2025 AGENDA
Tuesday, June 10
5:00 PM
Welcome Reception
6:00 PM
Buses Depart the Ritz-Carlton
7:00 PM
Athletes Unlimited Softball League Game Hosted by Athletes Unlimited
Talons vs Bandits
The Stadium at Parkway Bank Sports Complex
27 Jennie Finch Way
Rosemont, IL 60018
RSVP Required
Wednesday, June 11
9:05 AM
REGISTRATION
Badge Pick Up & Breakfast Begins for Brand Innovation Summit Workshop Attendees
9:30 AM
Workshop & Breakfast Hosted by Navigate
(Private, Invitation only)
Inquire to Attend: kmwright@sportsbusinessjournal.com
11:00 AM
Join the American Heart Association for a 30-minute session and become a lifesaver. Learn how to properly execute Hands-Only CPR and use an AED. The American Heart Association along with the NFL, MLB, NBA, MLS, NHL and other professional sports leagues have launched the Smart Heart Sports Coalition to increase bystander CPR and prevent fatal outcomes for athletes.
*Please note: this is not an official CPR certification course.
11:30 AM
REGISTRATION
Badge Pick Up & Lunch Begins for Brand Innovation Summit Workshop Attendees
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Brand Innovation Summit CONNECT For the first 100 RSVPS
A structured networking and information sharing session open to the first 100 attendees who sign up to participate.
RSVP Required
12:00 PM
REGISTRATION
Badge Pick Up & Lunch Begins for All Attendees
Hosted by TFL
12:00 - 1:00 PM
LUNCH
1:00 PM
OPENING REMARKS
1:10 PM
A VIEW FROM THE C-SUITE
1:40 PM
Breaking Down the Deal: Chicago Sports Network and Wind Creek Casino
Wind Creek opened a new casino hotel in Chicago this past November and was looking to raise its brand awareness in the market. This resulted in a major partnership deal with CHSN. The CHSN/Wind Creek deal is not a straight ad buy… it’s a full partnership of experiential, social/digital, live studio shows from the casino, media plan investment – and Wind Creek taking the presenting sponsorship name of CHSN’s flagship daily show, The Chicago Lead. You will hear about the unique partnership and all its activations.
- Jason Coyle, President, Chicago Sports Network
- Ken Rohman, Chief Marketing Officer, Wind Creek Hospitality
Moderator: Mollie Cahillane, Staff Writer, Sports Business Journal
2:00 PM
Brand Impact: Industry Issues and Trends that are Changing Sports Sponsorship and Marketing
Panelists share their thoughts on the biggest challenges they are facing and the opportunities they see in the marketplace for you and your brand.
- Tom Cerasoli, Head, Sponsorship and Partnership Management, Citi
- Jeff Eccleston, Co-Head, CAA Global Brand Consulting
- Jo Fox, Senior Vice President, Marketing, ESPN
- Jim Van Stone, President, Business Operations & Chief Commercial Officer, Monumental Sports and Entertainment
Moderator: Terry Lefton, Editor-at-Large, Sports Business Journal
2:40 PM
PARTNER INSIGHT
Hosted by rEvolution
Discover’s Groundbreaking Deals and Strategic Partnerships in College Athletics
Discover’s expansion in college athletics marked a bold, strategic move—anchored by a landmark partnership with the Big Ten Conference. We’ll explore how the brand is showing up in college football and basketball with intention, creating real value for fans and delivering against business goals. From the perspective of brand, agency, and rights holder, we’ll break down how this collaboration is redefining success in the collegiate space—and what it means for the future.
- Amy Adams, Vice President, Media, Discover
- Kerry Kenny, Chief Operating Officer, Big Ten Conference
- Larry Mann, Executive Vice President, rEvolution
- John Schaefer, Senior Principal, Sponsorships and Paid Media, Discover
Moderator: Abe Madkour, Publisher & Executive Editor, Sports Business Journal
3:05 PM
Capitalizing on the Growth and Momentum of Women’s Sports
Women's sports are experiencing unprecedented growth, and businesses can capitalize on this growth by investing in partnerships and branding. Hear how – and why – brands are investing more in women’s sports and how properties are working with them on their investment. Find out why you should be following the growth and partnering in this dynamic market segment.
