LaxCon is back to kick off the 2023 lacrosse season and the schedule, featuring nearly 100 sessions for coaches and officials, has been released. LaxCon takes place from Jan. 20-22 at the Baltimore Convention Center and attendees can save $75 by registering in advance.
The educational sessions begin on Friday afternoon for men’s and women’s game coaches and officials, followed by a welcoming reception at 6 p.m. for all registered attendees and exhibitors in the Exhibitor Hall.
Saturday is the busiest day of the event and opens with an 8 a.m. “State of Play” address by USA Lacrosse CEO Marc Riccio. A full slate of 65 sessions on Saturday runs until the last set gets underway at 5 p.m. Sunday’s sessions run from 9 a.m. through 12 noon.
The full schedule is available when you Download the official USA Lacrosse Convention & FanFest app for free on Apple and Android devices. The app includes a complete and customizable schedule, comprehensive maps, exhibitor listings, attraction and dining listings, event push notifications and much more. Type in “USA Lacrosse LaxCon” in the search bar to find the app.
Some LaxCon schedule notes:
There will be gold medalists galore. From 2022 alone there will be six U.S. women’s team gold medalists (Megan Douty, Molly Hendrick, Ally Mastroianni, Charlotte North, Kylie Ohlmiller and Caylee Waters) to women’s game coaches and three World Games gold medalists from Canada speaking (John Byrne, Dana Dobbie and Dhane Smith).
New to the format this year will be “double sessions” that feature classroom discussions paired with on-field demonstrations to help drive home key points. Leading these presentations will be:
Gerry Byrne (Harvard)
Karen Healy-Silcott (Howard), Lexi Joseph (Howard) and Megan Whittle (Waterford School, Utah)
Stephy Samaras (ScoreBreak), Molly Hendrick (ScoreBreak)
Jim Stagnitta (Whipsnakes)
Numerous career development opportunities for officials, including sessions on “How to Climb the Ladder” from an assignors point of view for both men’s and women’s game officials
The Exhibit Hall will feature a special Native American hub with famed stickmaker Alf Jacques. Some of the Native legends in the sport, including Sid Jamieson and Oren Lyons, will be among the speakers sharing educational lessons on Native culture and history.
Fan Fest
In addition to the full convention, a one-day FanFest helps bring the excitement of the sport to the next generation. Tickets are on sale for as little as $10 for students when in advance online.
FanFest takes place at the Baltimore Convention Center on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. Highlighting this year’s FanFest is a gold medal celebration for the U.S. women’s national team on the FanFest field at 4 p.m. The team members will receive their championship rings in a private ceremony on Saturday night.
FanFest kicks off with a demo from Hall of Fame player Casey Powell sharing his love of the game. Other FanFest presenters include Gail Lacrosse women’s lacrosse stars Ally Mastorianni, Charlotte North and Izzy Scane and PLL star Nakeie Montgomery with an STX demo session. Other topics covered in sessions and demonstrations include a diversity, equity and inclusion panel from Athletes Unlimited, mental health discussions led by Morgan’s Message, injury prevention with LaxFit from MedStar Health, Name Image Likeness (NIL) updates and a look at wheelchair lacrosse.
Medical Symposium
The 2023 USA Lacrosse Sports Medicine Symposium, presented by MedStar Health, will be held on Friday, Jan. 20 from 1 p.m. through 6 p.m. at the Baltimore Convention Center. This year’s symposium is committed to the discussion and understanding of athlete mental health.
MedStar Health is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 4.0 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.
Registration is separate from LaxCon and can be completed online.
