SSAC

Moderator: Hannah Storm

Panelists: Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe, Andre Iguadala

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: Justine Brown

While women’s sports have historically comprised only 4% of media coverage, recent insights from Wasserman demonstrate a notable uptick to 15% in 2023. However, despite this progress, professional women's sports still represent just 8% of all broadcasted competitions. The rapid recent growth of women's sports leagues and women's team valuations underscores the need for strategic investments to expand coverage. This discussion will delve into innovative investment models aimed at bolstering the presence of women's sports, while also exploring the potential of diverse media platforms in amplifying their visibility. Join us as we dissect these trends and strategies with women deeply involved in this change, from media, team, and agency executives.

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

Moderator: Ryan O'Hanlon

Panelists: Ian Graham, Sarah Rudd, Jesse Marsch, Bill James

Three is worth more than two, walks count the same as hits, first downs are better than punts. While data analysis has transformed the way we play all of the major American sports, soccer still awaits its own kind of disruption. It’s not for a lack of trying, though. Major European clubs have begun to invest — and occasionally empower — in data-driven decision-making. But due to cultural differences, institutional inertia, and a sport that’s simply really hard to measure, advanced analytics haven’t had the same kind of transformative effect at the highest level of the sport that we’ve seen in the NBA, MLB, or NFL. Combining on-the-ground coaching expertise with high-level quantitative thinking, this panel will survey the state of soccer’s analytical revolution and attempt to determine just how far it might go. #BeyondThePitch

Moderator: Saj Cherian

Panelists: Scott Krase, Brian Bilello, Matt Hulsizer

Moderator: Jessica Gelman

Panelist: Michael Rubin

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

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: Ben Alamar

Panelists: Dean Oliver, Brittni Donaldson, Mike Zarren

In the dynamic landscape of modern basketball, analytics has emerged as a cornerstone, fundamentally altering the way the game is played, analyzed, and strategized. This panel will delve into the emergence of basketball analytics from its initiation to its current essential role in today's basketball paradigm. The discussion seamlessly intertwines the historical origins with the contemporary significance of basketball analytics, showcasing its transformative journey within the sport, from its humble origins to its current status as a game-changer in the NBA and professional basketball. Navigating pivotal milestones, influential figures, and driving forces, the panel examines the profound impact analytics has on various facets of the sport, from front office strategies, coaching methodologies, player development, and beyond. This session promises to captivate enthusiasts, industry professionals, and basketball aficionados alike, offering valuable insights into the significance of analytics in shaping the past, present, and future of basketball strategy and performance. #EvolutionOfBasketball