On February 22, the Uconn Neag School of Education Sports management program organized its ninth annual conference on sports affairs (SBC) in Lawrence D. Mchugh Hall in Uconn Storrs. Created in 2016 by Sports Business Association (SBA), the event managed by students focuses on the possibility of providing an opportunity for pre-professional sports companies to reject the university world with industry and engage with experts in the field.
This year’s conference was sold, with more than 145 students present. About 15-20 of these students were from the Sacred Heart University and local secondary schools. With 28 speakers, two founding conference coordinators and a Boston Celtics championship ring, the conference received a lot of attention.
“The sports affairs conference is an incredible opportunity for students from the UCONN community to learn industry experts, what is to work in the sports industry,” explains Danielle Derosa, assistant professor in residence in the School and Club of Neag. “As we think of the University of Connecticut, he is certainly known for sport in terms of athletics program, so what this conference does, is to allow students to understand what would be to participate in sports without being a athlete or a coach, to explore the roles that like to make a sports experience so memorable and impactable.”
The sports affairs conference is an incredible opportunity for students from the UCONN community to learn industry experts, what is to work in the sports industry. – Danielle Derosa, assistant professor in residence
The events of the day
Seven different workshops were offered throughout the day: in the morning, dissemination, analysis, operations and marketing; In the afternoon, communications, sales and administration. These workshops included various organizations of organizations such as ESPN, NHL, PWHL, Connecticut Sun, New York Mets, Boston Celtics, etc.
“We are trying to obtain a representation of each league,” explains Kate Boget ’27 (ED), director of SBC marketing. “But what really matters to us is to have speakers who can share their experiences in industry and connect with people who attend the conference.”
Boget, alongside Paige Bjerke ’26 (ED), awareness director, and Kyle Riendeau ’25 (ED), director of communications, has set up this year’s event. As it was their second year of execution of the conference, they were able to extend it, using social media to reach more speakers and introduce a recruitment part.
Liv Ricco ’24 (ED), account manager for New York Mets membership services, attended the event as a recruiter. Alum of the sport management program and former officer of the people of the SBA chief, Ricco gave an overview of his own experiences while allowing students to share their curriculum vitae.
Molly Hiniker, main consultant at Kraft Analytics Group, attended the conference to network with the participants. Hiniker obtained his baccalaureate in economics from Colorado College and an MBA in marketing and commercial analysis of Mendoza College of Business from the University of Notre Dame. His experience defies the hypothesis that the sports affairs industry is limited to sports leagues.
“Campus events like this are essential for students who seek to enter the industry and learn more about what sports work looks like,” explains Hiniker. “Sports analysis is specifically more than” moneyball “and analyze players’ performance, but also on how sports organizations use data to improve fans experience and generate income.”
A highlight of the conference was the main president Wendy Bass, executive vice-president of commercial operations and the administration of the United Football League (UFL). Bass obtained its baccalaureate in international relations and French relations from the University of Pennsylvania and its law doctor of the Fordham University School of Law. She has worked at NBC Sports Group for over 17 years, which has given her wide experience in the sports media industry.
“Wendy Bass was a fantastic addition to the events of the day and provided a thoughtful speech demonstrating its expertise as a leader in the sports industry,” explains Derosa. “The strategic plan of Uconn emphasizes the opportunity to prepare for the career, and Wendy’s experience to sail in his own professional career gave a lot to the students on which they plan for their own future.”
Hear students
“The conference is a great and unique event, because you can meet these people in person rather than on LinkedIn,” says Bjerke. “It may seem intimidating, but the conference is there to practice and help strengthen confidence. Participants can learn what opportunities for them and what they look like in the sports industry. »»
As the annual conference has increased over the years, it has become a crucial event for students, often leading to internships and employment opportunities. Its impact extends to university, attracting participants from various disciplines, some of which have published on their experience on Liendin.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to learn from the best industry leaders and to network with inspiring professionals,” wrote Chase MCTAGGART, a Western New England University, in an article.
Delary Wilkins ’26 (CLAS), a major in communication in Uconn, wrote: “I am more than grateful to have had the opportunity to speak and speak to people currently in the sport industry. I leave this experience motivated and inspired by all those I heard about! »»
For those who missed this year’s conference, coordinators encourage them to get involved with Sba. Students who join can inquire about internships, do excursions in the field in eminent sports companies and hear more professionals.
“The UCONN sport management program offers a phenomenal basis to students to learn more about the sports industry,” explains Derosa. “In addition to that, something like the sports affairs conference, or be in sports business association, or do an internship with Uconn Athletics, gives students a practical application of the things they learn in our class.”
To find out more about the Neag School of Education sport management program, visit sport.education.uconn.edu. More photos of the event are available on the Neag School of Education Instagram.