What:

When: March 25-26, 2011

Where: Washington Nationals Park, Washington D.C.

Friday, March 25 – Day One

9:00am -9:50           Keynote Presentation

10:00-10:45             Industry Trends and Outlook for 2011 in Sports

11:00-11:45             Sports 2.0: How Sports is recovering from the Global Economic Crisis

11:45-1:15               Interactive Breakout Lunch Exploration

1:30-2:15                 Keynote Presentation:

2:30-3:15                 The Changing Role of Media in Sports

3:30-4:15                 Sports Social Responsibility

3:30-4:15                 Pro and College Sports

4:30-5:15                 Closing the Deal: Interactive Negotiation Session

4:30-5:15                 Young Executives Panel

5:15-5:45                 Best Practices for Getting Hired

5:45pm                    Kickoff Reception : Sponsored by Georgetown University Sports Industry Management Masters Program and Washington Sports Business Professionals (WSBP)

Saturday, March 26 – Day Two

9:30am-10:15          Presentation – Presidents Council on Fitness, Sports and Health (PCFSH)

10:30 -11:30            Keynote Address:

11:55 -12:45            Speed-Networking Lunch: Interactive Breakout Sessions

1:00- 1:45                Communications and Public Relations in Sports

1:00-1:45                 Business & Finance in Sports

2:00-2:30                 Strategic Marketing in Sports

2:00pm-2:30           Law, Contracts, Negotiations and Representation in Sports

2:45pm-3:15           Sponsorship, Revenue Development and Ticketing

2:45 -3:15                Facilities Operations and Events Development in Sports

3:30-4:00                 Digital Media, Consumer Engagement and Mobile in Sports

3:30 -4:00                Economics, Analytics and Brand Management in Sports

4:15 -4:45                The SEME Experience: Building Your Personal Brand

4:55 -5:30                Resume & Personal Brand Critique

Confirmed Speakers

Alan Gromest – Washington Nationals (MLB), Human Resources
Allen Hermeling – RedPeg Inc., Vice President, Business Development
Andrea Cernich – President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition; Director of Strategic Partnerships
Andy Zipfel – USA Today, Senior Director, Sports Marketing and Development
Barry Ford – USTA, Director, Outreach & Advocacy
Billy Stone – CBS Sports, Executive Producer
Bobby Goldwater – The Goldwater Group, Principal
Britton Miller – Washington Nationals (MLB), Manager, Marketing Projects
Buffy Filippell – Teamwork Online, Founder/President
Chartese Burnett – Maroon PR, Director, Non-Profit Public Relations
Chris Gargani – Washington Nationals, VP, Managing Director, Sales and Marketing
Chris McGrath – CPA
Dan O’Neil – Georgetown University, Associate Athletic Director External Affair
Dave Schawb – Octagon, Vice President, Managing Director – First Call
David Eyl – Sportstoday, VP, Business Development
David Francis – USOC, Coordinator, Division of Legal & Government Affairs
Dawn Ridley – Ridley & Associates, President
Ellie Cox – Athletes for Hope, Director
Erin O’Boyle – NFL Players Association, Programs Manager
Felice Jones – NFLPA, AVP, Event Marketing
Gary Powers – Under Armour, Regional Manager
George Perry – GP4 Consulting, President
Greg Bibb – COO, Washington Mystics/ Executive Vice President of Business Operations, Washington Wizards
Ira Frankel – Blackboard, Senior Manager, Marketing Operations
Israel Negron – Washington Nationals, Director of Community Relations
Jamie O’Connor – DC United, Former VP, Marketing
Jeffrey Fried – NCAA Military Bowl by Northrop Grumman, Chairman
Jim DeLorenzo – Octagon Digital, Vice President
Jim Welch – USA Today, Deputy Managing Editor, Sports
Jimmy Lynn – Jlynn Associates, Principal
Joe Favorito – Sports and Entertainment Consultant
John Bonacci – Under Armour, Strategic Sales Coordinator
John Ralston – Team Services LLC, Manager, Sales
Jon Achar – ESPN, Vice President
Kaitlin Jacobi – Team Services LLC, Coordinator, Consulting
Karen Irish – U.S. Olympic Committee, Manager, Government Relations
Kelty Carpenter – ESPN, Programming & Acquisitions
Kevin Payne – D.C. United, President
Kevin Wright – Under Armour, Recruiting Assistant
Kurt Kehl – Washington Capitals (NHL), Vice President, Communications
Kyle Ragsdale – SB Nation, VP, Business Affairs & Finance
Lara Potter – Washington Nationals, Vice President, Communications
LaRhonda Lombardi – Washington Wizards & Mystics, Manager of Programs & Administration
Marty Conway – AOL, Former Director, Strategic Partnerships
Meredith Geisler – Meredith Communications, Owner
Nicola Murphy – Octagon, Athlete Marketing
Rich Daniel – DC Divas Women’s Professional Football, Executive
Rod Nenner – Washington Redskins, Senior Vice President, Marketing
Scott Horner – Octagon, Director of Communications, Athlete and Property Marketing
Scott Lewis – Washington Nationals, Manager, Consumer Marketing
Shana Gritsavage – Under Armour, Senior Manager, Corporate Giving & Events
Steve Beck – Military Bowl, Executive Director
Steve Lieberman – Comcast SportsNet, General Sales Manager
Ted Towne – Washington Nationals, Controller
Terry Hasseltine – Director, Maryland office of Sports Marketing
Tom George – Octagon, Senior Vice President of Athlete and Property Marketing
Zack Bolno – Washington Redskins/Wizards, Former Media Relations Director

