Attendance Tops 1,200 at The National Conference Weekend in Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — More than 1,200 members of the cheer and dance community gathered in Nashville over the weekend for The National Conference, presented by USASF and USA Cheer, highlights the continued demand for education, networking and professional development across the industry.

The three-day event welcomed 896 registered attendees, along with 68 speakers, 75 exhibitors in Spirit HQ and Dance Alley, and 132 educational sessions and classes covering topics that impact coaches, gym owners, administrators and business leaders throughout the sport.

The National Conference has become an annual opportunity for professionals from across the cheer and dance landscape to step away from competition weekends and focus on the business, leadership and future of the industry. Educational programming throughout the weekend addressed a wide range of topics designed to help attendees strengthen their programs while exchanging ideas with peers from around the country.

Among the weekend's highlights was the opportunity for industry leaders representing different organizations and disciplines to learn alongside one another and engage in conversations about the continued growth of cheerleading and dance.

"The National Conference is an opportunity for every corner of the cheer and dance community to come together in one place. There's truly nothing else like it," said Ali Stangle, president of the USASF.

"With so many classes taught by industry experts, the conference continues to grow more and more popular each year. Our partnership with USA Cheer and STUNT makes the conference even more meaningful. When leaders from across the industry come together to share ideas, tackle challenges, and learn from one another, those conversations lead to real progress and help define what's next for our sport."

In addition to educational programming, attendees visited 75 exhibitors representing companies and organizations serving the cheer and dance industry. Spirit HQ and Dance Alley provided opportunities to discover new products, technologies and services while connecting directly with vendors and partners supporting programs across the country.

The conference also served as a networking hub for coaches, business owners, event producers, judges, choreographers and administrators, offering opportunities to build relationships outside of the competitive season.

As programs begin preparing for the 2026-27 season, many of the conversations started in Nashville are expected to continue throughout the year as organizations work to address the evolving needs of athletes, coaches and the broader cheer and dance community.

The National Conference by the Numbers

• 1,200+ total attendees

• 896 registered attendees

• 68 speakers

• 75 exhibitors in Spirit HQ and Dance Alley

• 132 educational sessions and classes over three days