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Coaching, Events, Featured, Gym Ownership
🏆 Top 3 Must-Attend Cheer Coaching Conferences in 2025
Jun
By Steve Pawlyk
Published June 15, 2025
Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a game-changer for cheerleaders—and even more so for the coaches, choreographers, and gym owners supporting them. This season’s top-tier professional development events – TSN Coaches Retreat, Next Gen Coaches & Owners Conference, and the combined USA Cheer/USASF National Conference – offer more than just routine clinics. Held in Palm Springs, Arlington, and Las Vegas respectively, each conference blends technique drills, leadership sessions, business strategy, and unrivaled networking opportunities. Whether you’re aiming to refine tumbling, master stunt choreography, elevate your gym’s culture, or grow your business, these conferences are thoughtfully designed to equip you and your athletes for success; both on the mat and behind the scenes.
1. The Spirit Network Coaches Retreat
📅 Date & Location: June 18–21, 2025 — Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells (Palm Springs area)
🎯 Why It’s Worthwhile:
- Elite-level training from World Championship coaches and successful gym owners.
- Comprehensive sessions on athlete development, business operations, choreography, stunt tech, yoga/meditation, networking, and demo showcases.
- New Athlete Track lets coaches bring teen athletes to learn professional practices side-by-side.
🏨 Nearby Hotels:
- Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa (on-site, with special coach rates)
- Nearby Indian Wells accommodations—book early as June fills quickly.
🤝 Produced & Sponsored By:
- Produced by: The Spirit Network (TSN) Coaches Network
- Sponsors & Partners: Top-tier cheer/dance brands featured during event
2. USA Cheer & USASF National Conference 2025
📅 Date & Location: July 10–12, 2025 — JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa, Las Vegas, NV
🎯 Why It’s Worthwhile:
- Industry-wide scope: Engages All Star, school, studio, and college coaches, choreographers, choreographers, and STUNT directors.
- Educational depth: Sessions in skill development, scoring strategy, rule education, business management, tumbling, STUNT, and dance.
- Master Day & The Academy: Pre-conference workshops for coaches, plus athlete and junior-coach leadership training (ages 13–18)
- Networking & Vendor Access: “Spirit HQ Expo” and “Dance Alley” showcasing cutting-edge products & services. Keynote address by education specialist Gerry Brooks
🏨 Hotels:
- JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa (host hotel; discounted room block via registration portal)
- Other nearby Strip hotels also available—Las Vegas offers wide options.
🤝 Produced & Sponsored By:
- Producers: Jointly by USASF & USA Cheer
- Sponsors: Presented in partnership with USA Cheer and USASF, including major cheer brands via exhibitor sponsorships.
3. Next Gen Coaches & Owners Conference
📅 Date & Location: June 20–22, 2025 — Loews Arlington Hotel, Arlington, TX
🎯 Why It’s Worthwhile:
- Focused tracks on coaching technique, athlete development, gym ownership, leadership, and business growth.
- Tailored for owners and coaches, including an “owners-exclusive” track for Next Gen Academy members delivering strategic guidance.
- Practical, actionable takeaway sessions ensuring coaches can apply lessons directly to their gyms.
🏨 Hotel:
- Loews Arlington Hotel — convenient on-site lodging, close to conference.
🤝 Produced & Sponsored By:
- Producers: Next Gen Academy
- Sponsors: Local-and-industry specific sponsors (details typically included on registration site)
🌟 4. CDIP Coaches’ Event + Open Championship Series (Vegas, June 13–15, 2025)
While it’s wrapped up for 2025, the CDIP (Cheer & Dance Industry Professionals) Coaches’ Event in Las Vegas—held June 13–15—is one to mark on your calendar for 2026. Helmed by Heidi Weber, Executive Director of Operations for the Open Championship Series (OCS), CDIP delivers hands‑on business workshops, speaker panels, and practical sessions on efficiency, branding, athlete development, and more
Why to Watch for 2026:
- Heidi Weber is a phenom organizer: With an MBA and 17 years of coaching under her belt, she’s transformed OCS into a growing rival of Varsity’s events—offering a more affordable, independent path .
- OCS is rapidly gaining momentum: In just three years, the circuit has built credibility among gym owners and coaches seeking value and innovation outside of top‑priced national events
- Learner‑first focus: Expect emphasis on streamlined business systems, customer‑centric approaches, and coaching leadership—all with real‑world application.
2026 Planning Tips:
- Location: Vegas or another major city—look out for announcement mid‑year.
- Hotels: Typically clustered near the Las Vegas Strip or convention corridor—budget and resort‑style options expected again.
- Producers & Sponsors: CDIP runs the show, with OCS and Revolution Events backing the program, and independent vendors supporting hands‑on workshops.
- Who Should Attend: Gym owners and coaches eager for practical business solutions, efficient event formats, and an alternative to the Varsity ecosystem.
📊 Quick Comparison
|
Event |
Dates |
Location |
Audience |
Strengths |
|
TSN Retreat |
Jun 18–21 |
Palm Springs, CA |
Coaches + teen athletes |
Immersive training, athlete track |
|
Next Gen Conf. |
Jun 20–22 |
Arlington, TX |
Coaches & gym owners |
Business strategy + leadership |
|
National Conf. |
Jul 10–12 |
Las Vegas, NV |
All levels & disciplines |
Broad support, vendor expo |
✅ Why You Should Attend
- Deepen Coaching Skills: Learn from top-tier trainers, choreographers, and program directors.
- Boost Gym Growth: Business and leadership tracks help owners scale smartly.
- Enhance Athlete Experience: Sessions on tumbling, safety, choreography, and athlete mindset.
- Network Smart: Connect with peers, vendors, and thought leaders across key cheer disciplines.
- Stay Ahead of Trends: Gain insights into scoring, rule changes, STUNT development, and evolving techniques.
🎟️ How to Register
- TSN Retreat: Visit the Spirit Network site; includes room block at Renaissance Resort.
- National Conference: Register via USASF/USA Cheer; includes hotel booking link at JW Marriott.
- Next Gen Conference: Details and registration available on Next Gen Academy website.
💡 Final Thoughts
For any coach, choreographer, or gym owner looking to elevate their program in 2025, these three events provide a blend of elite training, business acumen, and industry connection: all fundamental for building world-class programs.
Whether you’re focused on athlete development, gym strategy, or competitive edge, there’s a conference designed to meet your goals.
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