I would highly recommend to anyone with a goal of pursuing a career in professional hockey that they give serious consideration in attending the SMWW Hockey Career Conference which is absolutely an incredible value for the return on the investment.
Sheryar Abdullah
Mat Billette
Jacob Gollapalli
This year’s conference in Vancouver was an eye-opening for me. It was great to listen to the different guest speakers sharing their experiences leading up to their career. Meeting others who share the same interest and passion is a bonus. I would recommend anyone who is passionate about working in hockey to attend this conference.
Buffalo, New York: June 25-27, 2026
2026 Hockey Career Conference at the NHL Draft
Work the NHL Draft. Build Your Hockey Career.
This is an intimate, behind-the-scenes hockey career conference designed to put you face-to-face with the people who run the game.
Join Sports Management Worldwide in Buffalo, New York during the 2026 NHL Draft and position yourself inside the epicenter of professional hockey. Network with NHL executives, gain career insight, and add high-level industry exposure to your resume.
Meet and interact with:
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NHL General Managers
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Directors of Player Personnel
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Scouts & Analytics Executives
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Player Agents
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Broadcasters & Media Members
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Front Office & Marketing Leaders
If you’re serious about working in hockey, this is not just an event — it’s access.
Want to Work in the NHL?
If you’ve been searching:
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How to work in the NHL
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Hockey scouting jobs
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NHL front office careers
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How to become an NHL agent
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Sports management jobs in hockey
This conference is designed for you.
During the NHL Draft, the entire hockey world gathers in one place. Executives, scouts, coaches, agents, and media members are all present — and SMWW places you in the middle of it.
Whether you’re pursuing a role in:
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Front Office Operations
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Player Development
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Scouting & Analytics
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Hockey Operations
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Sales & Marketing
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Broadcasting & Media
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Player Representation
This event provides direct access to decision-makers and the insight you need to break in.
Conference Highlights
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Exclusive Q&A with Bill Daly, NHL Deputy Commissioner
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Photo opportunity with the Stanley Cup
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Learn directly from NHL GMs, agents, scouts, and executives
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Behind-the-scenes insight into how Draft decisions are made
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High-level networking in an intimate setting
This isn’t a lecture hall. It’s a career accelerator.
Who Should Attend?
This conference is ideal for:
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Aspiring NHL Agents, Scouts, Analysts, and GMs
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Students & graduates of sports management programs
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Coaches and broadcasters transitioning into pro hockey
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Professionals pivoting into the hockey industry
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Serious fans ready to turn passion into profession
If you want to start or advance your hockey career, attending the 19th Annual SMWW Hockey Career Conference at the NHL Draft is a strategic move.
You’ll learn:
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Who is hiring
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What qualifications matter most
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How executives evaluate candidates
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How to position yourself in a competitive industry
What Makes This Event Unique?
As NHL club executives, scouts, and coaches operate on the Draft floor, you’ll be positioned to observe and learn in real time. Hundreds of media professionals report on every move — and you’ll witness how front offices operate under pressure.
SMWW gives you access most aspiring professionals never receive.
"Our Hockey Career Conference provides an invaluable opportunity for attendees to learn about careers in the NHL while networking with some of the biggest names in the industry," says Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, President of Sports Management Worldwide. "Agents, GMs, directors of player personnel, and marketing executives will be present, meeting and speaking with attendees. This is a unique event."
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FAQs
Q: Do I need a separate ticket to the NHL Draft?
A: No, your SMWW registration includes NHL Draft access.
Q: Can I attend if I'm not an SMWW student?
A: Yes! This event is open to all hockey career seekers.
Q: Will I meet people who can help me get hired?
A: Absolutely. This conference is designed for serious networking.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Business casual with your SMWW name badge at all times.
2025 Featured Speakers*
*Speakers are subject to change and are not guaranteed
Doug MacLean
Former NHL Team President/GM/Head Coach
Bill Daly
NHL Deputy Commissioner
Chris Burkett
PWHL Vice President of League Operations
Caroline Jonsson
EHC Managing Director
Lauren Wolman
NHL Director of Events
Gardiner Macdougall
Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) Head Coach
Rick Curran
ORR Hockey Group NHLPA Agent
NHL Agent
Tarah Kelly
Coachella Valley Firebirds Director of Premium Sales and Service
Justin Peterson
Anaheim Ducks Senior Manager of Ticket Sales
Mark Francis
University of Oregon Senior Sports Business Instructor
EJ Hradek
Sr Reporter for NHL Network & Host, NHL Now!