- Brandy Everhart, Director, Media and Partnerships, CarMax
- Stephanie Martin, Chief Marketing Officer & Chief Communications Officer, League One Volleyball
- Kirby Porter, Chief Brand Officer, Unrivaled
- Amy Scheer, Executive Vice President, Business Operations, Premier Women’s Hockey League
- Shiz Suzuki, Vice President, Global Brand Sponsorships and Experiential Marketing, American Express
Moderator: Jenn Azara, Managing Editor, Sports Business Journal
3:45 PM
BREAK
4:15 PM
The Globalization of America’s Game
The Global Markets Program awards NFL clubs international marketing rights to build brand awareness and fandom beyond the U.S., through fan engagement, events and commercial opportunities. Hear how the Bears and United Airlines, partners since 2022, have been working together to grow America’s game internationally.
- Jennifer Entenman, Managing Director, Head, Global Sponsorships, United Airlines
- Maggie Geraldi, Director of Partnership Activation, Chicago Bears Football Club
Moderator: Austin Karp, Managing Editor, Newsletters, Sports Business Journal
4:35 PM
In the Spotlight: Verizon FanFest Activation
Verizon for the first time ran a nationwide “FanFest” on Super Bowl Sunday, activating in all 30 NFL markets. The brand, which has been an NFL league sponsor since 2010, used teams’ venues for free celebrations with F&B from local vendors, live local music and interactive games. There were also meet-and-greets with former players and in select markets there was Super Bowl LIX activities on the field. Each event will also feature tailgates and food prepared by local chefs.
- Nick Kelly, Vice President, Partnerships, Verizon
- Sampson Yimer, Executive Vice President, Partnerships & Director, Diversity and Strategic Development, Momentum Worldwide
Moderator: Terry Lefton, Editor-at-Large, Sports Business Journal
4:55 PM
Spotlight Angel City FC: Building Deeper Connections with Women’s Sports
Hear why brands are increasingly turning to women’s sports to build deeper connections with their audiences. Executives from NYX and Sprouts will share their insights on how partnering with Angel City FC, has proven to be a strategic move for both business growth and brand alignment. You will learn how to explore the diverse ways brands can engage with women’s soccer to foster stronger brand connections.
- Laura Flynn, Chief Revenue Officer, Angel City Football Club
- Alisa Gmelich, Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Sprouts Farmers Market
- Diana Valdez, Head, Consumer Marketing, NYX
Moderator: Jenn Azara, Managing Editor, Sports Business Journal
5:15 PM
A View from the C-Suite
Aflac has partnerships with college sports teams and women's sports organizations. Hear how the brand is deepening its commitments and extending its partnerships.
- Garth Knutson, Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Aflac
Moderator: Mollie Cahillane, Staff Writer, Sports Business Journal
5:35 PM
RECEPTION
Thursday, June 12
8:15 AM
REGISTRATION
Hosted by TFL
8:15 AM
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
Hosted by Barstool Sports
9:00 AM
OPENING REMARKS
9:10 AM
What’s Hot. What’s Not. – The Agency Perspective
Panelists will look at the trends in partnership marketing. You will learn what is resonating in the marketplace and with clients … and what is not.
- Tuck Burch, Head, Brand Consulting, Excel
- Greg Busch, President, Bespoke Sports & Entertainment
- Shelley Pisarra, Executive Vice President, Global Insights and Innovation, Wasserman
- John Tatum, Chief Executive Officer, Genesco Sports
Moderator: Terry Lefton, Editor-at-Large, Sports Business Journal
9:50 AM
The Road to the World Cup 2026
We will look ahead at how the industry is preparing for World Cup 2026. Hear how hospitality, tickets and other marketing assets are going to be utilized. And when you will see sponsorship activation ramp up.
- Derek Aframe, Executive Vice President, Octagon
- Molly Battin, Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, The Home Depot
- Mike Petruzzi, Senior Vice President, Ad Sales, FOX Sports
Moderator: Austin Karp, Managing Editor, Newsletters, Sports Business Journal
10:30 AM
Next Gen Sports Content
This panel will discuss how brands are building meaningful relationships with the next generation of sports content consumers through best-in-class strategic partnerships with creators, influencers and media partners, all while delivering real business impact.
- Dan Katz "Big Cat", Media Personality, Podcast Host & Entrepreneur, Barstool Sports
- Tom Gargiulo, Chief Marketing Officer, BODYARMOR
Moderator: Irving Mejia-Hilario, Staff Writer, Sports Business Journal
10:50 AM
BREAK
Hosted by Wasserman
11:20 AM
A View from the C-Suite
CarMax underwent a brand repositioning a few years ago to modernize its image. Hear how the brand turned to sports to do it.
