Three Stripes & PPA Tour Stops: My Roadmap for the 2026 Season

The theme for 2025 was Market Research. I spent the year traveling to major events, analyzing facility models, and studying how fans engage with the fastest-growing sport on the planet. As we turn the page to 2026, my mission is shifting: I am moving from observation to activation.

Here is a look at the main pillars driving my professional work this first quarter:

🎾 Pillar 1: Distribution & The "Three Stripes" (The District)

Adidas returns stronger with the new AdiPower Paddle Line.

I am excited to dive into my new role as a sales agent for The District, specifically focusing on Adidas Pickleball.

• The Insight: Adidas is proving they aren't just bringing brand power; they are dedicated to refining world-class paddle engineering. Adidas' 2026 focus returns to the courts with a new high-performance AdiPower PRO-EDT line.

• The Goal: Helping facilities and players across Canada access this next tier of performance gear as the sport continues to professionalize.

🌴 Pillar 2: Event Operations at the PPA Cape Coral Open

Next month (Feb 9–15), I’ll be heading to Florida to join the volunteer support team again at the PPA Tour’s Cape Coral Open.

• My Vision: I'm heading down to continue networking at the highest level of the pro pickleball game while honing my event management skills — spectator flow, event experience, and vendor logistics — something I vision bringing back home as the Canadian pickleball scene continues to rapidly grow.

• The Focus: Focusing on the high-level execution required when hosting major tournaments. Creating special experiences always depends on understanding behind the scene tasks that ensure an event runs seamlessly.

🤝 Pillar 3: Industry Strategy at RacquetX 2026

More than just pickleball at RacquetX

In March, I’ll be returning to RacquetX — the premier conference shaping the future of the industry.

• Planning Tip: Take note if you are attending! While the conference was in Miami last year, for 2026 this 'festival-style' event is moving to the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale (March 13–15).

• My Agenda: I’ll be connecting with club owners and brand leaders to help me shape immersive racquet sport experiences, as well as discover new equipment or playing innovations. I love this event to see where the industry is heading 18–24 months from now.

🌐 The Big Picture: Anticipating Career Development

While my daily work keeps me busy in sales and operations, my 'north star' remains the intersection of sports tech, event travel & sponsorship marketing. Every paddle I can sell, every event I support, and every conference I attend is a data point for the high-value event activations I am building for the future. 2026 is about being on the ground and on the playing field where the big decisions are made.

What is your 'big play' for 2026? If you're heading to Florida this quarter, let’s connect on LinkedIn!