#273: Todd Smith, SFIA - Leading the Future of Sports & Fitness

Oct 27, 2025

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Todd Smith is the President and CEO of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) — the leading global trade association for sports and fitness manufacturers, retailers, and marketers. SFIA stands as the #1 source for industry research, advocacy, and thought leadership, driving growth and participation across the global sports ecosystem. Through its data insights and policy influence, SFIA champions innovation, accessibility, and vitality within sports and fitness communities worldwide.As a seasoned executive, Todd brings extensive experience across business development, partnerships, sponsorship and media sales, government affairs, and marketing strategy. His leadership spans multiple sectors — including sports, entertainment, non-profit, and government — where he has consistently built high-performing teams and executed initiatives that connect brands, athletes, and communities. At SFIA, he leads the charge in shaping industry strategy, expanding partnerships, and promoting participation at every level of play.An interesting fact: beyond the boardroom, Todd is deeply passionate about the power of sports to inspire healthier, more connected lives — a belief rooted in his own lifelong involvement as both an athlete and advocate for youth sports access.Podcast Chapters: 03:03 Participation Trends in Sports and Fitness 05:52 The Role of External Events in Driving Participation 09:06 The Future of Sports Participation 11:58 Todd's Role and Responsibilities at SFIA 15:08 Advocacy and Initiatives for Youth Sports 18:06 Impact of Tariffs on Sports Equipment 20:51 Accessibility and Facilities for Youth Sports 24:01 Global Perspectives on Sports Development 26:50 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Todd Smith:🏠 Website: https://sfia.org/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddjsmith8/

Andrew Petcash:

🏠 Website: https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash/

Thanks for watching! Hit the “subscribe” button to stay updated on new podcasts.