Why You Should Attend a GIS Global Sports Summit in 2027

Imagine spending a week exploring the sports industry in Miami, Toronto, London or Australia.

2027 brings four signature GIS Global Sports Summits across three continents, each pairing international travel with exclusive access to the global sports industry.

But beyond the travel and unforgettable experiences, what can you actually gain from attending?

From meeting industry leaders and building valuable connections to experiencing live sport and getting behind the scenes at iconic venues, countless GIS students have made the most of the opportunity in recent years.

To help you decide whether a Summit is right for you, we spoke to some of those students and alumni about their experiences and what they gained from this unique learning opportunity.

Build Your Network with Sports Industry Leaders

At GIS, we pride ourselves on our industry connections, and our Global Sports Summits are a great example of how these connections can benefit students.

After completing her studies, alumna Poppy Kelly, who attended three different Summits, actually moved to Toronto after first visiting the city through GIS, highlighting the close-knit nature of the sports industry.

“The industry is so tight – people always say that, especially with the guest speakers you get an extra bit of time with. At times you feel like you’re friends, like they get us and we get them.”

Craig Bowker, who attended the Miami Summit, expanded on the calibre of professionals that students can meet and learn from.

“The Summit offered unparalleled opportunities to network and engage with major figures from the MLS, MLB, and NBA, as well as guest speakers from Concacaf.”

Echoing the importance of building genuine connections, alumnus Tobias van Deijck advised students to “network with people and create relationships without asking for a job right away. Instead, have conversations by asking about what they do and what interests them.”

These conversations can help students build confidence while developing a better understanding of the industry and the opportunities available to them.

“One of the key things I gained from the experience was confidence in networking and communicating,” said Julia Hess.

“Being in these environments encouraged me to ask questions, start conversations and learn directly from professionals working in sport.”

Exclusive Access to Elite Sport

As well as building a professional network, GIS Summits offer students the chance to experience the inner workings of professional sport at each destination.

For Toronto native Nathan Edlington, it made perfect sense to be part of a GIS Summit in his hometown, where he gained exclusive insight into the teams he has supported throughout his life.

“As a Maple Leaf’s and Toronto FC fan, it was fascinating to go behind the scenes at Scotiabank Arena and BMO Field. Being able to attend matches for a few different professional clubs throughout the week was a great treat as well.”

“It was so interesting to spend the days learning about the operations, and then see them in action in the evening.”

For MSc International Sport Management student Paige Sutherland, who has years of experience contributing to major sporting events through roles with the Geelong Cats and Cricket Australia, the Australia Summit offered a unique perspective on the country’s sporting landscape.

“Sydney is a very special landscape for sport. I’ve experienced the American and European side, and there’s nothing like it. Aussies live for sport – it’s ingrained in us – so being a part of the industry is special.”

Paige also highlighted the opportunity to connect with like-minded students and industry professionals during the Summit.

“We’re all here to succeed in sport, and are all driven and want to upskill and get ourselves out there. Being with them is really nice, as well as the chance to see amazing facilities and engage with well-networked people.”

For Julia, this access made her trip particularly memorable. After attending the London Summit, she reflected on her personal highlight of visiting the famous Wembley Stadium for the first time.

“Wembley is such an iconic place and represents so much history within the sport. I had never had the opportunity to visit Wembley before, so finally being there felt both emotional and incredibly impressive.”

The unique access offered through the Summits is something that even elite athletes can appreciate.

Having represented Jamaica in international football, Marlo Sweatman, who attended the Miami Summit, confirmed this, saying:

“As a former player, I’ve spent over a decade experiencing the game from the inside, but this Summit gave me something different. It allowed me to see the sport from off the field, through a different lens.”

“I’m leaving even more motivated to grow the game.”

Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone

Overall, GIS Global Sports Summits aren’t just about visiting a new city. They provide the chance to learn from those working across the sports industry, expand your professional network and experience elite sport from the inside.

They’re also an opportunity to challenge yourself in an unfamiliar environment, with students given the chance to deliver short presentations to local sports professionals.

Industry-leading networks and exclusive access are cornerstones of each GIS Summit, while presenting to professionals in the industry provides another opportunity to develop valuable skills.

“Putting myself into these environments was not always easy at first,” said Julia. “I often felt quite nervous beforehand. But I learned that stepping outside that comfort zone often leads to the most valuable experiences.”

Katie-Leigh Scott also felt the experience improved her confidence when presenting, explaining that exposure to public speaking helped her realise it wasn’t as daunting as she had thought.

“I used to not like public speaking, but I think I just didn’t know enough about it. In most roles in football, you need to be able to speak in front of people.”

“I was able to immerse myself in a completely different country and environment. I wanted to push myself outside of my comfort zone and be a part of new sports.”

As our students’ experiences show, you get out of a Global Sports Summit what you put into it. With four Summits across three continents in 2027, there’s a destination to match whatever you’re looking to get out of it.

Ready to Join a 2027 Global Sports Summit?

Bookings are now open for the 2027 GIS Global Sports Summits, with current GIS students and alumni able to choose from four destinations across three continents.

– Australia (Melbourne & Sydney): 15–24 January 2027

– Miami: Early April 2027*

– London: 20–27 May 2027*

– Toronto: 7–14 June 2027*

Each Summit combines tailored talks and workshops with sports industry professionals, cultural visits, access to leading sports and entertainment venues and the opportunity to attend live sport.

To learn more and secure your place at the Global Sports Summit location of your choice, visit our Summits page.

Article by Zakaria Anani