Delivering exceptional education & strengthening industry community
SFIA is the voice of the sports & fitness industry on Capitol Hill & in the media
SFIA hosts 10+ webinars each year on cutting-edge issues that our industry faces
Crisis management & PR solutions that protect you & help your business to flourish
SFIA hosts the Business & Risk Management Summit to assist product managers, general counsels & compliance managers in navigating the legal landscape
SFIA’s own full-time lobbyist working on Capitol Hill to promote the interest of the industry & keep members aware of upcoming legislation
SFIA hosts the annual Industry Leaders Summit & Start-Up Challenge, leading industry innovation, to help executives improve their business
SFIA’s annual National Health Through Fitness Day promotes physical activity & the PHIT Act to increase activity through tax incentives
A multitude of member resources, including dedicated sports councils SFIA sports councils formed to discuss sport-specific challenges & current equipment standard issues SFIA has a legal task force with vetted lawyers that members can access free of charge Through the SFIA blog, newsletter & social media, members are always apprised of the latest issues at hand
Providing information, data & expertise to drive decision-making Dubbed by ESPN as the “Gold Standard” in fitness & sports participation research 6 annual research reports included in membership 90 single sport & activity reports produced each year, available at a discounted member price
WELCOME The theme of this year’s Summit is Change | Challenge | Opportunity.
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When the SFIA Board of Directors decided to launch the Industry Leaders Summit six years ago, the industry had been coming out of the recession and was facing a new economy. Business models were changing and there was much uncertainty as to when and how our marketplaces would stabilize. Our goal for the Summit was to create content to analyze future trends and facilitate thoughtful exchange amongst industry executives. Little did we know, the change that our business experienced then was only a harbinger of the constant and rapid change we’ve since come to accept as a daily reality in our industry. We developed this year’s Summit program to take on this “reality of change” as an opportunity. Our sessions and speakers have been curated to provide provocative presentations. We have an excellent mix of experts from inside and outside the industry to discuss everything from the changing consumer and new retail environments to sustainability, talent development and how to respond to a potential trade war. Our goal remains the same, we aim to provide you with strategic insights you can take back to your companies and executive teams to improve your overall business performance. Continuing into its 3rd year, we are excited to showcase innovations from across the globe with the annual Start-Up Challenge. Kicking off this year’s Summit, the Challenge will feature six finalists, who will pitch their companies and products to a panel of judges, comprised of distinguished industry
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elcome to the “Mile High City” for the 6th annual SFIA Industry Leaders Summit.
We developed this year’s Summit program to take on this “reality of change” as an opportunity. executives and investors. New to this year’s competition, the finalists will compete for a $15,000 cash prize (provided by Black Lab Sports) and an all-expense-paid trip to visit the Under Armour Innovation Team in Baltimore, MD. We are also proud to honor the 2018 Scholars Class of Future Industry Leaders. They are an impressive group of young people. Please take a moment to say hello. We extend our sincere appreciation to SFIA’s valued Corporate Partners—Exponent, Robert W. Baird and SURYS, and to Friends of the SFIA Industry Leaders Summit. Their support allows SFIA to serve you, our members, in a variety of ways. These companies are best-in-class and provide invaluable ROI to many SFIA companies. We’re confident that it’s worth your while to get to know our Partners! Thank you for attending the Summit. It is through the active engagement of our industry executives that this event succeeds. We look forward to a productive time here in Denver! Sincerely,
Chris Clawson
Tom Cove
Chairman Sports & Fitness Industry Association
President & CEO Sports & Fitness Industry Association
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
BOARD MEMBERS
Chris Clawson
Dan Arment
Brian Jennings
Jeff Padovan
Riddell & BRG Sports
National Hockey League
Bite Tech Inc.
Melissa Dawson
Sal LaRocca
Jonathan Ram
Molten USA, Inc.
National Basketball Association
Hanesbrands Inc.
Fouzan Mansuri
Under Armour
Chairman, SFIA
Tom Cove President & CEO, SFIA
Michael Savage Secretary Treasurer, Empower Fitness
Jennifer Bendall Nike, Inc.
Jim Weber Brooks Running Company
Mike Zlaket Rawlings Sporting Goods
Mike Dowse Wilson Sporting Goods
Jared Drinkwater BSN Sports
John Graham SPEEDO USA
Rawleigh Grove PING Golf
Amazon.com
Gene McCarthy ASICS America Corporation
Scott McDonald Body-Solid Inc.
Matt Stanton Kurt Tandan adidas America, Inc.
