Sports & Entertainment Innovation Summit
February 12, 2026 1pm-6pm
Chicago, IL
Step into the future of sports and entertainment technology. The Sports & Entertainment Innovation Summit brings together founders, investors, and industry leaders shaping the next era of fan engagement, athletic performance, and sports operations.
Partnered with
Sponsored by
Our Innovation Summit Connects
Founders
Corporates
Investors
Innovation Ecosystem
Innovation Summits bring together 300+ startups, investors, corporate partners, and industry expertsÂ
Keynote Speaker
Featured Speakers
Agenda Highlights
February 12, 2026 1pm-6pm
Founder & Investor Lunch: An exclusive, private gathering for the 1871 Sports Tech Innovation Lab Portfolio. Building the future of Sports & Entertainment Join the portfolio.
Keynote Conversations: Fireside Chat with Jaime Faulkner, President of the Chicago Blackhawks. Gain direct, high-level insight into leadership and the future of professional sports.
Industry Expert Led Breakout Sessions:
- Investing in the Future of Sports Technology with Chicago Sports Tech
- Stadium and Arena Innovations with Levy
- and more.
Startup Pitch Showcases: Hear directly from our exclusive portfolio founders as they demonstrate how their solutions are transforming the Sports & Entertainment landscape.
Startup Alley & Happy Hour: Discover the latest innovations from our portfolio companies while connecting with summit attendees.
Official Afterparty with Event Noire:The celebration continues. RSVP.
Ticket Tiers
Members:
FREE
See member newsletter or email events@1871.com for code.
General Admission:
Standard $150
Pre-Sale $100
Pre-sale ends Jan 29
VIP Admission:
Standard $200
Reserved seating
VIP Check-in
Tour of Arena
Specialize Event Recap
Whether you’re building, investing, or operating at the forefront of the industry, this summit is designed to provide the insights and connections you need to lead.
Join the room if you are:
Founders & Startup Leaders: Scale your product and connect with the 1871 Sports & Entertainment Tech ecosystem.
Investors & Venture Partners: Access high-quality deal flow in sports, media, and entertainment.
Sports Executives & Operators: Stay ahead of the curve with emerging stadium and arena technologies.
Brand & Fan Engagement Leaders: Discover new ways to deepen loyalty and revolutionize the fan experience.
Technologists & Innovators: Deep-dive into the Sports & Entertainment applications disrupting the field.