November 7, 2026
San Ramon Marriott
Northern California’s Premier Tennis Learning & Networking Event
The 4th Annual USTA NorCal Section Connection brings together players, captains, coaches, facility leaders, Community Tennis Associations, parks and recreation professionals, volunteers, and tennis advocates from across Northern California for a day of learning, connection, and community.
Whether you’re looking to grow your program, sharpen your skills, meet others in the tennis community, or find a new way to get involved, Section Connection is designed to help you take that next step.
USE Code:USTA30 to Save 30% when you register by October 20.
What is Section Connection?
Section Connection is an annual gathering created to bring the NorCal tennis community together under one roof.
It’s part networking event, part learning experience, and part community forum—giving attendees the opportunity to hear from tennis industry professionals, connect with leaders and peers from across the section, and learn more about the programs and opportunities shaping tennis in Northern California.
Most importantly, it creates a space for people from different parts of the game to meet, exchange ideas, and build stronger connections across the tennis community.
Who is it for?
Section Connection is for anyone who plays a role in growing and supporting tennis throughout Northern California.
That includes players and team captains, coaches and tournament directors, facility leaders, CTAs, social clubs, parks and recreation departments, junior program leaders, adapted tennis advocates, volunteers, and community partners.
You don’t need to work in tennis full-time to belong in the room. If you care about the game and want to become more connected to the people and opportunities around it, Section Connection is for you.
Hear From Leaders Across the Tennis Community
This year’s Section Connection will feature speakers and presenters from across the tennis industry, bringing a mix of experience, perspective, and practical knowledge to the day.
Attendees can expect to hear from section leaders, coaches, tournament and program professionals, community advocates, facility representatives, and others working to grow and strengthen tennis across Northern California.
The goal is simple: bring useful conversations into the room and give attendees ideas, tools, and connections they can take back to their own teams, programs, facilities, and communities.
2026 Keynote Speaker
This year’s Section Connection will feature two keynote speakers who will bring fresh perspective, industry insight, and inspiration to the day.
Craig Tiley
CEO, USTA
Craig Tiley assumed the position of USTA Chief Executive Officer in July 2026. Prior to being chosen to oversee the operations of tennis’ governing body in the U.S., Tiley served as CEO of Tennis Australia from 2013-2026, and as Tournament Director of the Australian Open from 2006 through the 2026 event. Tiley brings to the USTA a track record of success in virtually every level of tennis. Under his leadership, grass-roots tennis in Australia experienced a surge in popularity, and is now second only to soccer in terms of player participation in the country. In 2025 alone, tennis participation in Australia grew 8.3 percent, more than any other sport, and since 2021, overall participation surged by more than 30 percent.
In addition, he helped guide the Australian Open—one of tennis’ four majors—to record attendance and revenue numbers, and the tournament is now globally recognized as one of tennis’ most innovative and successful events. The South African native (born in Durban), was captain of the South African Davis Cup team from 1998-2001. Tiley also has strong ties to American tennis, serving as head coach of the University of Illinois men’s tennis team from 1994-2005, leading his team to an NCAA Division I national championship in 2003. He was twice recognized with Wilson/ITA Coach of the Year honors while at Illinois, and was Big Ten Coach of the Year eight times. Tiley was inducted into the ITA Men’s Collegiate Hall of Fame in 2010. Tiley graduated from the Stellenbosch University in Stellenbosch, South Africa, with a bachelors degree in economics in 1983. After graduating, he served in the South African army before moving to the U.S., attending the University of Texas at Tyler where he earned his masters degree in kinesiology.
Tiley, based at the USTA’s Orlando National Campus office, lives in Orlando with his wife Ali and their three children.
Additional Speakers
Throughout the day, attendees will also hear from coaches, program leaders, industry professionals, advocates, and subject matter experts from across the tennis community.
Mike Barrell
Executive Director of Tennis / SPORTIME NY
Mickey Maule
Managing Director of National Industry Partnerships & Growth / USTA
Neeru Jayanthi
Sports Medicine Physician & Researcher / Emory University
Cy Dofitas
Director of National Sales & Partnerships / USTA
Lydia Colaresi
Managing Director & Head of Digital Strategy / USTA
Nancy Abrams
Founder / One2Deuce
Additional speakers may be announced. Speakers and programming are subject to change.
Sessions and Topics
Programming throughout the day will cover a mix of on-court strategy, player wellness, industry trends, advocacy, and the future of tennis.
Sessions will include topics such as:
- Doubles Strategy: Play Smarter, Compete Better
- Why Tennis Is a Sport for Life
- Stay Healthy, Stay on Court: Injury Prevention for Adult Competitive Players
- Player Wellness and Staying Healthy On and Off the Court
- Innovative Programming
- The State of the Organization
- Upcoming Trends in the Tennis Industry
- What AI Is Saying About You and Your Business
- Advocacy and Growing the Game
Whether you’re looking to improve your own game, better support your players, strengthen your program, or stay ahead of what’s happening across the tennis industry, the sessions are designed to offer practical takeaways and fresh perspectives you can put to use.
Speakers, sessions, and programming are subject to change.
Connect with the NorCal Tennis Network
A big part of Section Connection is simply getting the tennis community in the same room.
It’s a chance to meet people outside of your usual team, club, or local area and learn what others are doing across Northern California.
Those conversations can lead to new ideas, partnerships, and opportunities—whether that’s finding a mentor, discovering a new program, connecting with another facility, or getting inspired to become more involved yourself.
Explore the Vendor Village
The event will also feature a Vendor Village with a curated selection of local vendors and tennis resources, including the USTA NorCal Shop.
Attendees can explore products, meet organizations supporting the tennis community, and continue connecting in a more casual setting throughout the day.
Find Your Next Step in Tennis
Section Connection is ultimately about helping people find what comes next.
For some, that may mean joining a first team. For others, it could mean becoming a captain, volunteering, growing a junior program, hosting league play, or finding new ways to support tennis in their community.
No matter where you are in the game, Section Connection is an opportunity to learn something new, meet people who share your passion, and become more connected to tennis across Northern California.
Come connect, learn, and help shape what’s next for NorCal tennis.
Save 30% when you register by October 20.
We’ll see you in San Ramon. You won’t want to miss it.