Marco Zambianchi Technogym USA Corporation
Neil Morton ATA International
2018 SFIA INDUSTRY LEADERS SUMMIT 2018 SFIA INDUSTRY LEADERS SUMMIT#SFIALEADS18 #SFIALEADS18
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An Experienced, Proven and Trusted Advisor
Baird’s global Consumer Investment Banking team has a track record of delivering outstanding results for their clients, offering comprehensive strategic advisory and capital market services across several Consumer sectors. Our Consumer team’s deep sector knowledge, frequent dialogue with key industry participants and investors, and robust deal flow provide the team with unique insight into the sectors served worldwide. Sale to Sale to
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Matthew Tingler +1-312-609-4470 mtingler@rwbaird.com
Sale to
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Andy Martin +1-704-553-6615 amartin@rwbaird.com
To learn more about our industry expertise and a complete listing of our transactions, please visit consumer.rwbaird.com. ©2018 Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated. Member SIPC. MC-211602.
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2018 SFIA INDUSTRY LEADERS SUMMIT
SFIA CORPORATE
PARTNERS SFIA would like to recognize the following SFIA Corporate Partners and their commitment to serving the sports & fitness industry. These partners have demonstrated a leadership role within the sports & fitness industry by providing SFIA members with best-in-class services and products. During this year’s Summit, please take time to converse with their representatives in attendance to learn more about their products and services and how they might benefit your organization or client.
Robert W. Baird RW Baird is a leading global investment bank focused on the middle market. Approximately 250 investment banking professionals in the U.S., Europe, and Asia provide corporations, entrepreneurs, private equity and venture capital firms with in-depth market knowledge and extensive experience in merger and acquisition, debt advisory and equity financing transactions. With the changing landscape of the sports & fitness industry, Baird can provide SFIA members with access to a variety of best-in-class financial services and advice to meet their evolving needs.
Exponent Exponent’s multidisciplinary team of scientists, physicians, engineers, and regulatory consultants will perform either in-depth scientific research and analysis, or very rapid-response evaluations, to provide Exponent’s clients with the critical information that both day-to-day and strategic decisions can require. They provide independent third party design reviews, product/process development support as well as regulatory compliance, product recall and litigation support services.
SURYS SURYS is a market-leader in physical and digital security solutions for authentication, product protection and product identification. The company originally pioneered the use of optically variable devices in currency, passports and other high value documents overseas, and is now poised to command the North America brand protection market. SURYS is positioned to offer SFIA members the most innovative technologies and services available to ensure authentic products reach the hands of consumers.
To learn more about the SFIA Corporate Partner Program, please visit www.sfia.org/cpp
2018 SFIA INDUSTRY LEADERS SUMMIT
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SFIA would like to thank the 2018 Friends of the Industry Leaders Summit (ILS). These leading brands have highlighted their commitment to strengthening the industry through the development and delivery of events, such as the SFIA Industry Leaders Summit. All contributions for the program were used to enhance the event functions, including delivery of the highest quality subject matter experts, networking opportunities and the Future Industry Leaders Scholarship Program.
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ABOUT SFIA The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is the trade association for companies who manufacture, market, design and sell products for the sports, fitness and active lifestyle marketplace. Today, SFIA represents more than 1,000 brands in the sports and fitness industry, with a mission to “Promote Sports & Fitness Participation and Industry Vitality.” SFIA provides benefits for our members in four core areas: • Thought Leadership — Delivering exceptional education & strengthening industry community • Public Affairs — The voice of the sports & fitness industry on Capitol Hill and in the media • Research — Providing information & insight to drive decision making • Member Services — Providing a robust menu of member resources SFIA was founded in 1906 to “meet the needs of the industry.” While the marketplace has changed in the past 112 years, SFIA’s goal of serving our members has not. Over the past several years, SFIA has helped our members address challenges around new product safety laws, provided best-in-class research to help members make informed decisions, formed councils to address industryspecific challenges, secured duty relief to help our members bottom line, created the SFIA Industry Leaders Summit and much more.
For more information on becoming an SFIA member, visit www.sfia.org.
2018 SFIA INDUSTRY LEADERS SUMMIT
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SFIA Member Benefit
Research Reports
Annually, SFIA publishes a series of reports on various aspects of the sporting goods & fitness industries – ranging from participation trends to the industry’s marketplace. THESE REPORTS ARE ALL FREE TO SFIA MEMBERS, EXCEPT FOR SINGLE SPORT & FITNESS REPORTS These reports (and more) can be ordered at www.sfia.org/reports. For more information about our SFIA research, contact Alex Kerman at 301.495.6321 or akerman@sfia.org.
