Professional Development on Marco Island
The PHATS/SPHEM Hockey Summit, a six‑day gathering held each June on Marco Island, Florida, brings together equipment managers, trainers and medical staff from across the sport.
The National Hockey League has made participation mandatory for every team, requiring at least one equipment manager and two medical personnel to attend, a rule that reflects the summit’s growing importance.
This year’s edition will host more than 700 registered members representing a wide range of hockey organizations, while 185 vendors will fill 211 booths with the latest equipment and technology.
Attendees will take part in educational sessions led by vendors such as True Hockey, and medical staff will use the forum to update their certifications and licenses.
League officials, including deputy commissioner Bill Daly, also attend to discuss player safety and injury‑prevention strategies, a topic that has been on the agenda for nearly a decade.
Long‑time participants like Ron Hainsey of the NHL Players’ Association and George Parros, senior vice‑president of player safety, have become regular fixtures, underscoring the summit’s role as a professional convergence point.