Cost: $225 per person, $195 per person if group of 5+, $175 per person if group 10+, $125 per person if group 20+. Register here.

8th Annual Sports Events Marketing Experience (SEME 2011) from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

This year’s Congress will be held at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami, Florida.

The Panel List reads as a “Who’s who” in the industry including:

• Bud Selig, Commissioner (MLB)
• Chris Parsons, Vice President (NFL)
• Peter Moore, President (EA Sports)
• Bea Perez, CMO (Coca-Cola North America)

These are just a few of the names who will be participating in discussion. There are also several breaks for opportunities to network. Not to mention several social events such as an early morning fun run and a networking reception.

Running through the list of Topics covered, the highlights include:

• “Rapid-Fire Roundtable” which includes discussion of important topics over the next 12 months with guests such as Stacey Allaster, Chairman & CEO, WTA; Scott Blackmun, CEO, USOC and Donald Fehr, Executive Director, NHLPA. With the NFL in lockout mode, this will definitely be a don’t miss discussion!
• “Sponsorship Value and Innovation: The New Realities of Sports Marketing” which will look into how social media is changing the face of sponsorship.

At a cost of $1,850 ($1,695 for SBJ/SBD subscribers), it is a little to rich for my bank account, though by coincidence, I will be in Miami during this time. If any like minded sports business professionals who are attending or in the area wish to contact me feel free to do so.

For a full rundown of the program and to register please visit here.

2011 IMG World Congress of Sports: March 30-31 Miami, Florida from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

When: March 27-29, 2011

Where: Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV - Special Nightly Rate: $50 (plus taxes and fees)*

Who: Individuals involved with sports and entertainment philanthropy (Executive Directors, Development Directors, Representatives from teams’ Community Relations, friends & family of charitable celebrities) gather to learn from experts in various aspects of philanthropic fundraising, governance, and management.