Topline Participation Report $295 Member Price: FREE
Manufacturers’ Sales by Category Report $195 Member Price: FREE
State of the Industry Report $600 Member Price: FREE
Tracking the Fitness Movement Report $600 Member Price: FREE
U.S. Trends in Team Sports Report $600 Member Price: FREE
Single Study Sport & Fitness Reports
$245 Each Member Price: $99
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This SFIA Participation Report covers 119 different sports and activities each year with a mega sample size of 30,999 Americans, ages 6 and older. This is the industry’s essential reference document for sports and fitness participation. If there is a specific market you are trying to analyze, to see where your windows of opportunity are, this report is your solution. This annual report provides a topline look at wholesale dollar sales data of the major categories that make up the sports & fitness industry. Our State of the Industry Report is a comprehensive analysis of the sports and fitness industry. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the trends and issues affecting the sports and fitness industry, including participation, economy and industry environment. The Tracking the Fitness Movement Report is America’s premier report dedicated to fitness trends and insights. This report takes a closer look at specific fitness trends, in terms of participation habits in America’s fast-moving fitness industry. Our U.S. Trends in Team Sports Report is the ultimate report on the state of team sports, a part of the American landscape. This report looks at participation and market trends within this sector of the industry. These individual reports, focused on 90 various sports and fitness activities, are designed to look deep into participation trends for each activity, with detailed demographic profiles by gender, participation frequency and cross-sport/fitness activity participation.
2018 SFIA INDUSTRY LEADERS SUMMIT
SEPTEMBER 25–27, 2018, THE BROWN PALACE HOTEL, DENVER, CO
TABLE OF CONTENTS Summit Sessions: At a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The Brown Palace Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Summit Sessions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Tuesday, September 25, 2018 . . . . . . . 11 Wednesday, September 26, 2018. . . . . 11 Thursday, September 27, 2018. . . . . . . 14 Speaker Profiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Scholar Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Start-Up Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Industry Leaders Summit Attendee List . . . . . . . . . . Back Pocket
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SUMMIT SESSIONS
AT A GLANCE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Welcome Reception SPONSORED BY THE NPD GROUP ELLYNGTON’S
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 7:30 – 10:30 AM
Registration Open BALLROOM FOYER
8:00 – 8:30 AM
Continental Breakfast BALLROOM FOYER
8:30 – 10:00 AM
SFIA’s 3rd Annual Start-Up Challenge GRAND BALLROOM
10:00 – 10:30 AM
Welcome Networking Coffee BALLROOM FOYER
10:30 – 10:45 AM
Opening Remarks Chris Clawson, Chairman, Sports & Fitness Industry Association Tom Cove, President & CEO, Sports & Fitness Industry Association GRAND BALLROOM
10:45 – 11:45 AM
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Vital Transformations: The Future of Sports, Fitness & ‘Participation Innovation’ in a Netflixed World Michael Schrage, Research Fellow, MIT Center for Digital Business GRAND BALLROOM
11:50 – 12:30 PM
How Can Sports Betting Policy Today Shape the Future of Youth Sports? Tom Farrey, Executive Director, Aspen Institute GRAND BALLROOM
12:30 – 1:45 PM
Lunch SUITE 5280
1:45 – 2:30 PM
Sports & Fitness Retail — Are We There Yet? Jared Drinkwater, CMO, BSN Sports Joey Pointer, CEO, Fleet Feet Sports Rick Mina, President, WSS MODERATOR: Mark Sullivan, Editor, Running Insight GRAND BALLROOM
2:35 – 3:05 PM
Unlocking Growth Through Breakaway Moves David Knies, Chief Growth Officer, ESSENTIAL DESIGN GRAND BALLROOM
3:10 – 3:40 PM
ustainability & Innovation — S Future Foundation of Manufacturing Kevin Hall, CEO, Unifi Inc. GRAND BALLROOM
3:40 – 4:00 PM
Networking Break
4:00 – 4:45 PM
ransformation of the Sports & Fitness Industry: T Accelerating M&A Activity Driven by Strategic Consolidators and Private Equity
