About the Conference

The 2022 Michigan Ross Sports Tech Conference is a virtual event on Friday, March 18, 2022 that brings together top companies and leaders from across sports, business, and technology to discuss key trends impacting the industry. The conference consists of networking opportunities, panel discussions, and a keynote fireside chat focused on a variety of topics in sports tech.

For the first time ever, student attendees will be able to participate in the Sports Tech Career Expo and network directly with top companies across the sports tech landscape.

This is an event that you will not want to miss! 

Participating Companies

Agenda

The Sports Tech Conference takes place on Friday, March 18, 2022e

All times in EDT | Attendees will choose one panel per session

Panel Discussions

Currently Trending: Sports Marketing
The latest trends in marketing and promotion for sports teams, leagues, athletes, and brands, and how they are engaging with the next wave of fans

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• Lou Frangella - VP of Partnerships, FTX

• Ryan Eddy - VP of Partnerships, LA28

• Melcolm Ruffin - Head of Athlete Content Strategy, CAA Sports

• Wendy Ross - Sr. Director of Integrated Marketing, Washington Commanders

• Bob Lynch (Moderator) - President and Founder, SponsorUnited

Are You Still Watching?: Sports Streaming & Broadcast Media
The changing landscape of sports viewing including recent tv rights deals, the impact of streaming platforms, and new ways for fans to access live sports

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• Scott Doyne - SVP of Data Strategy & Insights + B/R Analytics, Turner Sports
• Kati Fernandez - Director of Original Content, ESPN
• Jim McCloud - Executive Vice President of National Partnership Sales, Audacy
• Jacob Feldman (Moderator) - Sports Business Reporter, Sportico

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The Virtual Athlete: Esports & Gaming
The growth and evolution of esports and where the gaming industry is headed as its intersection with sports and fan engagement continues to increase

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• Wil Turner III - Senior Associate, US Council for Athletes' Health

• Austin Smith - Co-Founder and CEO, Mission Control

• Bion West - Director of Properties (eMLS and Gaming), Major League Soccer

• Michael Lee - Senior Director, Next-Gen Talent, Electronic Arts

• Matt Boyd (Moderator) - Head of Insights, TSM

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Health is Wealth: Health & Fitness Tech
Technologies that are reshaping the fitness experience and helping people better track and take ownership of their health and performance

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• Adam Chovan - Senior Product Manager, Catapult Sports

• Zach Zimmerman - VP of Marketing, FitLab

• Jeff Hornstein - Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships, Eight Sleep 

• Saaj Parikh - Director of Growth Marketing, Ergatta

• Mason Ferlic (Moderator) - Principal Research Engineer, Exercise & Sport Science Initiative at the University of Michigan

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On the Rise: Sports Tech Startups
Highlighting startups and early-stage companies that are bridging the gap between sports and tech in innovative ways

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• Deven Hurt - Co-Founder and CEO, Prediction Strike

• Ainsley McCallister - Founder and CEO, Uru Sports

• Alex Kerr - Co-Founder and CEO, Trajektory

• Troy Jones, Jr. - Co-Founder and CEO, StatusPro

• Brian Mupo - Co-Founder and CEO, KYX World

• Ty Jackson (Moderator) - Head of Business Development, SeventySix Capital​​​

By the Numbers: Player & Team Analytics
New ways of using data and stats to inform team operations, athlete development, in-game strategy, and the fan experience

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• Amy Mills - Senior Manager of Statistical Research, LPGA

• Jay Sartori - VP, Assistant General Manager, Detroit Tigers

• Anthony McClish - Professional Sports Executive, G League Ignite and USA Basketball

• Todd Whitehead - Analysis & Insights, Synergy Sports

• Dean Thomas Finholt (Moderator) - Dean and Professor, School of Information at the University of Michigan

What's the Spread?: Sport Betting in the U.S.
The continued evolution of the sports betting industry as it moves into the mainstream and becomes more integrated with live sports

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• Scott Butera - President, Fubo Gaming
• Sarah Butterfass - Chief Product Officer, FanDuel
• Scott Kaufman-Ross - Senior VP, Head of Gaming & New Ventures, NBA
• Corey Gottlieb - Chief Product Officer, DraftKings, Inc.​
• Eben Novy-Williams (Moderator) - Writer, Sportico

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Money Talks: Investment in Sports
The increased role of venture capital and private equity investment in sports and what it means for the industry

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• Jeff Roth - Partner, Bruin Capital
• Marlon C. Nichols - Managing General Partner, MaC Venture Capital
• Mike Rabil - Co-Founder and CEO, Premier Lacrosse League, Partner, Rabil Ventures
• Taylor Thornton - Chief Administrative Officer, KB Partners
• Liam Killingstad (Moderator) - Head of Insights, Front Office Sports

Ballers, Blockchain, and Business: Web3 & Sports
The evolving popularity and applications of web3 and blockchain in sports and what these technologies mean for fans, teams, and athletes

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• Jessica Williams - Director of Brand and Partnerships, Coinbase

• Jeremy Born - CEO, NFT Genius

• Michael Meltzer - Head of Business Development, So Rare

• Ryan Mullins - Founder and CEO, Aglet

• Kirby Porter (Moderator) - Founder, New Game Labs & PLAY3RS

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More than a Hashtag: DEI in Sports
Organizations and individuals in sports tech making DEI, justice, and activism imperative to their mission and operations

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Keynote Fireside Chat

Rich Calacci

Chief Revenue Officer 
Overtime

Contact us at: ross-sportstech@umich.edu

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Find us on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/michigan-ross-sports-tech-conference

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Career Expo sponsored by