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Character in Sport Global Conference

Event Overview

5650 Bollettieri Blvd., Bradenton, FL 34210

June 8, 2027 - June 10, 2027

IMG Academy

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About the Conference

The Character in Sport Global Conference brings coaches, educators, and sport leaders to IMG Academy for three days on how character development and performance work together.

The program is led by IMG Academy's Character and Leadership team, with sport directors, academic leaders, and outside experts joining. Each session is built on one or more of three frameworks: PRIMED to Compete, the 4 Pillars of Character, and the CViL Virtues. Attendees leave with ideas they can use with their own teams.

What You Will Learn

  • Lead with purpose. Know your "why" and inspire others.
  • Live the values. Put integrity, humility, and courage into action.
  • Build relationships. Invest in people and strengthen trust.
  • Make an impact. Use your influence to make a difference.

What to Expect

  • Opening keynotes from IMG Academy leadership
  • Applied workshops called Learning Labs, led by IMG Academy sport directors, academic leaders, sports science staff, and outside experts
  • A connection block and time to network with other attendees
  • Evening experiences on campus, including a 3-Point Contest and a Home Run Derby
  • An optional golf driving range experience after the conference closes

Who Should Attend

Coaches, athletic directors, school and club leaders, educators, and anyone who works with student-athletes.

Secure Your Spot

Event Facilities

The conference takes place on the IMG Academy campus in Bradenton, Florida. Keynotes and Learning Labs are hosted in meeting spaces at Legacy Hotel at IMG Academy, steps from campus. Evenings move onto campus for hands-on experiences.

Legacy Hotel at IMG Academy

  • Official host hotel with flexible meeting space and on-site catering
  • Welcome Reception on the lawn and poolside
  • Breakfast and dinner on site

Performance and Sports Science Center

  • Training space for strength and conditioning, with physical therapy and rehab on the first floor.
  • Houses the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) Performance Lab, Gatorade's first satellite lab.
  • The second floor has a mind gym, a vision lab, and a yoga studio.

Academic Center

  • Sits in the heart of campus and is home to classes, resources, and college prep.
  • A 2019 announcement planned an expansion with more classrooms, meeting areas, and a makerspace.
  • Reflects IMG Academy's emphasis on academics alongside athletics.

Campus Center

  • Dining ranges from buffet-style to grab-and-go, with nutrition-focused options.
  • Houses the campus bookstore, which sells apparel, sports equipment, snacks, and drinks.
  • Serves as a central gathering spot for student life.

Sample Agenda (Subject to Change)

Monday, June 7: Arrival and Immersion

TimeSession
6:00 to 8:00 PMWelcome Reception
7:00 and 8:00 PMOptional Campus Tram Tours

Day 1: Tuesday, June 8

TimeSession
7:30 to 8:45 AMBreakfast
9:00 to 9:45 AMOpening Keynote
9:45 to 10:30 AMConnection Block
10:30 to 12:15 PMLearning Labs Block
12:15 to 2:30 PMLunch, Refuel, Rest
2:30 to 4:15 PMLearning Labs Block
4:15 to 6:00 PMRest and Cocktails
6:00 to 7:00 PMDinner
7:00 to 8:30 PMEvening Experience

Day 2: Wednesday, June 9

TimeSession
7:30 to 8:45 AMBreakfast
9:00 to 9:45 AMKeynote
10:30 to 12:15 PMLearning Labs Block
12:15 to 2:30 PMLunch, Refuel, Rest
2:30 to 4:15 PMLearning Labs Block
4:15 to 6:00 PMRest and Cocktails
6:00 to 7:00 PMDinner
6:30 to 8:30 PMEvening Experience

Day 3: Thursday, June 10

TimeSession
7:30 to 8:45 AMBreakfast
9:00 to 11:45 AMLearning Labs Block
12:00 PMConference Close
1:30 to 3:30 PMOptional: Golf Driving Range Experience

Proposed Speaker Series

Hear from IMG Academy sport directors, academic leaders, sports science staff, and outside experts. Every session connects a practical coaching topic to the conference frameworks. Speakers and topics are proposed and subject to change.

