Core Insights - The article discusses the upcoming virtual conference "Sport United: The Future is Now," which will focus on emerging trends in sports management, including Esports, AI, and personalized digital fan experiences [1][2][3] Group 1: Event Details - The conference will take place on November 6-7 and is organized by the American Public University System (APUS) [2] - It aims to provide a platform for academic leaders, students, industry professionals, athletes, and coaches to share knowledge and network [2][3] Group 2: Keynote Speakers - Notable speakers include Jon Persch, Chief Commercial Officer of the FIFA 2026 Boston Host Committee; Sarah Kneller, an Emmy Award-winning producer; Pati Rolf, a decorated athlete and coach; and Dr. Victor Tringali, a health and wellness professional [4] - These speakers are recognized for their contributions to the sports industry and will provide insights into the future of sports management [4] Group 3: Educational Programs - APUS offers the first Esports program in the U.S. to earn specialty accreditation from The Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) [3] - The Esports program covers various aspects, including event management, player performance, and marketing, while the Sports Management program focuses on leadership skills and knowledge in sports finance, law, and public relations [3]

Core Points - The American Public University System (APUS) has received specialized accreditation for its Bachelor of Science in Esports Program from the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA), making it the first of its kind in the United States [1][3] - The accreditation is valid through February 2030 and applies to APUS's other two sport management programs: Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and Master of Science in Sports Management [2] - The Esports program, launched in March 2022, focuses on various aspects of esports, including event management, player development, media production, and marketing [3][4] Accreditation Details - COSMA has recently expanded its accreditation scope to include Esports Management programs, with APUS being the first to comply with these principles [4] - COSMA is recognized for promoting excellence in sport management education and is the only organization offering discipline-specific accreditation in this field [4] Institutional Background - APUS has a history of 33 years and serves over 153,000 alumni from more than 80 countries, emphasizing affordable and high-quality education [7] - The university ranks in the top 11% for students' return on educational investment among 4,500 colleges and universities in the U.S. [8] - APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. [9]