Posted on: February 26, 2018
Updated on: March 7, 2018
By: Allen Wallace, wallacej7@mailbox.sc.edu, 803-777-5667
Update: We regret to announce that Kathy Behrens will be unable to attend. Severe weather in the Northeast forced her to change her travel plans. She hopes to join us for a future conference.
The University of South Carolina's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management is proud to announce two leaders of the sport industry as keynote speakers for the 2018 Sport Entertainment & Venues Tomorrow Conference (SEVT). Scott O'Neil and Kathy Behrens will headline the event, set for March 7-9 in Columbia.
The annual, three-day conference brings together sport and entertainment industry leaders, academic scholars and top students from across the country to discuss and analyze industry trends, share knowledge and spark innovation. This year's program includes trending topics such as selling soccer in the United States, women in sport and entertainment, the future of esports, corporate social responsibility, and managing live music experiences.
Opening keynote speaker Scott O'Neil has served as CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment since the company's formation last September. The business development company's portfolio includes the Philadelphia 76ers, the New Jersey Devils, leading venue Prudential Center in Newark, the GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center, the Delaware 87ers, the Binghamton Devils, the Sixers Innovation Lab Crafted by Kimball, and renowned esports franchise Team Dignitas.
Keynote speaker Kathy Behrens is the NBA's president of social responsibility and player programs. She oversees all NBA programs that coordinate league and player social responsibility efforts, promote youth basketball development, support player growth and education, and enhance the marketing opportunities for current and former players.
In addition to thought leadership seminars and panel discussions, SEVT includes a career fair, networking, research competition and awards ceremony recognizing influential leaders in the sport and entertainment business. This year's SEVT Lifetime Achievement in Sport & Entertainment Award will honor Ben Sutton, Jr., founder and chairman of Teall Capital, former CEO of IMG College and founder of ISP Sports.
The Pioneers in Sport and Entertainment Award will go to two SportsBusiness Journal/SportsBusiness Daily executives, Publisher Richard Weiss and Executive Editor Abe Madkour.
Mike Boykin, CEO of Bespoke Sports & Entertainment will receive the Distinguished Service in Sport and Entertainment Award.
The conference includes many other distinguished guests from across industry and academia and is expected to draw more than 300 attendees.
For the latest full schedule of panels and presentations as well as other conference details, sevt.org.
To request media passes for the conference or arrange coverage, contact Allen Wallace, awallace@sc.edu, 803-777-5667.