From left to right: Jorge Quinones ('10), Alex Vitanye ('10), Jessie Lamb ('10), Jim Kahler ('81), and Ryan Holmes ('10).
In early February, 10 current second year graduate students traveled to Baltimore, Maryland to attend the 2010 National Sports Forum. Without a doubt, each of the students left with greater knowledge of the current sports climate, as well as many new personal relationships within the sports industry.
Four of the 10 students in attendance represented the Ohio University MSA program in the annual National Sports Forum Case Cup Competition. This year’s case was particularly difficult, involving the Sports Philanthropy Project and the fight to prevent Childhood Obesity. Although the team did not make the finals, the team should be proud of their efforts. Congratulations to Ryan Holmes ('10), Jessie Lamb ('10), Jorge Quinones ('10), and Alex Vitanye ('10) for representing OHIO.
On the first day of the conference, the students were invited to attend the Newcomers Welcome Breakfast where they were able to network with the NSF steering committee, as well as other first time NSF attendees. Monday continued with a panel entitled the “Blending of Sports and Entertainment,” which included Todd Koester ('98) from Churchill Downs.
The students were then able to attend breakout sessions which included opportunities to learn about the latest innovations in social media, sales, and advertising. Jim Kahler ('81) led a breakout session on the 2010 NSF Corporate and Industry Survey that he helps conduct. After additional networking time the students sat in on a second panel, “And Now a Word From our Sponsors,” which included representatives from companies such as Coca-Cola, Proctor & Gamble, and The Hershey Company.
Monday ended with another networking opportunity as the Ohio University Sports Administration program hosted a reception for friends and family. Alumni such as Brian Gainor ('07), Andres Lares ('09), and Brain Brantley ('08) were all able to attend.
Tuesday morning began with the awarding of the Case Cup Championship to The George Washington University. The students then observed a third panel that included Kenneth Feld, Cal Ripken, Jr, Kevin Plank, and Ted Leonisis, and was moderated by Ron Shapiro. The day then included more breakout sessions, including a sponsorship panel moderated by Jim Kahler and featuring Mike Boykin ('82) of GMR.
Tuesday ended with the 2010 Budweiser Gala. The event was held at M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens rolled out the red carpet and the NSF attendees were treated to performances by the cheerleaders and band, as well as great food provided by Aramark. It was a night that none of the students will soon forget.
The final day of NSF came much too soon, as the students were soaking up as much information as they could. The final panel, “What Keeps You Up at Night?”, was moderated by Andy Dolich ('71). The day ended with a tour and luncheon at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
The 2010 National Sports Forum was an outstanding learning and networking experience for all the students that attended. Everyone is looking forward to attending NSF in the future. We would like to Mike Levine ('09) for providing scholarships to help with conference registration fees.
