By: Mike Dirmann ('13)
There is a running joke at the National Sports Forum, that wherever the Forum goes, it ends up being a mini Ohio University reunion. This held true again in 2013, as over 70 attendees with OU ties (including current on-campus students, professional online students, and faculty and alumni) made the trek to dreary old Orlando for the Forum, which took place January 27th through the 29th.
From Ohio’s standalone day on the opening Sunday, to multiple speakers presenting throughout the week, to the annual after hours reception for Bobcat alumni and friends, this year’s event was a tremendous success. Presentations given by Ohio University graduates covered a number of topics, including sponsorship best practices and social media content marketing. Jim Kahler (’81), Andy Dolich (’71), and Dan Migala (’07) all served as panel moderators plus Pat O’Conner (’81), Mike Boykin (’82), Brian Gainor (’07), Jason Bitsoff (’12), and Corey Breton (’14) were each featured speakers or panel participants.
Once again Ohio University was represented well in the Case Cup competition, finishing second in a competitive field of eight. Second-year students John Bollinger (’13), Mike Dirmann (’13), Laura Waters-Brown (’13) and Mike Wendling (’13) were tasked with determining how Chobani yogurt could best activate its sponsorship with the USOC in non-Olympic years.
Another great aspect of this year’s Forum was that the Professional MSA program provided its students with the inaugural integration of the conference into the program. Almost 20 students came to Orlando and were able to network with professionals and alumni, as well as the on-campus students that made the trip down to Florida. As part of this day, students got to hear from alums Alice Petzold ('91) and Jeremy Foley ('76).
On Tuesday, January 29th, Forum attendees were treated to the Budweiser Gala at the Orlando Magic’s Amway Center. Always a highlight, legendary coach Bobby Bowden served as the keynote speaker. In addition, many of the Bobcats in attendance were met by Erin Daniels (’01), who took time out of her sponsorship duties with the Magic to aid in escorting visitors around the building throughout the evening.
As expected, the 2013 National Sports Forum was a tremendous opportunity for all involved. Both this year’s attendees and the class of 2014 are eagerly awaiting next year’s event in Dallas.