SSAC

Moderator: Shira Springer Panelists: Jackie Caldwell, Blake Stuchin, Amanda Anderson, Sanjeev Verma Like, follow, and subscribe - the analytics of social media go well beyond these fundamental statistics. This panel will delve into the dynamic relationship between sports and social media, highlighting the influential role of content creation in attracting new and diverse audiences to the world of sports. As digital platforms reshape the fan experience, our panelists bring hands-on experience and innovative strategies to the table, pushing the boundaries of content creation and leveraging analytics to maximize brand reach. Hear from content creators, media companies, and sports leagues as they unpack key topics such as the profound impact of user-generated content, the evolving connection between athletes and content creation, the role of analytics in redefining digital strategies in sports, and the captivating influence of sports storytelling in the ever-evolving landscape of the digital age.

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: Saj Cherian Panelists: Scott Krase, Brian Bilello, Matt Hulsizer The global soccer landscape has undergone seismic shifts in recent years. Multi team/sport ownership groups have permeated top soccer leagues - sports conglomerates now control five of the esteemed "Big Six" Premier League clubs as well as various other teams around the world. Simultaneously, the world's premier talent is no longer concentrated exclusively in Europe and South America, as some of the sport's biggest stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are choosing to play in burgeoning soccer markets. In the US, the MLS continues to grow in stature both domestically and abroad as the NWSL, the world's leading women's soccer league, faces increasing competition from the rise of the WSL. These developments are unfolding as we approach the 2026 World Cup, which will bring the attention of the global soccer community back to the US for the first time in over 30 years. Amid this backdrop, what steps are soccer clubs taking to capitalize on these trends both on and off the pitch? Hear from some of the world’s most prominent soccer club leaders as they discuss the strategies they are deploying in pursuit of supremacy within the global game. #GlobalizationOfSoccer

Moderator: Cassidy Hubbarth Panelists: Megan Rapinoe, Nate Silver, Jessica Gelman Sports serve as a unifying force and catalyst for change. Sports possess the ability to uplift communities through athlete-driven philanthropy, team engagement in community development, and league initiatives including international outreach. From trailblazers like Jackie Robinson and Jesse Owens breaking down racial barriers to contemporary icons such as Megan Rapinoe and the USWNT championing gender equality, the influence of sports on society transcends mere competition. This panel will discuss what has made sports shift so meaningfully in impact over the past decade. As athletes and sports organizations continue to expand their impact, there arises a need to measure and expand this impact. Join Megan Rapinoe, Nate Silver, and Jessica Gelman in the closing panel of SSAC24 as they delve into the profound influence and evolution of the sports industry.

Moderator: Claire Rogers Panelists: Krista Olson, Travis Trembath, Fahad Zahid Historically, golf has been perceived as a sport with a strongly loyal but relatively small fanbase. While golf’s various stakeholders continue to seek out ways to attract new fans, the sport has seen significant momentum in recent years, with participation growing at rates that haven’t been seen in decades. The introduction of cutting-edge golf media platforms and content has played a key role in generating interest in golf, offering both burgeoning and devoted fans the opportunity to engage with the sport on a deeper level. This panel brings together executives from the PGA of America, PGA TOUR, and LPGA Tour as well as leading golf brand No Laying Up to discuss the steps needed to capitalize on these trends and outline the path forward for growing the game. #GrowingTheGame

Ian Graham, a trailblazer in soccer analytics, joins Sarah Rudd, an advanced analytics expert, Jesse Marsch, an innovative coach, and Bill James, a data pioneer from baseball. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of soccer analytics, discussing how clubs like Liverpool leverage data for player recruitment. They highlight the challenges of integrating analytics into decision-making and the importance of collaboration between coaches and data scientists. The conversation delves into the balance of creativity and data-driven strategies, reshaping the future of the sport.

Moderator: Jessica Gelman Panelist: Michael Rubin Michael Rubin, a connector of people, has transformed the way athletes and entertainers engage with businesses, leagues, and each other. As Founder and CEO of Fanatics, he has revolutionized the sports apparel business, quickly becoming a premier partner with many top entities. With an expansive rolodex and Fanatics sitting at the center of the ecosystem, Michael has a finger on the pulse of the global sports and entertainment landscape. Join Michael as he sits down with Jessica Gelman for an engaging discussion on future disruptions, globalization of sports, and the future of Fanatics. #FosteringFanatics

Moderator: Allison Katz Mayfield Panelists: Liz Lindsey, Paul Caine, Robert Thacker The phrase “live sporting event” has taken on a new meaning in recent years. Gone are the days when fans simply showed up to a stadium to watch a game. Fans now have a myriad of avenues for entertainment and engagement when visiting a sporting event. Hospitality and premium experiences have been redefined by significant enhancements to curated event packages, behind-the-scenes access, and white glove service. Sporting events now feature a wide array of improved seating, dining, and experiential options that are more customizable and accessible than ever before. The introduction of next-generation venues like shared reality event spaces will further alter the live viewing experience and enable fans to enjoy sporting events in new ways. Amid this changing landscape, what will fans of today and tomorrow demand from live sporting events? How can industry leaders in hospitality, event management, immersive experiences, and property marketing deliver on these expectations? Join executives from OnLocation, AEG, Cosm, and Wasserman as they discuss the latest trends and outlook for the future of live events. #LiveEvents

Discover the evolution of basketball analytics with pioneers Dean Oliver, Brittni Donaldson, and Mike Zarren. They discuss the beginnings of analytics, tracking data revolution, challenges in data accuracy, and balancing three-point shooting with team dynamics. Explore player development, coaching strategies, and the future of analytics in basketball.

Moderator: Warren Zola Panelists: Martin Jarmond, Val Ackerman, Brian Higgins The world of college athletics has seen seismic shifts in recent weeks and years. The introduction of NIL compensation has altered the recruiting landscape across sports, media rights are evolving the exposure of college sports, and conference realignment is changing the college sports experience for student-athletes, universities, and their fans. This panel will delve into the impact of these changes to date and what they could mean for the future of college athletics. Hear from Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman, UCLA Athletic Director Martin Jarmond, COO of NIL consulting firm Altius Tommy Gray, and NCAA SVP of Business Performance Brian Higgins as they discuss the latest developments across college sports and where we go from here. #NewGeneration