IMG Academy Speakers

SpeakerTitleTopicBio
Dr. Pete Paciorek
(Day 1 keynote)		 Director of Character and Leadership PRIMED to Compete: Coaching for Character, Overview IMG Academy bio
Brent Richard and Mike Milliron
(Day 2 keynote)		 CEO and COO "All In: Add More Athletes" Brent Richard, Mike Milliron
Richard Thompson Assistant Director of Character and Leadership Modeling Integrity for Your Athletes and Team IMG Academy+ bio
Joey Lye Director of Softball Kids in Sports Need Strong Ethical Role Models Softball program page
Dr. Taryn Morgan VP, Athletic and Personal Development Long-Term Student-Athlete Development IMG Academy+ Summit page
Dr. Enock Francois Director of Wrestling Positive Youth Development: Building Relationships of Trust IMG Academy bio
Dr. Lindsey Hamilton Associate Athletic Director, Student Success Empowering Athletes: Appreciation for the Journey IMG Academy bio
Bryce Murphy Director of Sports Science Using Data in an Ethical Manner to Support Student Health IMG Academy bio
Brittany Williams and Oz Humeida Character and Leadership Coaches Keeping Joy in Sports Brittany Williams
John Hargis Director of Swimming Student-Athlete Purpose and Motivation (Love of Competition) IMG Academy bio
Travis Brantingham SVP, Student Life and Academics Empowering Leaders Through Sport
Margie Zesinger Director of Girls Tennis The Keys to Building Strong Team Culture and Relationships of Trust IMG Academy bio
Kevin Craggs Director of Golf Flourishing in Sports: Cultivating Growth Mindset IMG Academy bio
Dan Barto Basketball Technical Director Ethical AI: The Art and Science of Innovation IMG Academy bio
Gilad Doron Director of Volleyball Winning Whole: Courage to Stand on Principle IMG Academy bio
Kyle Brey Director of Football Building Leaders and Winners for Life IMG Academy bio

Outside Speakers

SpeakerTitleTopicBio
Dr. Mindy Bier and Dr. Fatima Salas, with Dr. Pete Paciorek Center for Character and Citizenship The Creation of the IMGA CDA (Character Development Assessment) CCC team page
Dr. Peter Dry Thriving Schools Expert Consultant Empowering Educators to Lead Thriving Schools
Dr. Angus Mugford USTA TBD

Key Frameworks

Every session is built on three frameworks from IMG Academy's Character and Leadership program. Together they give coaches and educators a shared language for developing character and performance side by side.

Four ideas run through every keynote and Learning Lab.

  • Lead with purpose. Know your "why" and inspire others. Learn how a clear purpose shapes the way you coach, lead, and show up for your athletes.
  • Live the values. Integrity, humility, and courage in action. See what it looks like to do the right thing when it's hard and when no one is watching.
  • Build relationships. Invest in people and strengthen trust. Take home practical ways to build a team culture where athletes feel known and supported.
  • Make an impact. Use your influence to make a difference. Leave with ideas to develop athletes who lead well and serve others, in sport and beyond.

Event Facilities

Lifestyle Accommodations

Legacy hotel at IMG Academy

Steps from campus, there’s a place to pursue passions, recover and rejuvenate, and breathe in modern luxury. Legacy Hotel is a contemporary boutique hotel offering unique experiences to elevate your active lifestyle.

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Complete Your Experience

Transportation

IMG Academy offers dropoff and pickup services to and from several local Florida airports. Schedule your transportation as an individual or with a group for ultimate ease.

Schedule Airport Transit Service

Retail

Explore IMG Academy’s Official Online Store for a wide selection of branded apparel and gear designed for athletes, families, and fans.

Shop Online

IMG Academy+

IMG Academy+ offers 1-on-1, group and on-demand mental performance and nutrition coaching programs to help transform your game.

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