Summer 2026 offers critical opportunities for cheer coaches to refine skills, expand knowledge, and strengthen program strategy. From hands-on stunt training and athlete development to business sessions and scoring insights, these conferences provide essential education across all levels of cheer—from Youth and Rec to All Star and College.
Here’s where to go, what to know, and why these events should be on your calendar.
YCADA Youth Coach’s Conference
📍 Las Vegas, NV | 📅 May 2026
As the largest youth-focused cheerleading coach conference in the U.S., the YCADA Youth Coach’s Conference is a must-attend for Rec and Youth-level leaders. Held at The Orleans Hotel & Casino, it delivers specialized training designed to elevate early-stage athlete development and program structure. With a strong emphasis on rule education, coaching strategy, and safety, this conference sets the standard for excellence in youth cheer. If you’re coaching athletes at the grassroots level, this is the one event you can’t miss in 2026. ycada.org
Next Gen Coaches & Owners Conference
📍 Nashville, TN | 📅 June 12-14, 2026
The Next Gen Conference delivers a focused two-day experience with specialized tracks tailored to coaching and business success. Attendees can choose from sessions in skills training, gym management/leadership, and owner development. One of the owner’s tracks is typically reserved exclusively for Next Gen Academy members, providing in-depth, high-level insight. With content built for actionable takeaways, this event is a strategic choice for coaches and gym owners aiming to grow in 2026 and beyond. ngconferences.com
The Spirit Network Coaches Retreat
📍 Palm Springs, CA | 📅 June 17-20, 2026
Hosted at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort, the TSN Coaches Retreat blends professional development with elite-level instruction. With sessions spanning business operations, athlete progression, and leadership, this retreat features insights from World Championship coaches and top-tier gym owners. One of the coolest features is that TSN introduced an Athlete Track in 2025, allowing athletes aged 14+ to join select sessions—perfect for aspiring leaders and future coaches. All athletes must attend with a coach or guardian. From tumbling and jumps to time management and sportsmanship, this is a rare chance for coaches and athletes to connect, grow, and learn together. thespiritnetwork.net
USA Cheer and USASF National Conference
📍 Nashville, TN | 📅 July 9 – 11, 2026
The National Conference 2026, hosted by USA Cheer and USASF, brings together coaches from All Star, school, studio, and college programs for a multi-day educational event covering cheer, dance, and STUNT. The schedule includes sessions on skill development, scoring, rules education, and program management, alongside access to cheer industry vendors. Also offered is “The Academy” featuring focused tracks for junior coaches and athletes ages 13–18, with optional add-ons like master classes and a college combine. usacheer.org
The Open Championships Coaches Conference
📍 Orlando, FL | 📅 July 16 – 18, 2026
The Open Championships have announced the launch of the Open Championship Coaches Conference, scheduled for July 16–18, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. The event will be hosted at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. While the full agenda has not yet been released, the announcement confirms a multi-day format focused on bringing coaches together ahead of the 2026–2027 season. openchampionshipseries.com
Spring CDT Coaches Conference
📍 Montreal, Canada | 📅 September 2026
Returning to Montreal for its 17th year, the Spring CDT Coaches Conference continues its hybrid format with both in-person sessions at the W Hotel and virtual access available worldwide. Known for its longstanding commitment to coach education, this event brings together gym owners, instructors, choreographers, and spirit professionals from across the globe. All live sessions will be recorded allowing attendees to revisit every class at their own pace. Focused on innovation, leadership, and global collaboration, Spring CDT remains a standout option for those seeking extended learning opportunities into the fall season. springcdt.com
Varsity University
📍 TBD | 📅 TBD
Varsity University provides a hybrid learning platform combining in-person seminars and online coursework designed to elevate cheer and dance programs. The event promises wide-ranging educational content for coaches, educators, and gym owners focused on enhancing the student-athlete experience. varsity.com
Know a cheer coaching conference we missed?
We’re always updating our list to keep the cheer community informed. If you’re hosting or attending a cheerleading coaches conference in 2026 or beyond, reach out to us at Cheer Daily so we can add it to our coverage.
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