AGENDA INCLUDES:

Sunday, March 27: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. — Networking cocktail reception

Monday, March 28

• 8 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. — Registration and Breakfast
• 8:30 am. – 8:45 a.m. — Opening Remarks
• 8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. — Saving the World Through Social Entrepreneurship
• 9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. — Break
• 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. — 35 Ways to Maximize Fundraising Through Your Web Site & Twitter
• Mini-Bootcamp
• 11:00 a.m. – noon — Case Study: Andre Agassi Foundation for Education
• noon – 1:30 p.m. — Lunch & Keynote, Public Relations
• 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. — Private tour of the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy

Tuesday, March 29

• 8 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. — Breakfast
• 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. –Developing a Fundraising Board
• 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. — Legal FAQs
• 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. — Break
• 10:45 a.m. -11:45 — Leveraging Celebrity to Change Public Policy
• noon – 1:00 p.m. — Lunch
• 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Corporate Sponsorship
• 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Innovative Special Events
• 3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. — Closing Remarks

*Schedule subject to change.

SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

Keynote: Saving the World Through Social Entrepreneurship
Jonathan Greenblatt, Social Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Ethos Water
Jonathan Greenblatt is the founder of Ethos Water, currently serves as the CEO of GOOD Worldwide, and is an acknowledged thought leader on ethical branding and social entrepreneurship. He teaches social entrepreneurship at the Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA. He is a former
vice president of Starbucks Coffee, and also served as a staffer in the Clinton White House.

Panel: 35 Ways to Maximize Fundraising Through Your Web Site & Mini Twitter Boot Camp
Amy Martin, Founder, Digital Royalty
With a focus on strategy development, Amy helps corporate brands, celebrities, professional sports leagues, teams and athletes build, measure and monetize their digital universe. Her clients have included Shaquille O’Neal,UFC, Chicago White Sox, and the Cleveland Indians.

Allan Pressel, Founder and CEO, CharityFinders
Allan Pressel is the founder and CEO of CharityFinders, which helps nonprofits use the Internet to further their mission. CharityFinders’ main product is NonprofitSite123, a tool that enables any nonprofit to have its own world-class website quickly, at a low cost, with no training required. Pressel is the co-author of Internet Management for Nonprofits: Strategies, Tools and Trade Secrets.

Case Study: Andre Agassi College Prepatory Academy
Steve Miller, CEO, Andre Agassi Foundation for Education
As CEO of the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, Steve Miller is responsible for the leadership and operation of the Foundation enterprise, and managing the financial portfolio. Miller brings a wealth of experience to these positions.  Most recently, he was the CEO of Power Plate International, and the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors.  He has served as a senior analyst and adjunct professor at the University of Oregon’s Warsaw Sports Marketing Center.  Acting as a key industry specialist, he worked with the Warsaw Center on a variety of initiatives, including industry outreach and research.

Keynote: Public Relations
Terrie Williams, President and Founder, The Terrie Williams Agency
Terrie Williams is the president of The Terrie Williams Agency, one of the country’s most successful public relations firms. The company has handled the biggest names in entertainment, sports, business and politics. The Agency‘s public relations achievements have been featured as case studies in PR seminars, college texts and industry newsletters.

Keynote: Developing a Fundraising Board
Kurt Aschermann, President, Charity Partners Foundation
Kurt Aschermann has more than 35 years experience as a marketing and resource development professional. As former chief marketing and development officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, he packaged and helped produce Denzel Washington’s first book “A Hand to Guide Me”, which
raised nearly $600,000.

Panel: Legal FAQs
Ryan Lapine, Rosenfeld, Meyer & Susman, LLP
Ryan Lapine is a trial lawyer with significant experience litigating entertainment and complex business disputes. In addition to his litigation practice, he provides oversight and transactional counsel to sports and entertainment companies, including a 501(c)(3) organization that manages trusts and foundations for athletes and entertainers, the preeminent entertainment-industry sports league, and a large nightlife company.

Kent Seton, Esquire, Managing Partner, Seton and Associates PLC
Kent Seton is one of the foremost attorneys representing charities on tax, corporate governance and legal matters concerning fundraising. An entrepreneur at heart, Seton started his law career simultaneously with the launch of a separate online venture that quickly grew into one of the largest nationwide providers preparing the paperwork for creating 501(c)(3) organizations. At its height,
this online company was forming over 200 501(c)(3) organizations per month.

