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

Player development can transform your program. Period.

In Day 11 of the 12 Days of Player Development, I break down 8 specific ways player development improves culture, leadership, communication, alignment, and sustainability in sports organizations.

This episode is for:

• Coaches feeling stretched thin

• Athletic directors seeking long-term stability

• Programs tired of constant distractions and turnover

We cover:

• Culture and accountability

• Player-led leadership

• Reducing noise and drama

• Continuity through change

• Coach burnout prevention

• Better information flow

• Whole-building alignment

If you want a program that develops people and elevates performance, this episode is for you.

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