BALLROOM FOYER
Alison Minter, Managing Director, North Castle Partners Mike Dowse, President, Wilson Sporting Goods Seth Richards, CEO, Implus MODERATOR: Matthew Tingler, Managing Director, Robert W. Baird GRAND BALLROOM
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4:50 – 5:20 PM
he Changing Sports Experience in America – T Trends & Insights Andrew Lafiosca, Senior Vice President of Teams & Brands Business Lead, Nielsen Sports & Entertainment GRAND BALLROOM
5:20 – 6:45 PM
Happy Hour Networking Reception ELLYNGTON’S
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Dinner & Awards Ceremony Featuring: Greg Gadson, Decorated Army Commander & New York Giants Honorary Captain GRAND BALLROOM
9:00 – 11:00 PM
Informal Gathering *Optional SHIP TAVERN
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2018 6:30 – 7:30 AM
Morning Run/Walk *Optional THE BROWN PALACE HOTEL LOBBY
8:00 – 8:30 AM
Breakfast Buffet BALLROOM FOYER
8:30 – 9:15 AM
reakfast with Matt Powell: Best Practices for B Brands & Retail in the Internet Age Matt Powell, Vice President & Senior Industry Advisor, The NPD Group GRAND BALLROOM
9:15 – 10:15 AM
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Fireside Chat with Merril Hoge
Merril Hoge, Former NFL Player & ESPN Analyst, Author GRAND BALLROOM
10:15 – 10:45 AM
Networking Break BALLROOM FOYER
10:45 – 11:30 AM
hallenge the Status Quo Within C Your Organization Gwen Manto, Former EVP & Chief Merchandising Officer for Sports Authority & Dick’s Sporting Goods Jennifer Harned, President & General Manager — Bell & Giro, Vista Outdoor Jim Weber, CEO, Brooks Running MODERATOR: Kalinda Bogue, Principal, Artichoke & Owl Strategic Development Consulting GRAND BALLROOM
11:30 – 12:00 PM
he Taxing World of Tariffs – How Trade Policy is T Affecting the Sporting Goods Industry David Cohen, Operating Committee Member, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. GRAND BALLROOM
12:00 – 1:30 PM
Lunch & Closing Remarks GRAND BALLROOM
2018 SFIA INDUSTRY LEADERS SUMMIT
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THE BROWN PALACE SECOND FLOOR
The Brown Palace Floor Plan Second Floor
Central City
Lead ville Silver Plume Onyx
George Town
Gold
Highlands
Larimer S quare
Brown Palace Club
Suite 5280 Wed Lunch
BOD Meeting
Registration Wed – Continental Breakfast, Breaks Thurs - Lunch Additional Locations Lobby Level Ellyngton’s Tues – Welcome Reception (Sponsored by NPD) Wed – Happy Hour Networking Reception
Registration
Promenade
Ship Tavern Informal Gathering
Ballroom A
Grand Ballroom
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2018 SFIA INDUSTRY LEADERS SUMMIT
Ballroom B
Start-Up Challenge General Sessions Dinner Thurs – Breakfast
SUMMIT SESSIONS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Welcome Reception
SPONSORED BY THE NPD GROUP
The SFIA Board of Directors invites you to a welcome reception at Ellyngton’s in The Brown Palace Hotel. Enjoy cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres, meet the members of SFIA’s Board of Directors, and network with your peers. After the reception, dine on your own at one of Denver’s best restaurants or bars.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 *All general summit sessions will take place in the Grand Ballroom 7:30 – 10:30 AM
Registration Open
8:00 – 8:30 AM
Continental Breakfast
8:30 – 10:00 AM
SFIA’s 3rd Annual Start-Up Challenge For the 3rd consecutive year, the Start-Up Challenge is back by popular demand. Due to the high interest and quality of this year’s applicant pool, for the first time ever, SFIA expanded the competition to host six finalists. These entrepreneurs will compete for the grand prize of $15,000 (provided by Black Lab Sports) and an all-expense-paid trip to spend a day with the Under Armour Innovation Team. The platform created by SFIA’s Start-Up Challenge places these young, innovative companies in front of the right executives from industry-leading brands, retailers, suppliers and investors specific to the sports & fitness industry, providing all finalists with optimal opportunity to kickstart their business. The previous 10 finalists have collectively raised over $120MM in funding, accurately representing the great success that can stem from this competition.