Panel: Leveraging Celebrity to Change Public Policy
Andrew Morton, President, Morton Advisors, P.C.
Andrew Morton is President and Founder of Morton Advisors, a nonprofit law, public policy and philanthropy consulting firm. Morton has provided pro-bono legal representation to numerous nonprofits including the Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children and to FilmAid International. His advocacy on behalf of refugees and asylum-seekers was recognized in 2002 when the D.C. Bar Association honored Morton as “Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year.”

Todd Flourney, The Flourney Group
Todd Flournoy is a veteran government affairs executive who has held senior positions in the entertainment industry and government including as a Presidential Appointee in the Clinton Administration. Most recently, Flournoy served as Vice President and Senior Counsel for Federal Affairs and Policy for the Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (“MPAA”).  At the MPAA, Flournoy handled a wide variety of congressional affairs and federal policy matters relating to all aspects of the motion picture industry and served as the MPAA’s principal liaison to federal agencies on all matters affecting member company film production issues including immigration, regulatory compliance, and outreach.

Panel: Corporate Sponsorship
Michael Jacobson, Director of Talent Relations, Octagon First Call
Michael Jacobson advises brands, non-profits and marketing agencies on how to best utilize celebrities in their marketing campaigns. As co-founding member of Octagon First Call, he assists clients with the negotiation and execution of 150+ deals annually, including endorsement deals, non-profit spokesperson roles, and celebrity licensing. Clientele ranges from Fortune 500 companies to leading marketing agencies to top tier non-profits.

Towalame Austin, President, Magic Johnson Foundation
Towalame Austin is the president of the Magic Johnson Foundation, Inc. She is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction to one of the leading philanthropic organizations in the nation. She manages the daily operations and continued growth of the foundation by expanding its research base, solidifying new partnerships, securing corporate sponsorships and coordinating fundraising initiatives.

Tamar P. Hoapili, Manager of Community Relations, Cox Communications
Tamar Hoapili is the manager of community relations and video production at Cox Communications, Las Vegas where she serves as liaison for community, charitable and education outreach.

Keynote: Innovative Special Events
King Dahl, Executive Director of Design, MGM Resorts Events
King Dahl has turned his passion for art and design, environmental aesthetics, music and fine food into a flourishing career in the world of special events. As the Executive Director of Event Design for MGM Resorts Events, King’s 60+ person award-winning team designs and produces more than 900 events per year. His primary focus is implementing distinctive, innovative and forward-looking design concepts for one of the leading resort companies in the world. For the past 28 years, King and his associates have created intriguing environments for celebrities in film, sports and music as well as Fortune 500 clients and charitable foundations.

Cost: Regular Rate = $499, Group or Referral Rate = $375, Student Rate = $299 (limited availability)

Sports And Entertainment Philanthropy Summit from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

When: March 4-5, 2011

Where: The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. (map)

Agenda

Friday, March 4, 2011

9:00am – 9:30am Keynote: Gary Stevenson

9:30am – 10:20am: ProServ Founders
Ray Benton, CEO, Junior Tennis Champions Center
Frank Craighill, Chairman and CEO, Atlis Marketing LLC
Donald Dell, Group President, Lagardere Unlimited

10:20am – 11:00am: ProServ Employees (Pre-1983)

11:15am – 12:00pm: Two Sides Of The House

George McPhee, General Manager, Washington Capitals
Kevin Payne, President, DC United

12:00pm: Proceed To E Street Building For Lunch Sessions

12:15pm – 2:30pm: Networking Lunch

Lunch Session #1
12:15pm – 1:20pm: Sports Law Panel
1:25pm – 2:30pm: Networking Lunch

Lunch Session #2
12:15pm – 1:20pm: Networking Lunch
1:25pm – 2:30pm: Sports Marketing & Media Panel