- Sarah Lane, Chief Marketing Officer, CarMax
Moderator: Jenn Azara, Managing Editor, Sports Business Journal
11:40 AM
In the Spotlight: The Pop-Tarts Bowl Activation
Pop-Tarts made headlines for its in-game activations, including the first-ever edible mascot. So how do become more innovative? You create the first of its kind working toaster trophy. Hear how the brand is dialing up the “Crazy Good” in its college football partnership. Learn how you can innovative your partnerships just like Pop-Tarts.
- Matt Repchak, Chief Marketing Officer, Florida Citrus Sports
12:00 PM
LUNCH
Hosted by Parity
(For all attendees)
Concurrent PRIVATE, INVITATION ONLY Lunch
Inquire to Attend: kmwright@sportsbusinessjournal.com
1:30 PM
Trends in Corporate Partnerships
Hear about the power of sports partnerships and what it can do for your brand.
Panelists will discuss how corporate partnerships create community by tapping into fan passion. They will share the latest and greatest offerings for your consideration.
- Maria DeRuccio, Senior Vice President, Klutch Sports Group
- Alex Seyferth, Vice President, Corporate Partnerships, Chicago Cubs
- Russell Silvers, President & Chief Operating Officer, Global Partnerships, AEG
- Craig Stimmel, Chief Commercial Officer, NASCAR
Moderator: Terry Lefton, Editor-at-Large, Sports Business Journal
2:10 PM
Opportunities in College Sports
Now more than ever, college athletics needs new revenue streams which brands can help deliver. From NIL deals and naming rights to patch sponsorships, panelists will discuss the challenges and opportunities when partnering with college athletics. You will discover the most effective entry points into this expanding environment.
- Mandy Gill, Managing Vice President Brand and Marketing, Marriott International
- Shawn Hegan, Executive Vice President, Global Partnerships, Learfield
- Leah Macko, Vice President, Brand Marketing, Powerade
- Craig Sloan, Chief Executive Officer, Playfly
- Trish Tulloch, Vice President, Partnerships, 160/90
Moderator: Austin Karp, Managing Editor, Newsletters, Sports Business Journal
2:50 PM
Breaking Down the Deal
Likely one of the most complex deals ever done, and one of the most unique. We breakdown the deal that makes Campbell’s an official sponsor of the NBA’s 76ers, the NHL’s Devils, the Prudential Center in Newark, Joe Gibbs Racing in NASCAR and the Commanders in the NFL, which are not part of HSBE but share common ownership in co-founder Josh Harris. You will learn about the challenges and opportunities with a multi-brand and multi-sport deal.
- Oliver Armstrong, Chief of Staff to the CEO & Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Campbell Soup Company
- Ben Cobleigh, Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment
Moderator: Abe Madkour, Publisher & Executive Editor, Sports Business Journal
3:10 PM
BREAK
Hosted by Learfield
3:40 PM
A View from the C-Suite
In a crowded field, BetMGM stands out as an iGaming and online sports betting leader. Learn how the company leans into its unique omnichannel/premier experiences brand proposition to cut through the noise.
- Casey Hurbis, Chief Marketing Officer, BetMGM
Moderator: Abe Madkour, Publisher & Executive Editor, Sports Business Journal
4:00 PM
MODULE: YOUTH SPORTS
Youth sports is a booming market and is big business. Hear two different sessions as to why.
PARTNER INSIGHT
Hosted by Teall Sports & Entertainment
One-on-One
We will look at the big picture of youth sports and the opportunities in this highly engaged space.
- Ben Sutton, Founder, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Teall Sports & Entertainment
Moderator: Abe Madkour, Publisher & Executive Editor, Sports Business Journal
4:25 PM
MODULE: YOUTH SPORTS
Untapped Opportunities in Youth Sports
Youth sports partnerships are good business sense, but they are also important to fostering community growth and future sports stars. Panelists will address the challenges navigating youth sports, as you learn about the benefits of supporting these programs
- Rashid Ghazi, President, Paragon Sports Marketing
- Karl Mawhinney, Chief Executive Officer, Campus Multimedia
- Maya Steeves, Vice President, Media, Partnerships and Field Marketing, Tropical Smoothie Café
Moderator: Irving Mejia-Hilario, Staff Writer, Sports Business Journal
4:55 PM
Closing Remarks
5:00 PM
Summit Ends