10:00 – 10:30 AM
Welcome Networking Coffee
10:30 – 10:45 AM
Opening Remarks Tom Cove and Chris Clawson will kick off the 2018 SFIA Industry Leaders Summit by welcoming all attendees and recognizing the newest class of SFIA Future Industry Leader Scholars. Chris Clawson, Chairman, Sports & Fitness Industry Association Tom Cove, President & CEO, Sports & Fitness Industry Association
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10:45 – 11:45 AM
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Vital Transformations: The Future of Sports, Fitness & ‘Participation Innovation’ in a Netflixed World Is ‘anticipating customer needs,’ ‘delighting customers’ and ‘customer-centricity’ good enough to commercially capture hearts and minds? Do ‘better brand experiences’ really win? What kind of innovation makes sense — and money — in digital, swipe-left markets? Based on ongoing research at MIT and elsewhere, this talk explains how successful innovators go beyond ‘better, faster, cheaper’ innovation to transform their customers and clients. Featuring criticallyacclaimed author and business columnist, Michael Schrage, who has been called “one of the world’s most innovative thinkers on innovation.” Michael Schrage, Research Fellow, MIT Center for Digital Business
11:50 – 12:30 PM
ow Can Sports Betting Policy Today H Shape the Future of Youth Sports? “Once in a generation, maybe once in a century, an opportunity comes along to deliver on the full promise of sports as a tool of nation-building. Not just entertainment. Not just an opportunity to reflect on our culture. But actual nation-building, meaning the use of sport to develop healthy children and communities, which in turn can help address a range of well-established challenges, from obesity to crime, and mental health to military readiness.” So says Tom Farrey, who suggests we may be at this tipping point moment—all because of the May 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision to legalize sports betting nationwide. Farrey, currently running the Aspen Institute’s Sport & Society Program & former award-winning ESPN investigative journalist, believes the potentially massive funds generated from sports gambling could serve as catalyst and foundation of a renewed national commitment to provide high quality, accessible sports opportunities for every American. Tom Farrey, Executive Director, Aspen Institute
12:30 – 1:45 PM
Lunch
1:45 – 2:30 PM
Sports & Fitness Retail — Are We There Yet? The disruption of sports and fitness retail has been a dominant industry theme for over two years. We have seen foundational changes ranging from direct-to-consumer to speed-to-market, to customization and so much more. The constancy and velocity of these changes can be daunting, causing us to explore the driving questions: Will this trend of relentless change slow down? And what is the “New Normal” for sports and fitness retail? This panel of leading industry retailers, operating in different channels, will lead a frank discussion on what will happen as everyone charges forward to position their businesses for the future. Jared Drinkwater, CMO, BSN Sports Joey Pointer, CEO, Fleet Feet Sports Rick Mina, President, WSS MODERATOR: Mark Sullivan, Editor, Running Insight
2:35 – 3:05 PM
Unlocking Growth Through Breakaway Moves Breakaways are the plays that change the game. “Breakaway Moves” open up opportunities and create unfair advantages that propel companies to the next level. They unlock growth with new markets, products, services, business models, customers, partners, acquisitions and disruptive innovation.
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It is now critical for every company to create its own Breakaway Move. Industry veteran, David Knies, will share inspiring examples and provide takeaways from real world examples, both in and outside the sports and fitness industry. David Knies, Chief Growth Officer, ESSENTIAL DESIGN
3:10 – 3:40 PM
ustainability & Innovation — S Future Foundation of Manufacturing Sustainability is an increasingly powerful message to consumers, causing top brands across numerous industries to invest in sustainable production and develop new marketing strategies to highlight its benefits. Influenced partly by the fast fashion trend, apparel production has doubled in the past 15 years and more apparel is worn for shorter times, which threatens to fill landfills at a significantly faster rate. A key element of executing long-term environmental sustainability is the adoption of innovative manufacturing capabilities. Learn how one of the industry’s biggest suppliers of recycled yarns has embraced new technologies to drive innovative textile solutions, category growth and consumer engagement. Kevin Hall, CEO, Unifi Inc.
3:40 – 4:00 PM
Networking Break
4:00 – 4:45 PM
ransformation of the Sports & Fitness Industry: T Accelerating M&A Activity Driven by Strategic Consolidators and Private Equity The sports & fitness industry is evolving at an accelerating pace, driven in part by a number of recent transactions, including acquisitions, spin-offs and bankruptcies. These unexpected changes are consistently altering the competitive landscape, as well as driving transformation in business practices and ownership structures. The growing influence of strategic consolidators and private equity is evident in many of these transactions. Private equity firms have been a catalyst for industry change through their sponsorship of acquisitions and by serving as a source of capital for growing companies. The ongoing consolidation and the emergence of creative, new business models will continue to drive innovation, while creating unforeseen challenges and opportunities for existing industry participants. Alison Minter, Managing Director, North Castle Partners Mike Dowse, President, Wilson Sporting Goods Seth Richards, CEO, Implus MODERATOR: Matthew Tingler, Managing Director, Robert W. Baird
4:50 – 5:20 PM
he Changing Sports Experience in America — T Trends & Insights While changing consumer behavior remains at the forefront of challenges at hand, we are now grappling with the mere definition of “sport.” To understand what these changes mean for our industry, this session will examine how our consumers are perceiving and consuming sports. Learn from world-renowned Nielsen’s Andrew Lafiosca about the ways in which individuals are engaging with the evolving sports experience. Join us to explore how new content distribution platforms, social media and changes in our society are influencing the trends in sport marketing. Andrew Lafiosca, Senior Vice President of Teams & Brands Business Lead, Nielsen Sports & Entertainment
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5:20 – 6:45 PM
Happy Hour Networking Reception
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Dinner & Awards Ceremony FEATURING: Greg Gadson, Decorated Army Commander & New York Giants Honorary Captain
9:00 – 11:00 PM
Informal Gathering, Ship Tavern *Optional This casual and lively restaurant, located in The Brown Palace Hotel, offers a vintage pub atmosphere and a great place to catch the latest sports games. Join SFIA and your fellow attendees at the tavern to sample its exceptional micro-brewed beers and wines.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2018 *All general summit sessions will take place in the Grand Ballroom 6:30 – 7:30 AM
Morning Run/Walk *Optional Early risers are welcome to join SFIA for a run or walk to take in the beautiful landmarks of the Mile High City.
