Inaugural Global Sports Business Summit speakers and schedule announced

(PRESS RELEASE) -- As the kick-off of the inaugural Global Sports Business Summit approaches, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, in partnership with the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, has revealed the full event schedule and expanded speakers list.

The Summit will feature a keynote address on Company Culture by Kerry Bubolz, president of the Vegas Golden Knights, as well as presentations from Lawrence Epstein, chief operating officer of UFC, on building a global brand, and Jeremy Aguero, principal of Applied Analysis, on the future of sports. Additionally, the summit will feature panel discussions on infrastructure, building a signature event, and global sports investments.

“Las Vegas has long been a successful sports town. With the addition of year-round major league sports, we’re truly evolving into the Sports Capital of the World, but that sort of growth doesn’t happen without solid business practices,” said Steve Hill, CEO and president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “We’re excited to host such an impressive group of sports business professionals at one summit, providing valuable insight into the benefits of aligning business and sports.”

The Global Sports Business Summit is a one-day educational conference that will feature speakers from various aspects of sports business providing insight on economic development opportunities with sports, brand alignment in professional sports, the business of sports sponsorships, and the future of sports business. The inaugural Summit will feature some of the top minds and brands in sports to discuss the landscape of sports business, the future of sports sponsorships and partnerships, and the economic development opportunities around sports.

Some of the speakers and panelists throughout the day will include Patrick Hughes, president, Fremont Street Experience with Mark Prows, senior vice president entertainment & operations, MGM Resorts and Tom Warden, vice president government and community affairs, Howard Hughes Corporation for a panel on infrastructure; Dean Howes, commissioner, Major League Rugby with Eileen McDonnell, chairman and CEO, Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, Paul Scales, Capgemini, and Ross Young, CEO, USA Rugby, for a panel on global sports investments.

Additionally, Abe Madkour, executive editor, SportsBusiness Journal will host two discussions with the first about sports betting with Scott Butera, president interactive gaming, MGM Resorts. The second will explore sponsorships in the digital age with Mike Flanagan, vice president sales and strategic partnerships, ThriveHive; Eric Johnson, CEO/founder, WON Worldwide; and Dan Migala, co-founder and chief innovation officer, 4FRONT.

In addition to the LVCVA and LVGEA, Global Sports Business Summit sponsors include Cox, ThriveHive, MGM Resorts International, NV Energy, The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, the Orleans Arena, the Las Vegas Monorail and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The LVCVA is hosting the inaugiral Global Sports Business Summit in partnership with the LVGEA as part of the Ultimate Vegas Sports Weekend.

The Ultimate Vegas Sports Weekend was established in 2018 to showcase the growing sports scene in Las Vegas. During the 2019 event, from February 28 – March 3, Las Vegas hosts a NASCAR race weekend, the USA Sevens Rugby tournament, a UFC fight weekend, two home games for the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Tuff Hedeman Tour bull riding event. On Thursday, February 28, the destination will host the free Ultimate Vegas Sports Weekend fan festival at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center from 3-6 p.m., featuring appearances from the stars of the sports, interactive games, ticket and merchandise giveaways, and entertainment.

The Global Sports Business Summit will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on 27 February 2019.