TEAMS Conference + Expo 2026

TEAMS (Travel, Events and Management in Sports) is an annual conference and appointment-based expo that connects sports-event organizers and rights holders with destinations, venues, hotels and suppliers. It is presented by SportsTravel and run by Northstar Travel Group, and the host city changes each year.

TEAMS Conference + Expo 2026

TEAMS Conference + Expo runs October 26–29, 2026 in Birmingham, Alabama.

What it is

TEAMS stands for Travel, Events and Management in Sports. It is a conference and appointment-based trade show for the sports-event industry, presented by SportsTravel magazine and owned and operated by Northstar Travel Group. This year the Greater Birmingham CVB is the host.

The organizer says TEAMS was launched in 1998 and draws more than 1,300 participants. They include CEOs, executive directors and event managers from sports organizations, along with sports commissions, convention bureaus, corporate sponsors and event suppliers.

How the week runs

Unless the program says otherwise, events take place at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC).

• Monday, October 26: the TEAMS Invitational Golf Tournament at Oxmoor Valley Golf Club's Ridge Course (shotgun start 8:30 a.m.), and the NCSG Symposium, which is open to National Congress of State Games members only. The Registration Center opens in the BJCC East Hall Lobby, and there is a Rookie Reception for first-time attendees.
• Tuesday and Wednesday: the expo floor. Event organizers walk it and vote in the Best Booth Contest.
• Thursday: Best Booth winners are announced at the Closing General Session.

Every attendee must pick up credentials at the Registration Center. Those credentials are checked for all sessions, transportation and social functions.

Appointments and extras

The core of the show is pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings in exhibitors' booths. Each exhibitor can book up to 40 appointments with governing-body representatives and event rights holders. Attendees can also join the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic SportsLink program, which connects destinations with the Olympic and Paralympic Movement.

The Sheraton Birmingham and The Westin Birmingham connect directly to the BJCC. Some other host hotels have complimentary transportation to official events. The hotel booking deadline is October 2, 2026.