8:00 – 8:30 AM
Breakfast Buffet
8:30 – 9:15 AM
reakfast with Matt Powell: Best Practices for B Brands & Retail in the Internet Age Join Matt Powell for breakfast and an interactive discussion of marketplace trends and what brands and retailers can do to win in the internet age. Matt, a well-known and often quoted expert in the sports industry, will be presenting the trends and forces shaping our industry and its future. Matt will assess the industry across various categories, discuss the forces impacting manufacturers, retailers and consumers, and provide his predictions for the coming year. Drawing upon NPD’s sales tracking data, his 40+ years in the industry, and insights from what has been successful in other industries NPD tracks, Matt will focus on best practices and what manufacturers and retailers can do to thrive in today’s rapidly changing marketplace. Matt Powell, Vice President & Senior Industry Advisor, The NPD Group
9:15 – 10:15 AM
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Fireside Chat with Merril Hoge Merril Hoge is passionate about sports, science and kids. And, after notable careers in the NFL and with ESPN, he’s not afraid to ask the tough questions. He’s also resilient, having almost lost his hand as a child, losing his mother as a teenager, surviving cancer and open-heart surgery, and seeing his football career cut short by a serious head injury. As an author and social commentator, Merril channels his passion, toughness and resiliency. He wrote his first book, Find a Way, about his life journey, and is now finalizing a potential blockbuster, which explores the national debate around concussions and the future of youth sports. Join us for a candid conversation with Merril to learn about his work and findings—it’s guaranteed to be eye-opening. Merril Hoge, Former NFL Player & ESPN Analyst, Author
10:15 – 10:45 AM
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Networking Break
2018 SFIA INDUSTRY LEADERS SUMMIT
10:45 – 11:30 AM
hallenge the Status Quo Within C Your Organization It is recognized that inclusion and diversity in leadership leads to improved creativity and innovative thought in decision-making, and facilitates an authentic connection to consumers. This panel will discuss the foundations for developing a diverse talent pipeline, with a gender focus. It is well-documented that companies with women in leadership outperform competition, and it is estimated that women control over 80% of consumer spending. However, in the U.S., women currently hold only 14.6% of executive officer positions; and the sports and fitness industry statistics are comparable. Join this provocative, interactive discussion on how our industry can achieve these business benefits by expanding pathways for women’s advancement. Hear from executives on how leadership can identify, recruit and maintain a diverse set of talent. Gwen Manto, Former EVP & Chief Merchandising Officer for Sports Authority & Dick’s Sporting Goods Jennifer Harned, President & General Manager — Bell & Giro, Vista Outdoor Jim Weber, CEO, Brooks Running MODERATOR: Kalinda Bogue, Principal, Artichoke & Owl Strategic Development Consulting
11:30 – 12:00 PM
he Taxing World of Tariffs — How Trade Policy is T Affecting the Sporting Goods Industry International sourcing is a part of most sports and fitness product enterprises and trade compliance is a critical part of how companies do business. How you approach these issues directly impacts your firm’s financial performance. In these uncertain times for international trade, how do you plan for the future? Disruptive U.S. trade policies make it hard to accurately gauge their impact and deploy effective countermeasures. It is important to understand the prospects for additional tariffs, options to limit your exposure and the political landscape the industry is facing. David Cohen will discuss the current climate, potential for new tariffs and provide information on industry options to avoid them. David Cohen, Operating Committee Member, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.
12:00 – 1:30 PM
Lunch & Closing Remarks
2018 SFIA INDUSTRY LEADERS SUMMIT
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SPEAKER PROFILES
Listed in alphabetical order by last name
Kalinda Bogue Principal, Artichoke & Owl Strategic Development Consulting Kalinda Bogue is a growth-oriented strategist with over 25 years of experience in leadership roles marked by a progressive history of success defining, evolving and re-positioning established brands, start-ups, non-profits and industry organizations. Kalinda is the Principal of Artichoke & Owl, her consulting practice. She currently works with the Mark Messier Foundation and serves on the strategic development team of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center, a 750,000-square foot historic re-purposed sports destination and social impact project in the Bronx. Kalinda launched a start-up as the inline skating category was emerging. The industry-recognized program produced 7,000 trainers in the US and satellites in 10 countries. Later, as the Executive Director of the International Inline Skating Association (IISA) she led the $1B industry trade association serving 32M participants and was awarded the CPSC’s Chairman’s Commendation. In her role at the Tecnica Group, she led the strategic global re-positioning of the iconic Rollerblade brand. Previously, at the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (now SFIA), she led the transition team in a strategic re-brand of the organization. Kalinda was also responsible for conceptualizing the first Sports + Technology conference establishing C-level engagement and early alignment of the two industries. As a Sporting Goods Business 40 Under 40 Honoree and a former competitive figure skater, Ms. Bogue believes in the transformative power of sports.
