Event Recap: The Business of Sports

In partnership with the Cornell Entrepreneur Network, the Cornell Sports Business was pleased to present "The Business of Sports."  The event will took place on Thursday, November 21 at the  Nine Zero Hotel, in Boston, MA. 

The 8th Annual Ivy Sports Symposium will reflect Cornell's growing presence in the sports industry.  The school will boast the greatest number of both alumni panelists and student attendees at the event, hosted at Harvard Law School.  The combination of the "The Business of Sports" Panel" and the Symposium promise to make this a memorable experience for the Cornell sports business community.

The Cornell exclusive event involved a moderated discussion with additional audience Q&A.  Each speaker was asked about the biggest storyline facing their segment of the industry.  Here's what we were able to take from them:

Moderator:
 
Charles Baker JD ‘85, Partner, Global Sports Practice, DLA Piper

One thing very important going forward for sports leagues and franchises is the quality of the game-day, in-stadium experience.  Teams are losing a great deal of people to their living room couches.
 Panelists:
 
Andrew Daines '10, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, PrePlay Sports

Negotiating precedent-contracts is an important challenge, as PrePlay is the first leader in its space.  Since clients have a very different view of PrePlay's value, selecting only the contracts that make sense going forward is critical.

Tom Grilk ‘69, Executive Director, Boston Athletic Association

Continuing to promote running as part of a healthy lifestyle is critical.  It's about sticking to core calues for the Boston Athletic Association.

Matthew Hiltzik '94, President & CEO, Hiltzik Strategies

Dealing with an increasingly aggressive sports media is the biggest challenge.  The press can be very hostile and it can be difficult in out business.

Barry Kahn ‘03, Chief Executive Officer, Qcue

Transitioning from a "founder" to a "CEO" is something that has only occurred in the last six months are so.  Building Qcue as a company, rather than as a concept is the ongoing process.

Jennifer Keene '95, Senior Director, Personality and Property Marketing, Octagon

Finding a way to bread through the clutter is our biggest challenge.  Whether it's though new or traditional media, how the find opportunities for the mid-level client is imperatives.  The frontline stars will always be able to find outlets for their services.

Bo Moon '99, Co-founder, EVP of Business/Products, Bloomberg Sports

New products, technologies, and corporation pose the biggest threats and opportunities to Bloomberg Sports.

Lowell Taub '96, Head of Global Sports Endorsements, CAA Sports
Twitter and social media are honestly the biggest issue for CAA.  How to train and manage athletes use outlets, and also how to make money from followers, is vitally important.