2:30pm: Proceed To MPA Building For Afternoon Sessions

2:45pm – 3:30pm:  Social Media and Innovations

3:40pm – 4:20pm: Sport Business Negotiations

4:25pm – 5:15pm: Sponsorship, Sales, Service and Evaluation

5:15pm – 5:45pm: Human Resource Directors

5:45pm: Proceed To City View Room For Reception

6:00-8:00pm: Friday Evening Networking Reception sponsored by The Sport And Recreation Management Program At Temple University

Saturday, March 5, 2011

9:15am – 10:00am: Athlete Foundations, Marketing and Management

10:05am – 10:45am: Keynote: Michael Robichaud, MasterCard Worldwide

10:55am – 11:45am: Target Marketing

11:45pm: Proceed To Nationals Park (Home of Washington Nationals)

12:15am – 1:45pm: Networking Lunch

1:55pm – 2:35pm: Keynote Presentation: Washington Nationals Executive

2:45pm – 3:25pm: Let’s Move: Selling Physical Fitness and Sport Products

3:40pm – 4:20pm: Trends in Sports Events & Facility Management

4:20pm: SINC Conference Wrap-Up

Cost: Individual rate is $230.  There are discounts for group purchases.  Register here.

Sports Industry Networking and Career Conference from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

I was born in 1985, so I recall hearing “Bo Knows Baseball” and faintly remember a lot of talk about Len Bias, but for the most part, the stories transcribed in Bigger than the Game were completely new to me.  The book’s author, Michael Weinreb, focuses on a few characters, and changes from one to the other throughout the book.  He uses these characters to explain how the game of sport was changing in the ’80s, particularly in terms of player persona.

We all love the touchdown celebration, even if NFL executives abhor it.  But without the characters of the ’80s, would T.O. and Chad Ochocinco ever dare to flaunt their talents after a score?  Would someone even consider changing his legal name to Ochocinco?  Today’s athletes have the opportunity to be boisterous because of former athletes like Jim McMahon, Bo Jackson, and Brian Bosworth, all of whom are discussed at length in Bigger than the Game.

Ever wonder how money became such an instrumental part of sport, or when egos started to become larger than the players themselves?  The ’80s are known as a decade of greed, power, money, and fame.  You can either re-live those days by reading Bigger than the Game, or learn the stories from scratch.  Sports junkies and casual fans can appreciate the stories; there is a lot written about pop culture in general, and not just about sport.

Book Review: Bigger Than The Game from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

1. An ability to insert relevant promotional ads and links at the foot of text messages written by sports stars.  Many of these ads will be for the athlete’s own merchandise.  For the sports marketing world, the ad system blocks ads that conflict with an athlete’s existing endorsements or the sales guidelines of leagues and players unions.
2. A new payment structure.
   1. Real Merchandise (off-field apparel and headwear): 72% of Net Profits to the players and 2% to their favorite charities or foundations.  MogoTXT will also pay an additional 6% to the athlete’s union or to other charities.
   2. Virtual Goods and Social Games: 50% of Net Profits (to be allocated between Athlete and his Union) and 2% to their favorite charities or foundations.
   3. Mobile Advertising: 20% of Adjusted Gross Revenues, 2% to their favorite charities or foundations, and 3$ to athlete’s union or other charities.
3. Free, professional graphic design services and e-commerce stores for athletes and celebrities on MogoTXT, on Facebook and on the athletes’ own websites to enable athletes to market attractive high-quality merchandise to their fans without any upfront costs, financial risks or hassles.

It seems like quite a few big name athletes have signed up for the MogoTXT service.  As long as it is something that an athlete and/or his team of advisors are getting behind, it could be a good option to promote one’s personal brand, entertain his fans, and earn some additional off field/court revenue.

MogoTXT Increases Services Offered To Athletes from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Sports Business

• A job very well done by Red Bull [Red Bull's Project X = Sports Marketing Idea of the Year].
• Maybe not the world just yet, but starting off at the high school level is a good strategy [Can Under Armour, IMG Take the World By Storm?].
• St-Pierre t0 serve as the face of Under Armour’s Underwear [Under Armour signs UFC champ Georges St-Pierre to multi-year endorsement deal].
• I actually just yesterday had this discussion with somebody [End of the Day, Live Events Make Sports, Brands, King…].