Chris Clawson Chairman, Sports & Fitness Industry Association Former President of Life Fitness and current Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Sports & Fitness Industry Association whose mission is to “Promote Sports and Fitness Participation and Industry Vitality.” Chris earned his MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and received his baccalaureate degree from San Diego State University. He also attended Newman University in Wichita, Kansas, where he was an Academic All-American in baseball and is a two-time member of its athletic hall of fame. Before joining the fitness industry, he was a professional athlete, playing for the minor league organizations of both the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves.
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2018 SFIA INDUSTRY LEADERS SUMMIT
David Cohen Operating Committee Member, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. David is a member of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A., resident in its Washington, D.C. office. He is also a member of the firm’s Operating Committee. Mr. Cohen’s practice focuses on providing strategic advice to a wide range of clients (including several SFIA members!) on international trade and customs law matters, including valuation, preference programs and customs audits. In particular, he assists companies in structuring multi-tiered transactions to maximize lawful duty savings transactions. Mr. Cohen also works closely with the firm’s Trade Negotiations and Legislative Affairs practice on issues such as the development and implementation of trade laws and regulations and representation of client interests before federal agencies and judicial bodies.
Tom Cove President and CEO, Sports & Fitness Industry Association Tom Cove is the President and CEO of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), where he represents the interests of more than 1,000 leading manufacturers, brands, licensors, distributors and retailers of athletic equipment, footwear and apparel. Mr. Cove was named CEO in 2005, after 13 years building SFIA’s advocacy and public affairs programs in Washington, D.C. Mr. Cove oversees SFIA initiatives to promote sports participation & safety, health & fitness, international trade, and product standards, and serves as liaison to international and national sports federations and government agencies. He led the legislative campaign to pass and annually fund the Physical Education for Progress (PEP) program, which delivered over $1 billion to innovative local school PE initiatives. He also directed the industry’s landmark campaign to end child labor in sports equipment production around the world, for which SFIA received the 1997 Corporate Conscience Award. Mr. Cove also oversees the sports industry’s premier research facility and appears regularly in national media discussions and congressional hearings on the state of youth sports and physical activity trends in America. Mr. Cove serves on Boards of Directors of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry, PHIT America, Tennis Industry Association, USA Football and Children’s Charities Foundation of Washington, DC.
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Mike Dowse President, Wilson Sporting Goods Mike Dowse is President of Wilson Sporting Goods, one of the world’s leading high-performance sports equipment manufacturers, and a member of the Executive Board for Amer Sports Corporation. As president of Wilson, Mr. Dowse leads the $750M+ global business of the most storied brand in the sporting world. He is responsible for the company’s global strategy, corporate operations and manufacturing across more than 160 countries. Mr. Dowse oversees the company’s growth and productivity initiatives, including innovation, product development, the formation of new business and partnerships, and the expansion of the brand’s footprint in Racquet Sports, Team Sports, Baseball, Softball and Golf. Most recently, Mr. Dowse led the acquisitions of the Louisville Slugger® and EvoShield® brands, which have significantly bolstered the company’s baseball presence and offerings. He is also a key, ongoing strategic partner in monetizing the company’s licensing agreements with the NFL, MLB and NCAA.
Jared Drinkwater Chief Marketing Officer, BSN Sports Jared has over 20 years of marketing experience within the Sports, CPG, Restaurant and Entertainment industries. He currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer for BSN SPORTS, the largest distributor of team sports equipment and apparel in the country. Jared is tasked with leading all brand development, product merchandising, digital marketing, emerging sports development and sales communications for the rapidly growing company. Prior to his current role, Jared served as the Vice President of Marketing at Pizza Hut where he oversaw brand strategy and experience, advertising, media and pizza innovation for the $6B Pizza Hut brand. Jared helped lead a massive brand repositioning effort aimed at contemporizing Pizza Hut, which included the biggest menu overhaul in company history. Jared also spent a total of 7 years at Frito-Lay, where he served as Senior Director of Marketing, overseeing all media, advertising and brand and sales strategy for the $2B Doritos and $1.3B Cheetos brands. In 2012, Jared developed a marketing strategy for Doritos Jacked, which became the biggest Doritos innovation launch since Cool Ranch.