Kim Lawrence
Kim Lawrence Entertainment Founder
Mike Curran
ORR Hockey Group NHLPA Agent
Mike Oke
OHL Peterborough Petes General Manager, SMWW Faculty
Dino Caputo
Penticton Vees (WHL) Regional Scout, SMWW Faculty
Phil Pritchard
Hockey Hall of Fame VP, Curator/Keeper of the Cup
Dr. Lynn Lashbrook
SMWW President & Founder, & NFLPA Agent
THE 2026 AGENDA WILL BECOME AVAILABLE CLOSER TO THE EVENT DATE
2025 Hockey Career Conference Agenda*
*Speakers are subject to change and are not guaranteed
Thursday, June 26th, 2025
2:00 - 4:00 PM PST: Conference Check-In
JW Marriott at LA Live
900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
6:00 - 8:00 PM PST: Welcome Reception
Tom's Watch Bar - LA Live
1011 S Figueroa St B101, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Friday, June 27th, 2025
Location: JW Marriott at LA Live - Gold Ballroom 1
900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
7:15 AM - Registration & Coffee/Bagels
7:35 AM - Welcome to the 2025 NHL Draft Career Conference
Dr. Lynn Lashbrook - SMWW President & Founder
7:45 AM - Global Ice: The Future of International Hockey Expansion
Jeremy Langer - PWHL VP of Broadcast and Scheduling
Caroline Jonsson - European Hockey Clubs Managing Director
Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook - SMWW President & Founder
8:30 AM - Inside the NHL: Exclusive Interview with Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly
Bill Daly - NHL Deputy Commissioner
Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook - SMWW President & Founder
9:00 AM - Power Moves: Behind the Curtain of NHL Agent-GM Dynamics
Doug MacLean - Former NHL GM/Coach, SMWW Mentor
Mike Curran - NHL Agent, ORR Hockey, SMWW Mentor
Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook - SMWW President & Founder
10:00 AM - Inside the NHL Draft War Room: Insider Strategies & Stories
EJ Hradek - NHL Network Insider
Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook - SMWW President & Founder
11:00 AM - Path to the Pros: How Coaches Build Future NHL Stars
Gardiner MacDougall - Moncton Wildcats Head Coach
Mark Francis - University of Oregon, Sports Business Instructor & former NCAA Hockey Coach
Moderator: Mike Oke - OHL Peterborough Petes GM, SMWW Mentor
11:45 AM - Honoring SMWW Advanced Certificate Graduates & Welcoming College Groups
12:00 PM - Buffet Lunch (included)
1:00 PM - Executive Suite: The Real Life of NHL Team Decision Makers
Doug MacLean - Former NHL GM/Coach, SMWW Mentor
Dino Caputo - WHL Penticton Vees Regional Scout, SMWW Mentor
Moderator: Mike Oke - OHL Peterborough Petes GM, SMWW Mentor
2:00 PM - Get Hired in Hockey: Sales, Events & Breaking Into the Biz
Tarah Kelly - AHL Coachella Valley Firebirds, Director of Premium Sales
Justin Peterson - Anaheim Ducks, Senior Manager of Ticket Sales
Kim Lawrence - Founder, Kim Lawrence Entertainment
Moderator: Ike Worth, SMWW Business Operations Manager
2:50 PM - Draft Day Gameplan: Make Every Minute Count
Dr. Lynn Lashbrook - SMWW President & Founder
Mike Oke - OHL Peterborough Petes GM, SMWW Mentor
Dino Caputo - WHL Penticton Vees Regional Scout, SMWW Mentor
TBD - Stanley Cup Secrets: Tales from the Keeper of the Cup + Photo Op
Phil Pritchard - Hockey Hall of Fame VP & Keeper of the Stanley Cup
Moderator: Dr. Lynn Lashbrook
3:00 PM - Walk to the Peacock Theater
3:50 PM - Doors Open / Seating for Live NHL Draft Broadcast
4:00 PM - First Pick of the 2025 NHL Draft
Live from Peacock Theater
7:30 PM - Post-Draft Networking at JW Marriott
Saturday, June 28th, 2025
8:30 AM PST - Doors Open at Peacock Theater
9:00 AM PST - NHL Draft, Rounds 2-7
Note: Saturday is unstructured. Continue networking throughout the day. Wear your badge, shake hands, meet mentors, and do the SMWW Shake & Bake!
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I would highly recommend to anyone with a goal of pursuing a career in professional hockey that they give serious consideration in attending the SMWW Hockey Career Conference which is absolutely an incredible value for the return on the investment.
— Patrick Edwards, International Scouting Services — Hockey Scout
Registration Now Open!
This event is limited to the first 150
Conference Registration includes:
Prices Increase April 1st
Prices Increase
April 1st
April 1st
General Admission : $500 $425.00 USD
College Students, Faculty & SMWW Alumni : $500 $400.00 USD
Team & Agency Employees : $500 $425.00 USD
** Please note that the conference fee does not include flight or hotel accommodations.
Walk-up registrations will not be accepted. Please register online in advance.
Check Out Our Photos From The 2024 Conference In Las Vegas!
Past Speakers
Scholarships for the Hockey Career Conference Are Available
SMWW will award a limited amount of full and partial scholarships for each SMWW Career Conference. You must be 18 years or older to be considered. If interested, fill out an application, submit your resume, and a one-page letter explaining why you should receive a scholarship to info@smww.com.
Scholarships do not include lodging or airfare. Those who have completed an SMWW training program will be given preference.
Download a Copy of the 2024 SMWW Hockey Career Conference Program Here
