Distinguished academics, sports business professionals, and current and retired professional athletes will convene May 29-31 in beautiful San Diego, California for the 2009 IART Conference. The 2009 Conference, sponsored by San Diego State University and California University of Pennsylvania's MS in Sports Management program, will serve as a forum for speakers present their most recent findings related to the athlete retirement and transition process. In addition, the 2009 IART Conference will feature practical workshops by professionals across both nonprofit and private sectors, designed specifically for the current, transitioning and retired professional athletes. Come to sunny San Diego May 29-31 to share your research within this exciting and emerging field of study!

The IART is pleased to announce that Michael Oriard will be the 2009 IART Conference keynote speaker. Dr. Oriard, a former professional football player, is Distinguished Professor of American Literature and Culture and Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Oregon State University. He is author of Reading Football: How the Popular Press Created an American Spectacle; King Football: Sport and Spectacle in the Golden Age of Radio and Newsreels, Movies and Magazines, the Weekly and the Daily Press; and Brand NFL: Making and Selling America's Favorite Sport.

We invite submissions on a broad range of topics related to retirement and transition from sport. Submissions from multiple disciplines including psychology, sociology, philosophy of sport, sport management and business will be considered.

Sessions will be applicable to those involved in sport at all levels including athletes, coaches, parents and sport administrators, as well as those experiencing transitions from other settings such as academic and business pursuits. Formats will include lecture presentations, seminars, and small group workshops.

Please contact: scott@scotttinley.com with any questions.