SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League holds 2026 Team Business Meetings presented by Victory Live this week, with more than 250 representatives from the league and its member clubs gathered at the DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Front office staff from across the American Hockey League come together to discuss best practices and new ideas in several areas, including ticket sales, corporate sales and marketing. This partnership allows for the sharing of ideas and insights from some of the sports industry’s leading strategists as the AHL’s 32 member clubs prepare for the new season.
Keynote speakers and presenters include, among others: Scott HowsonAHL President and CEO; Tony WillGeneral Manager of Kalamazoo Wings; Dennis FryerHead of Growth and Development for Hustle Inc.; Brian GainorFounder of Gainor Sports; Annie ValeantDirector of Strategy, Partnerships and Events at Ohio University; Amanda DennisVice President of Sales and Marketing Revenue Ilitch Sports and Entertainment; Marc RuxinChief Strategy Officer at AXS; again Kurt WeaverExecutive Director of the You Can Play Project.
In addition, approximately 40 merchandise, advertising, ticketing and technology companies will participate in the annual AHL Vendor Show, and the league will recognize team employees for their business success over the past year during the annual TBS Awards Presentation.
Hibu, Mustang products, XNow, Win, Places to stay in Grand Rapids as well as West Michigan Sports Commission are the hospitality partners of the 2026 AHL Team Business Meetings.
Operating since 1936 and celebrating its 90th season this year, the AHL continues to serve as the top development league for all 32 teams in the National Hockey League. About 90 percent of today’s NHL players graduated from the American Hockey League, and more than 100 members of the Hockey Hall of Fame spent time in the AHL during their careers.