Baseball

• A little baseball trademark law conversation [Wide world of ‘Series’].

Football

• No sense of urgency on the part of the owners [League rejects "lock-in" bargaining proposal].
• A two-paragraph statement that included no explanation – bothers me [Bryant loses final appeal].

Basketball

• BJ Armstrong answers a few questions while promoting the launch of Windows 7 [An Interview with BJ Armstrong].

Shabbat Shalom: Friday Wrap-Up (11/6/09) from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree and be currently enrolled in graduate school and looking for exposure to sports at a collegiate level.  Candidates should also possess excellent computer skills (including Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook) and have good organizational skills, work well under multiple deadlines, be able to communicate well over the phone, and demonstrate a professional attitude. Candidates would need to currently live in the Indianapolis area or be willing to relocate during the 6-12 month internship period and expect to work 20-25 hours a week. Monthly stipend for the position is $1500. Candidates must also be open to relocation when placed into a full time position with some regard given to region.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to: providing administrative, sales and marketing support to BCA office staff, assisting in the planning of the 2010 BCA National Convention, coordinating certain sponsor functions, assisting in collection, design and preparation of sales kits and research projects, constructing the weekly BCA newsletter, and updating the BCA web site.

Visit www.bcasports.org and www.learfieldsports.com for more info on these organizations.

If interested in this opportunity, please email your resume to Kearsten Huddleston at khuddleston@learfield.com or Jason Buckner at jbuckner@learfield.com and let them know that you learned about the internship from your friends at SportsAgentBlog.com.

BCA Sports Properties Internship from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

The entire Q&A segment may be read by clicking here.  Below is one question and answer provided free of charge.

3. In what ways can other sports marketing companies turn their blogs into business opportunities?

Many aspects of the sports industry are closed off to a large segment of the worldwide population.  And unsurprisingly, there are a lot of people hungry for more knowledge about what goes on behind the scenes in the business of sports.  People do not only reserve an interest about sports agents, sports law, and sports business, which are the three areas we cover the most at SportsAgentBlog.com.  Unfortunately, no matter how many Sports Management classes you take in school, you will leave unsatisfied and with a desire to learn more.

Sports marketing companies can benefit from adopting a model based on openness and transparency.  It will allow them greater access to potential innovative interns, spur additional relationships with members of other companies who come across the blog, strengthen the company’s image as a knowledgeable source within its niche, and bounce ideas off of its readers, who end up being the consumers of the produced marketing material.

My 5 Question Interview With ProVentures from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Over at the brand new, EntertainmentAgentBlog.com, we have discussed the effects of the recent merger between William Morris Agency and Endeavor.  The merger is not only affecting the entertainment industry, but has been felt in many other industries, as well…including sports.  Endeavor has never put together a sports division, but William Morris had some high profile sports clients before the two companies decided to join.  Since the new joint-company has been established, over 100 WMA employees have been fired or asked to gracefully resign.  And one of WMA’s biggest sports guys, Lon Rosen, may be on his way out as well.

Rosen was initially signed by WMA to build a sports marketing division.  He was slapped with a VP title and quickly accumulated clients with names like Magic Johnson and Alex Rodriguez.  Interestingly, before switching over to WMA, Rosen was with Endeavor.  So who is pushing Rosen out now, or if he is not being pushed out, why does he so suddenly want to leave?

When the WMA/Endeavor merger was still only a rumor, I speculated that the new entity may finally create a large sports representation division to rival CAA.  Rosen would have been one of the people on a short list to run that new division.  If he is on his way out, does that mean that this new sports representation division might have only been a pipe-dream of mine?

William Morris Endeavor To Scrap Sports Marketing Division? from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules