health awareness, often sharing his family’s story and his role in supporting his brother, who lives with autism. His journey reflects perseverance, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive impact beyond the game.
Dr. Thomas M. Mitchell, D.C., CCSP, is a distinguished chiropractic physician and sports performance expert with over two decades of experience in functional rehabilitation, sports medicine, and human performance. He currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Exercise Science & Performance at Maxxx-Force and is the founder of the Chicago Institute for Health & Wellness and Titan Medical Associates Ltd. A Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician and Applied Kinesiology specialist, Dr. Mitchell has worked extensively with athletes and organizations to enhance performance, recovery, and longevity through evidence-based care and advanced neuromuscular training methods.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Mitchell is a two-time Amazon #1 bestselling author of The Mitchell Principle and Never Too Late for Fitness and a world record holder in bench press with the World Drug-Free Powerlifting Federation. His professional credentials include certifications in sports injury care, functional rehabilitation, performance nutrition, and neuro-stabilization training. As Chairman of the American Academies of Sports Practitioners and co-founder of The Sports Combine and Next Level Human Performance, Dr. Mitchell continues to lead innovation at the intersection of sports science, medicine, and human potential.
Mary E. Vander Heiden, MA, LAT, ATC, is the Founder and Owner of MVH Sports Medicine, LLC, and Head Athletic Trainer for the Arlington Renegades of the United Football League (UFL). MVH Sports Medicine is currently partnered with EBP Central in developing a Micro-Credential: Insurance and Billing in Collegiate Athletics. Vander Heiden brings more than 25 years of experience in collegiate and professional sports medicine. Prior to founding MVH Sports Medicine, she served 16 years as Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine and Head Football Athletic Trainer at the University of Central Florida. Recognized nationally for her leadership and service, Vander Heiden has held multiple positions within the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the Athletic Trainers’ Association of Florida (ATAF), including her 2024 nomination as Division I Chair of the Intercollegiate Council for Sports Medicine (ICSM) following service representing both the Big XII and AAC conferences. A past ATAF Sports Medicine Person of the Year (2021) and recipient of the NATA Lifesaver Award (2007), Vander Heiden is known for her expertise in sports medicine, athlete performance, and recovery. She is a nationally invited speaker and consultant, sharing insights on sports medicine leadership, healthcare policy, and athlete care with organizations across the country. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing the profession through evidence-based practice, education, and a dedication to supporting athletes at the highest level of competition.
Agenda:
At our 2025 Upside US Sports Tech Summit, we will have 2 keynotes and various panel discussions on timely topics. Here is the detailed agenda.
7.30 am: Registration
8.30: Opening remarks by Julien Blin, CEO, Upside Global
8.40 am - 9.10 am: Opening Keynote
Dr Brian Moore, CEO, Orreco
9.10 am - 10 am: Panel discussion:
Title: NCAA / College Sports:
Summary:
– Why is the NCAA the next big opportunity for tech startups?
– What is the process to adopt new technologies, hot areas of tech interest, opportunities for tech startups in the NCAA?
Participants:
- Dr. Reuben F. Burch V, Ph.D., VP for Research, Texas Christian University (TCU / NCAA)
- Dr Tony Ricci, Assistant Professor, Exercise and Sports Science, College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Rehabilitative Sciences, Nova Southeastern University (NCAA)
- Steven Simmons, COO, NILENT
- Dr. Stefan Valdes, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) & Experienced NBA & NFL S&C coach
Moderator: Dr. Zacharias Papadakis, PhD, Director of the Human Performance Laboratory, Barry University.
10 am - 11 am: Speed dating session between pro teams and select vendors
11 am - 12 pm: Panel discussion:
Title: The Emergence of next gen biomarkers:
Summary:
– Are biomarkers (lactate, cortisol, glucose, hydration…) the new holy grail for teams?
– What types of new biomarkers are likely to emerge in the future?
Participants:
– David Iglesias, CCO, ThermoHuman
- Gonzalo Rodriguez Garcia, Director of the Health & Performance Department, Orlando City SC (MLS)
- Paul Robbins, experienced NBA/NFL sports performance expert, BioCore,
- Manfredi San Germano, Founder & CEO, Beyond Blood Diagnostics (HypoXcell).
- Dr Brian Moore, CEO, Orreco
Moderator: Dr. Zacharias Papadakis, PhD, Director of the Human Performance Laboratory, Barry University.
12 pm - 1.30 pm: Lunch & Networking
1.40 pm - 2.20 pm: Panel discussion:
Title: Training and Rehab for the Future: What Will Performance Training and Return-to-Play Look Like in 2030?
Summary:
A forward-looking discussion on how AI, biomechanics, genetics, and wearable tech will transform the rehabilitation and performance training process.
Participants:
- Athan Kollias, Founder & CEO, Kinvent
- Rico Rogers, CEO, Box Altitude
- Richard Albright, CEO, Summus Medical Laser
- Nick Soto, Assistant S&C coach, University of Miami (NCAA)
- Emma Meehan, Founder, CEO & CTO, KinetikIQ
- Dr Martin O’Reilly, CEO, Output Sports
Moderator: Dr Marco Nunez, Former Head Athletic Trainer, LA Lakers (NBA)
2.20 pm - 3 pm: Panel discussion:
Title: The Future of Fan Engagement with AI and Personalization.
Summary:
– Tailoring content and experiences for individual fans.
