Springfield, Massachusetts …The National Hockey League is hosting 2026 AHL Team Business Conference Presented by Victory Live This week, more than 250 representatives from the league and its member clubs gathered at the DeVos Plaza Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Front office personnel from across the NHL came together to discuss best practices and innovative ideas in areas including ticket sales, corporate sales and marketing. These interactions allow some of the sports industry’s leading strategists to share ideas and gain insights as the AHL’s 32 member clubs prepare for the new season.
Keynote speakers and speakers at the event include: Scott HowsonPresident and CEO of AHL; Tony Weirgeneral manager of the Kalamazoo Wings; Dennis Fryerdirector of growth and development at Hustle Inc.; Brian Gainerfounder of Gaynor Sports; Anne Vallantdirector of strategy, partnerships and events at Ohio University; Amanda DennisVice President of Sales and Revenue Marketing, Ilitch Sports and Entertainment; Mark RuxinAXS Chief Strategy Officer; and Kurt Weaverexecutive director of the You Can Play Project.
In addition, approximately 40 merchandise, promotions, ticketing and technology companies will participate in the AHL’s annual vendor showcase, and the league will recognize team employees for business success over the past year at the annual TBS Awards Ceremony.
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The AHL, which has been in operation since 1936 and celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, continues to serve as the top developmental league for all 32 National Hockey League teams. Today, nearly 90 percent of NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and more than 100 honorary members of the Hockey Hall of Fame spent their careers in the AHL.
