When LaxCon last landed in Philadelphia, the Eagles had just wrapped up coach Chip Kelly’s first of what would be a tumultuous three seasons, the Wings had begun — unbeknownst to many — their final season on Broad Street and “trust the process” started to shape the lowly 76ers (though the verbatim moniker wouldn’t become popularized until about 18 months later).

It’s good to be back.

The US Lacrosse Convention and Fan Fest returns Jan. 11-13 to the City of Brotherly Love, five years later, to find local fans relishing a Super Bowl championship, the new Wings’ first season as a born-again National Lacrosse League franchise and then-general manager Sam Hinkie’s vision having taken the Sixers to their first playoff season since the 2011-12 campaign.

As such, and with hundreds of lacrosse’s top players, coaches, and officials sharing tips with thousands of eager attendees from around the country, expect a festive atmosphere inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center and adjacent Marriott hotel for this annual kickoff to the spring season.

Some highlights to hit if you’re going — or to help get you off the fence and onto uslacrosse.org/laxcon to register — appear below. Online registration offers $35 in savings vs. walk-up, but it expires Jan. 9.

Premier Lacrosse League Booth
Jan. 11, 1-7 p.m.
Jan. 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Head to the expo hall to talk with the players and executives of the newest professional lacrosse league.

Legal and Illegal Contact
Jan. 11, 4:45 p.m.

Officiate girls’ lacrosse? This session might be a must. CWLOA official Jennifer Whelan will dive into this point of emphasis for the 2019 season.

Keynote Speaker: Briana Scurry
Jan. 12, 7:30 a.m.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist goalie with the U.S. women’s soccer team made one of the most seminal plays in American sports history: a shootout save in the final of the 1999 FIFA World Cup, delivering the U.S. the championship. She’ll take the stage after a brief welcome from US Lacrosse CEO Steve Stenersen.

Box Concepts for Field Lacrosse
Jan. 12, 9:30 a.m.

U.S. indoor team head coach Regy Thorpe and assistant coaches Pete Milliman and Chris Schiller will go over drills that transition to the field game for boys and girls.

Tips and Tricks of Creating an LADM Model Program
Jan. 12, 9:30 a.m.

Athlete development is here to stay and for good reason. Learn more from Chip Carlson, president of the Irish Banshees club and of the Michigan Chapter of US Lacrosse.

US Lacrosse Night at the Wings Game
Jan. 12, 7 p.m.

The sport’s national governing body celebrates its members and fans and the return of the Wings to Philadelphia. Get a combo ticket to Fan Fest at the PCC and the Wings/Swarm game at Wells Fargo Center for just $23, a savings of 35 percent vs. separate purchases. Buy tickets at uslacrosse.org/laxcon.

Communicating on the Field
Jan. 13, 9:45 a.m.

For boys’ lacrosse officials, how you communicate is as important as what you communicate. Certified US Lacrosse trainer Bill Floria will host this fundamental session on communication with partners, coaches, players and table staff.

Download the App

Get everything you need to experience #LaxCon2019 on the official event app, available in Google Play and the App Store. Download and open CrowdCompass AttendeeHub. In the search field of AttendeeHub, type “laxcon” and download the app.

Pregame Action

Credential and Bag Pick-Up and Walk-Up Registration: 
5-9 p.m. Jan. 10, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Jan. 11, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 12

Sports Medicine Symposium: 
7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Jan. 11 (separate ticket)

Coach Development Program Levels 2 and 3 Clinics: 
8 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 11 (separate ticket)

Register for #LaxCon2019

Check out the lineup of sessions and speakers at the 2019 US Lacrosse Convention, and save $35 on walk-up prices by registering before Jan. 9, 2019.