SSAC

Moderator: Liz Moulton Panelists: Kirsten Corio, Julie Haddon, Dave Alpern In an era where sports sponsorships offer an abundance of assets, from jersey patches to on-court branding, the challenge lies in ensuring that partners receive optimal value while maintaining fan engagement and data privacy. This panel, featuring perspectives from leaders across various industries and roles, including the USTA, NWSL, Los Angeles Rams, and Joe Gibbs Racing, delves into the dynamics of sponsor-brand-fan relationships. This panel will explore evolving fan expectations, successful activations, and the impact of shifting data landscapes on sponsorship strategies. While traditional marketing remains a cornerstone of sponsorships, the panel will discuss how it's transitioning to become more digital, emphasizing the fusion of traditional and digital marketing in today's sports sponsorship ecosystem. The panel offers insights into how sponsors are adapting their approaches to first-party data access, emphasizing the importance of staying connected to fans in innovative ways. #ActivatingValue

Moderator: Michele Steele Panelists: Paul Tudor Jones, Jonathan Kraft American Football has long held the marquee sports spot within the United States thanks to continual advancements made by leagues and in the sport at large. The NFL is in a period of growth and innovation: the NFL's fan demographics have expanded, 5 international games will be played in 2024, player safety is paramount, flag football has been added to the 2028 Olympics, NFL games accounted for 93 of the top 100 most watched TV broadcasts in 2023, and more. However, fewer of America's youth are playing the game than any time in the past decade and there is concern about the traditional college football model. In this session we'll hear from Jonathan Kraft and Paul Tudor Jones II, two business titans who are at the forefront of this new football era, about what these recent dynamics mean for the game and how they expect the game to progress over the next few years. #FutureOfFootball

Moderator: Jeff Ma  Panelists: Nate Silver, Xuan Liu, Jennifer Shahade With the proliferation of analytics in sports and the increasing accessibility of machine learning, defining the next optimal next move is becoming increasingly challenging. Join us for an insightful poker panel as we explore the evolution of strategy in the game, driven by probability, game theory, and statistical analysis. Delving into how these analytical tools have revolutionized poker gameplay, our esteemed panelists will discuss the ways in which traditional strategies have been redefined and the game itself transformed. Beyond the poker table, we'll examine how these strategic principles are crossing into other domains, from sports to business, reshaping decision-making paradigms across industries. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of analytics, strategy, and the future of poker. #ProbabilityToProfit

Moderator: Corbin Petro Panelists: Will Blodgett, Seth Moulton, Alex Drane, Valerie Camillo Data is used universally across public and private sectors in powerful ways. This panel brings together a variety of industry experts focused on using data for the greater good, with lessons for the sports industry. Join us as we look to the expertise of panelists across real estate, healthcare, and the public sector to better understand how data is being used to power positive outcomes and how these learnings can inform the sports industry. The collaborative insights shared by these professionals will delve into innovative approaches, ethical considerations, and emerging trends, providing a comprehensive view of the dynamic landscape where data-driven strategies intersect with social and economic progress. #PowerOfData

Grant Cloud, Vice President of Data Strategy at PrizePicks, Madeleine Want, VP of Data at Fanatics, and Brett Abarbanel, Executive Director of the UNLV International Gaming Institute, delve into the transformative role of data in sports gaming. They discuss innovations like new daily fantasy sports formats and responsible gaming practices. The integration of esports is highlighted, along with advancements in user experience through personalized betting. They also tackle how data can promote women's sports and enhance community engagement among fans.

Moderator: Danny Rensch Panelists: Daryl Morey, Levy Rozman, Robert Hess "The Digital Gambit" brings together chess legends Danny Rensch, Levy Rozman, Robert Hess, James Canty, and Daryl Morey to explore the evolution of chess in the digital era. This panel will delve into the transformation of chess content, fueled by mainstream media and online streaming, and its burgeoning appeal to a younger, tech-savvy audience. Discussions will focus on innovative formats like Chess960, the role of Twitch streamers in popularizing chess, and blending chess with other disciplines for unique content creation. The panel will also tackle the challenges of online cheating, the use of AI to enhance the chess experience, and strategies to monetize content while preserving the game’s integrity. Join us for an insightful exploration into how chess is being reimagined for a new generation, maintaining its rich heritage while embracing technological advancements. The event will also feature live demonstrations with our grandmasters interacting with the audience! #DigitalGambit

Dejan Mitkovski, VP of Data Analytics at FanDuel, shares insights on using data in sports betting. Karlis Kezbers from Ticketmaster discusses the impact of data-driven decision making in ticketing. Michelene Rabbitt of Snowflake explains how cloud tech enhances data sharing and collaboration. Brooks Deaton from NASCAR reveals how data informs strategic planning and operations. Together, they explore innovations in fan engagement, the future of analytics in sports, and the importance of collaboration for improved business outcomes.

Joining the discussion are Brian Burke, an NFL analytics expert, and Dean Oliver, a basketball metrics pioneer. They dive into the rising prominence of sports analytics, revealing how data shapes decision-making in football and basketball. Burke shares insights on the innovative Total QBR metric, while Oliver discusses the integration of analytics in broadcasts. The conversation also explores the Buffalo Bills' playoff performance and advocates for rethinking fourth down strategies. Future innovations in sports analytics hint at an exciting evolution ahead!

Moderator: Katie Hodel Panelists: Kate Howard, Jake Burns, Jason Green This panel will explore the “Evolution of Ticketing” and provide a comprehensive discussion of the current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the ticketing industry. Hear from ticketing vendors and team/venue executives as they dive into technological advancements, changing fan consumption patterns, and other key drivers that are changing the ticketing landscape, including the balance between premium experiences and accessibility for the average fan.

Moderator: Hannah Storm Panelists: Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe, Andre Iguadala This star-studded panel brings together legendary athletes turned business innovators, owners, investors, and changemakers to discuss the growing influence of players leading change in the industry. Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe, and Andre Iguodala will share their unique leadership journeys, how they are leveraging their power to drive change and inspire the next generation, and perspectives on why it’s so important for diverse leaders to have a seat at the table. Through their own entrepreneurial and investment activities, these panelists will discuss lessons learned from their endeavors across Togethxr, Gotham FC, Deep Blue, A Touch More, MOSAIC, and more. The discussion will explore lessons learned as athletes and how they’re applying that acumen to effecting change through diverse leadership, influence, and how they use their power to enact positive changes within the sports industry. This is a can’t-miss discussion about the champions and changemakers who are shaping the future of sports, on and off-the-field, and ways that all of us can move the industry forward.