Industry Titans Sponsor Students for Brandweek Sports Marketing Summit
Initiative works to drive diversity and accessibility
The Brandweek Sports Marketing Summit, coming up on Nov. 16-19, is bringing together the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, Nascar and multiple esports leagues to discuss how athletes have handled a year of unpredictable seasons, from games without fans to months-long team “bubbles” meant to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
In an effort to foster more diversity in the world of sports marketing and empower the next generation of sports leaders, seven sports league CMOs and executives are each sponsoring 10 students from prominent sports schools across the country to attend the summit. Ticket prices that normally cost $479 for professionals.
The sports marketing executives also offered to host a private mentorship session for the students at the end of each day’s events to provide unparalleled industry insight and career-building advice.
Participating mentors include NFL CMO Tim Ellis, NBA CMO Kate Jhaveri, WWE chief brand officer Stephanie McMahon, NASCAR CMO Jill Gregory, MLS svp of brand and marketing David Bruce, MLB svp Barbara Mchugh and Boston Red Sox CMO Adam Grossman. They are each part of the “Sports Unite” group who led “The Real Heroes Project” earlier this year, uniting sports leagues and brands to honor medical workers on the front lines of the pandemic.
The sponsored students attend graduate programs at University of South Florida, University of Central Florida, University of Oregon, Columbia University, Ohio University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Penn State University and Johnson and Wales University.
“This program represents some of the best talent that will soon be leading organizations,” said Cory Bernstine, senior director of strategy for United Soccer Leagues LLC and Adweek Executive Mentee. As an adjunct professor himself, Bernstine saw the need to give students better access to leaders in sports marketing, and brought his idea to Adweek.
“I have seen firsthand the power of community and am excited to see this group continue to grow and lead by example,” said Bernstine.
The summit will feature segments with CAA amp/CAA Sports strategy and development executive Arlesha Amazan, National Lacrosse Leader deputy commissioner Jessica Berman, Visa Inc. evp and chief marketing and communications officer Lynne Biggar, Philadelphia 76ers svp of marketing Brittanie Boyd and many other industry leaders. It will also offer a sneak preview of the game plans for the coming seasons in the NBA, MLB, NHL and esports.
