HIGH POINT, N.C., April 27, 2015 – Students interested in future careers in sport management were able to hear from seasoned professionals in the business during High Point University’s inaugural Sports Conference on March 29.
Hosted by HPU’s Sports Management Association, the event brought in speakers from professional sports teams and businesses that provide marketing, scouting and operations support to the industry.
Attendees heard from Dan Hauser, HPU Athletic Director, and Julia Heelan, partnership marketing coordinator at IMG College, who talked about sponsorship and sales. Pete Philo of the Indiana Pacers and TPG Sports Group, David Duquette of the Charlotte Hornets, and Randolph Childress of Wake Forest University Men’s Basketball spoke about basketball operations. Bob Hamer, founder of Sports Business Solutions LLC and former vice president with the Phoenix Suns, provided the keynote lecture for the event.
The conference also included a networking dinner to allow participants the opportunity to meet one-on-one with industry professionals.
“Conferences with multiple speakers generally cost hundreds of dollars to attend, but this new event has provided students the ability to learn from successful people in the industry of their dreams,” says Joe Wetzler, a senior and vice president of HPU’s Sports Management Association. “Networking is a huge part of any industry, especially sports, and we were able to have these professionals speak on campus through years of networking with them. This has been a great opportunity for people to meet and converse, and hopefully develop a relationship with some of the speakers.”
“I am very proud of what the students in the Sports Management Association have accomplished by planning and organizing this conference,” said Dr. Jenny Lukow, sport management coordinator at HPU. “The skills they used to ensure a successful conference will serve them well as they pursue their future careers.”