By Phoebe Loth

For the eleventh straight year, University of Iowa students, faculty, alumni, and sport and recreation professionals came together for the UISRM Symposium. The event gives students a “home-field advantage” by bringing professionals from across the sport and recreation industries directly to campus. The Symposium is made possible through generous support from Musco Lighting, The Graduate, Hawkeye Sport Business Association, the Evans Family Experiential Learning Fund, and UISRM's community of supporters. 

The dedicated team of student planners, Emma Eltoft (BS 2028), Suazanna Huffins (BS 2027), Phoebe Loth (BS 2028), Ella Raef (BS 2028), Zachary Saylan (BBA 2028), and Caden Todtz (BS 2026), worked to ensure the event embodied the program mantra of “Student-focused. Industry-centered.” Led by faculty advisor Alex Voss, the 2026 event set a record with more than 525 students registered.

“It’s awesome being able to recognize so many names during the check-in process. Seeing the list of students grow more and more each year is amazing,” said Caden Todtz, a student member of the Symposium planning committee.

When the event began in 2016, students primarily participated as audience members. Today, they engage with industry professionals through networking, workshops, and Lightning Interviews. This growth in student engagement has been matched by strong industry participation, with more than 40 sport and recreation professionals attending this year, including 16 University of Iowa Sport and Recreation Management Advisory Board members.

The day began with Lightning Interviews, which gave students the opportunity to have 10-minute conversations with UISRM Advisory Board members. These conversations allowed students to learn about internship and career opportunities while building relationships with professionals working locally and across the country.  

 “The number of program alumni who return to recruit students into field experience-worthy positions continues to grow and is evidence of the success graduates of the program are having in the industry,” Voss said.

Following the Lightning Interviews, the event opened to more students for Student-to-Organization Networking. Students had the opportunity to connect with participating sport and recreation professionals as well as campus organizations, including the Hawkeye Sport Business Association and Mu Sigma Lambda. 

For the second time, the Symposium featured Lightning Workshops. These 20-minute interactive sessions, led by UISRM faculty members, allowed students to work with professionals on specific career-focused topics. The purpose was to assist students in moving closer to their dream job in sport and recreation. Workshop topics included building a strong portfolio, finding “hidden gem” positions, standing out in a pool of applicants, and more.

The day wrapped up with two featured main-stage speakers. First, Adam Kempenaar talked with Kayla Follmuth-Barnett, VP of Brand, Content, and Design for Wave Sports & Entertainment, about sport, culture, and content. Next, Iowa women’s tennis head coach Sasha Boros spoke with University of Iowa Athletics Director Beth Goetz about leading in modern college athletics. Through these sessions, students learned the importance of creating and protecting brands while also staying curious.

The UISRM Symposium once again provided UI students the home-field advantage as they prepare to step out into the sport and recreation industry. From one-on-one conversations to hands-on experiences, students left with connections and conversations they can carry into their careers.