– AI-powered fan engagement and training tools
Participants:
- Bill Chapman, Emmy® Award-winning live director and producer, Warner Bros Discovery
- Pawel Osterreicher, Co-Founder & CEO, Respo.Vision
- André Antonelli, CEO, Machina Sports
- Steven Lund, Head of Sales Cerbrec
- Robert Hull, CFO, Panini America
– Moderator: Chris Pfaff, CEO, Chris Pfaff Tech/Media LLC
3 pm - 3.40 pm: Panel discussion:
Title: The Future of injury reduction by 2030
Summary:
– Current modalities (AMS, biomechanics assessment tools, AI tools..) used to reduce injuries
– Future modalities to reduce injuries by 2030.
Participants:
– Dr. Stefan Valdes, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) & Experienced NBA & NFL S&C coach
- Shaun Jayachandran, Product Advisor, GameRun.ai
- Dr Marco Nunez, Former Head Athletic Trainer, LA Lakers (NBA)
- Devan McConnell, High Performance Director, Utah Mammoth (NHL)
- Carlos Del Barro, Experienced Sports scientist, Atletico Madrid (Laliga)
- Josh Harris, M.S., Performance Solutions Manager, Myocene
– Moderator: Julien Blin, CEO, Upside Global
3.40 pm - 4.20 pm: Panel discussion:
Title: Rehab panel: Key metrics, The Science of Comebacks
Summary:
Highlighting new technologies like AI-driven rehab programs, regenerative medicine, and advanced wearables for tracking recovery.
Are we measuring the right things (Cognitive, motor skills)?
Challenging traditional return-to-play benchmarks and exploring new data-driven approaches to assessing readiness.
Participants:
- Kim Brouzes, CEO, Kinmetrix
- Erin Angelini, Director of Rehabilitation, Orlando Pride (NWSL)
- DaeSean Hamilton, former NFL player for the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins (NFL)
- Joe Rogowski, Athletic Heart CEO, Former NBPA Chief Medical Officer
- Gordon Waddington, Australian Institute of Sport/University of Canberra Professor of Sports Medicine Research, Co-founder, Prism Neuro
- Thomas Mitchell DC, CCSP, Clinic Director, Chicago Institute for Health & Wellness and Senior Vice President of Exercise Science & Performance at Maxxx-Force.
Moderator: Len Zaichkowsky, PhD, Retired Professor, World-class’ sports biofeedback expert, Boston University
4.20 pm - 5 pm: Panel discussion:
Title: Winning Plays: Unlocking ROI in Sports Tech Investments
Summary:
- Beyond the hype, what are the real opportunities for return on investment in sports tech? This panel of experienced VCs will dissect the key metrics that drive successful sports tech investments. They’ll discuss due diligence, valuation, exit strategies, and the long-term potential of various sports tech sectors, offering valuable insights for both seasoned investors and those looking to break into the market.
– Is AI the next gold rush in the sports tech investment world?
Participants:
- Wayne Kimmel, Managing Partner, SeventySix Capital
- Meredith McPherron, CEO & Managing Partner, Drive by DraftKings
– Konrad von Moltke, Principal, WISE Ventures
- Ryan Murphy, Former olympic athlete (Team USA / Swimming) & Investor, Norwest
- Ian Seltzer, Principal, Pierce Yates Ventures
Moderator: Jeff Hintz, Executive Director, Sports Tech HQ
5 pm - 5.40: Panel discussion:
Title: Women in sports:
Summary:
– What types of emerging technologies for women teams and athletes will be see in the future? What are the main challenges faced by women teams today?
– What can we do to increate the number of research towards women teams?
Participants:
– David Gil, Performance Lab Director, VERT Sports.
- Cory Price, Director of Medical & Performance, Orlando Pride (NWSL)
- Mary Vander Heiden, Owner of MVH Sports Medicine, LLC, and Head Athletic Trainer for the Arlington Renegades (UFL)
Moderator: Julien Blin, CEO, Upside Global
5.40 pm - 6.20 pm: Closing keynote
Speaker: Kyle Harris, BrainLit AB CEO
6.20 pm - 7 pm: Panel of The Art and Science of Coaching
Participants:
- Zack Evenden, ATP coach
- Coach Charles Klask, NBA Coach (Ex Denver Nuggets)
Moderator: Dean Riddle, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), Action Apps
7 pm - 8 pm: After party
So why should you attend our Upside US Summit?
Our exclusive 2025 Upside US Summit will give you the opportunity to:
Meet practitioners (Athletic trainers, strengths coaches, sports scientists, head of performance, team doctors..) of top teams to present your product.
Meet innovative companies in areas (rehab tech, thermography, wearables, AI based injury reduction tools, hydration assessment tools, AMS, OTT/Web 3.0, etc.)
Meet top VCs, team owners, family offices, athletes and investors as part of your fund raising effort.
Speak on our panels and keynotes about the latest trends in sports and tech (Load management, injury reduction, OTT/Web 3.0, etc.)
If you are interested in sponsoring our event, exhibiting or speaking at our event, please reach out to us ASAP and click on the button below or email us at julien@upsideglobal.co
You want to know what it was like to attend our NY Summit at Citi Field, and hear what attendees loved about it?
Here are some video testimonials of some of the attendees (Vendors, sports organizations, VCs..) at our NY Summit:
At our 2025 Upside US Sport Tech Summit, we will have 50 top speakers. You can check our first speakers below. We will soon announce many more new speakers for our 2025 US Sports Tech Summit.
Our sponsors:
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me.
Best,
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