LAFAYETTE, Colo. (USA Rugby Release) - USA Rugby officially announced the 2017 National Development Summit for January 13-15, 2017, at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore, Md. In conjunction with Visit Baltimore, hundreds of Rugby enthusiasts will descend on Baltimore's historic Inner Harbor.

The Summit, held annually, features an education- and entertainment-filled weekend with content for all members of the rugby community: players, coaches, administrators and organizations. The event saw its largest attendance ever in 2016, with over 500 attendees, presenters, and exhibitors gathering in San Francisco. Excitement around Rugby Sevens' introduction during the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games is sure to make 2017 another record breaker.

The unique weekend provides opportunities for rugby coaches, referees, administrators and players to share and discuss topics, network, and learn from leaders within the rugby community. Former speakers include USA Rugby National Team Staff Pete Steinberg, Emilie Bydwell, Andrew Locke, and Chris O'Brien; USA Eagles Vix Folayan, Luke Gross and Mike Petri; and University of California Head Coach Jack Clark and Australia Wallabies Head Coach and 2016 World Rugby Coach of the Year Michael Cheika. More of the same is scheduled for 2017, with the call for proposals open now.

USA Rugby Director of Training and Education Kenny Forehand has jumped at the opportunity to help create an exciting lineup of speakers for the Summit: "We're putting together a great cast of speakers for the weekend focusing not only on the information but to make the presentations interactive and entertaining for attendees as well."

The 2017 NDS will focus on community growth, retention, and diversity at all levels of the game, as well as many other exciting topics. New networking events have been added to the weekend schedule and an increased number of hands-on workshops, round table discussions, and practical presentations makes 2017 the most interactive NDS to date.

To find out more information about attending, presenting, exhibiting, or sponsoring the 2017 National Development Summit visit www.rugbysummit.com.

Early bird registration is currently available for a limited time at www.rugbysummit.com so be sure and register today!