06/01/2010 12:00 PM -
With tremendous gratitude to the 2010 NSF hosts, sponsors, and partners, the 15th National Sports Forum in Baltimore, MD was a huge success. As the Forum grows and the family becomes larger, there are many memories to share and new relationships to be pursued in the months to come. Here is a recap of the events:
Saturday
The 4th annual Case Cup Competition kicked off on Saturday with seven out of ten schools returning from the 2009 competition, along with the addition of three expansion schools: Georgetown University, The George Washington University, and University of South Carolina. The returning schools were: Arizona State University, University of Central Florida, University of Oregon, Texas A&M University, University of Memphis, UNC Charlotte, and defending champion Ohio University.
Sunday
From the overwhelming success of last year's MLB, MiLB, NFL and College Athletics Stand Alone Meetings, two more sessions were added: NHL and Motorsports.
Additionally, the Case Cup Competition finalists presented their cases to the following panel of judges: Andy Dolich, San Francisco 49ers; Greg Johnson, The Sports Philanthropy Project; Abe Madkour, Sports Business Journal / Sports Business Daily; Alice Petzold, Wasserman Media Group;Kristin Shaff, 24 Hour Fitness; David Stotlar, University of Northern Colorado; and David Synowka, Robert Morris University.
After the Case Cup finalists presented, all ten teams had a chance to unwind at the NSF Case Cup Networking reception.
The 2010 Trade Show Cocktail Reception was also held on Sunday evening. Exhibitors took a break from setting up their booths and gathered in the trade show hall for introductions with NSF President, Ron Seaver and the NSF Steering Committee.
Monday
The 2010 National Sports Forum officially started with the Newcomers Welcome Breakfast led by NSF Steering Committee Member, David Martin. Following breakfast were the traditional Opening Ceremonies.
One of two Monday Super Panels began shortly after Opening Ceremonies. The Blending of Sports & Entertainment - Presented by Banshee Music was moderated by JJ Gottsch (Ryan Sanders Baseball). The panel's top notch "hitters" included: Chris Plonsky (University of Texas atAustin);Todd C. Koesters (Churchill Downs Entertainment); Glenn Chin (EA Sports); and Bryan Johnston (Zuffa, LLC dba UFC).
After the panel, the first round of breakout sessions began. With a total of 12 breakout sessions to choose from on Monday, all of our session leaders had much to discuss with many interested Forum attendees.
Monday afternoon saw our second Super Panel, And Now A Word From Our Sponsors... – Presented by Daktronics. This panel was moderated by Bill Sutton (University of Central Florida) and included the following panelists: John Cordova (The Coca-Cola Company); Marke Dickinson(AAA Mid-Atlantic Inc.); Matt Lederer (Comcast); Drew E. Iddings (The Hershey Company); and David Palmer (Procter & Gamble).
Following the Daktronics' Panel was the NSF Opening Night in the Trade Show. The hall was filled with vendors, attendees, food, beverages, music, and tons of great networking opportunities.
The evening wrapped up with the Alumni Association Dessert Reception. All Forum attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the Alumni Association as well as year-round benefits that accompany the membership.
Tuesday
Day two opened with Opening Remarks and the announcement of the 2010 NSF Case Cup winner, The George Washington University.
After the screening of the top three 2010 NSF ADchievement Awards TV Finalists (Baltimore Orioles, Boston Bruins, NFL/Grey Inc.), we led into our third Super Panel, Leadership in the New Economy. This panel was moderated by Ron Shapiro (Shapiro Negotiations Institute) and our panel of "leaders" included: Kenneth Feld (Feld Entertainment); Cal Ripken, Jr. (Ripken Baseball); Kevin Plank (Under Armour); and Ted Leonsis (Washington Capitals).
Before the fourth round of breakout sessions, the Alumni Association Members Only Luncheon was held featuring Keynote Speaker, Ari Fleischer, President and Founder of Ari Fleischer Sports Communications.
Next were two Super Breakout Sessions. Session A included the presentations of the 2010 SAMMY Award finalists and Session B was The Trainer's Table - Insight From Today's Top Sales Trainers. The Trainer's Table was moderated by Vic Gregovits (Cleveland Indians), and included panelists Rob Cornilles (Game Face, Inc.); Charles T. Chislaghi (Sports Sales Consulting); Bill Guertin (The 800-Pound Gorilla); and Steve DeLay (Mandalay Baseball Properties).
Following the super breakout sessions was the 2010 Budweiser Gala. The Gala was hosted by the Baltimore Ravens and ARAMARK at marvelous M&T Bank Stadium. NSF attendees and exhibitors took a short bus ride over to the stadium where they were greeted by a fanfare of Ravens Cheerleaders, marching band members, stadium food vendors, and of course the Ravens mascot, Poe.
After a tour of the stadium, which included viewing the control room, a few of the luxury suites, home locker room, and walking onto the magnificent field, everyone met on the Club Level for drinks and dinner, where we recognized our newest NSF 5 year alums, NSF Decade Club inductees, and a special 15 year award presented to Kevin Rochlitz (Baltimore Ravens).
Following the awards, we had a chance to listen to our Budweiser Gala Keynote Speaker, Steve Bisciotti, Owner, Baltimore Ravens. We thank the entire Ravens staff and Mr. Bisciotti for their hospitality. It was an evening we'll never forget.
Wednesday
The third day of The Forum began with the announcement of the 2010 NSF ADchievement Awardwinners. The NSF ADchievement Award recognizes the best sports-themed advertising in eight categories. For having the highest quality of advertising across all categories, Greenville Drive was presented with the "NSF ADchievement Overall Award of Excellence."
Following the ADchievement Awards was the fourth and final Super Panel, What Keeps You Up At Night? This panel was moderated by Andy Dolich (San Francisco 49ers) and the panelists who joined him were: Dockery Clark; Kevin Payne (DC United); Steve Lauletta (Chip Ganassi Racing Teams Inc.); Chris Granger (NBA); Stan Kasten (Washington Nationals); and Jamey Rootes (Houston Texans).
Everyone then caught one final glimpse of the NSF Trade Show and continued on to Oriole Park for the final 2010 NSF event, "Behind the Scenes Tour & Lunch" at Camden Yards. After the tour, Forum attendees were welcomed to the home of the Baltimore Orioles by our Keynote Speaker, President of Baseball Operations, Andy MacPhail.
The National Sports Forum would like to thank the Baltimore Ravens and all of our Sponsors for making this Forum a huge success!! It could not have happened without all of our attendees, vendors, speakers, partners, sponsors, and hosts...thank you!
We look forward to seeing everyone in 2011 in Louisville, KY!