Tom Farrey Executive Director, Aspen Institute Tom is a pioneering journalist, analyst and social entrepreneur whose leadership has created breakthrough opportunities for stakeholders throughout the sport and health sectors. He also is author of the influential book, Game On: The All-American Race to Make Champions of Our Children. He founded the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program, the mission of which is to convene leaders, facilitate dialogue and inspire solutions that help sport serve the public interest. Two years later, in 2013, he launched Project Play, an initiative that provides stakeholders with tools to build healthy communities through sports.
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Tom’s work as a journalist has been recognized among the nation’s best and most innovative. He left the Seattle Times to join the internet start-up Starwave in 1996, helping develop, as deputy editor, the website that later became ESPN.com. In 1998, he became the first ESPN reporter to conceptualize and deliver cross-platform enterprise reports. His ESPN contributions over 21 years helped build the reputation of the television show Outside the Lines. His reports also appeared on SportsCenter, E:60, ABC’s World News Tonight, Good Morning America and This Week with George Stephanopolous. At the Aspen Institute and ESPN, Tom has explored the connections between sport and the largest themes in society, including education, globalization, technology, race and ethics.
Greg Gadson Decorated Army Commander & New York Giants Honorary Captain Colonel Greg Gadson has survived the very worst of war, but this highly decorated American soldier has not been defeated by unfortunate circumstance. Instead, his life is a portrait of courage in the face of great adversity. Gadson understands that hard work and determination are key factors in overcoming life-altering setbacks. His biggest challenge happened in Iraq when an IED attack led to both of his legs being amputated above the knees. For anyone else, this might have been a defining moment, but he refused to be defined by the proverbial “hail of bullets.” Gadson speaks with fervor about the crucial role teamwork and camaraderie play when facing life’s obstacles. He applies his story of personal adversity to every level of an organization, showing how every team depends on every one of its players. The lessons he imparts are not just words; his life was saved by the application of these same lessons. As an Army commander, he has been responsible for the lives of his men, and—thanks to the training, preparedness, and professionalism he teaches and practices—his life was saved by those same men. Few people understand the value of teamwork and support better than Colonel Greg Gadson.
Kevin Hall CEO and Chairman, Unifi Inc. Kevin Hall has served as Chief Executive Officer of Unifi since May 2017 and as Chairman of the Board of Directors since October 2017. Prior to joining Unifi, Hall began his career in various brand marketing and general manager positions at The Procter & Gamble Company from 1985 to 2001. After his departure from P&G, Hall made the leap to Senior Vice President of Marketing at Fidelity Investments Retirement Services Company, and then served as Chief Marketing Officer at Hanesbrands Inc. During that time, Hall was promoted to President of the Outerwear strategic business unit, which included top brands such as Champion Activewear, Just My Size and Hanes Casualwear.
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Jennifer Harned President & General Manager — Bell & Giro, Vista Outdoor Jen Harned leads the Bell, Giro, Blackburn, Raskullz and Krash businesses and is responsible for sustaining a growing, profitable core business, while developing a roadmap for future expansion via category and geographic extensions. She also had responsibility for the Bolle, Cebe and Serengeti businesses prior to the recent divestiture of those brands. Jen was previously the Vice President – Global Sourcing, Outdoor Products, where she led the change management necessary to develop and implement a strategic sourcing and procurement function. Prior to joining Vista Outdoor, Jen held progressive positions across numerous organizations. As a consultant at Deloitte & Touche, she analyzed, documented and developed redesign recommendations of operational processes for financial services, entertainment and government middle market sector clients. At Guitar Center and THQ, Jen led implementations and administered Hyperion, responsible for assessing and delivering all system requirements, issue resolution and training. As Chief Operations & Chief Financial Officer of the Action Sports division of BRG Sports, her leadership enhanced supplier and customer relationships and KPI performance driving improvements in profitability and working capital.
Merril Hoge Former NFL Player & ESPN Analyst, Author Guided by his life philosophy, “Find A Way,” Merril Hoge played in the NFL for 8 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears, worked at ESPN for 21 years, and survived career-ending head trauma, cancer and open-heart surgery. These successes and challenges have helped Merril inspire others to persevere in the face of adversity along with achieving success. A leading advocate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The American Heart Association and Safety in Sports, Merril is an active contributor to shaping the communications regarding head trauma in all sports. He is also the chairman of the board of the Caring Place, a center for grieving children and their families that have lost a loved one, and the author of Find A Way: Three Words That Changed My Life.
David Knies Chief Growth Officer, ESSENTIAL DESIGN David helps visionary leaders and teams at the world’s most exciting start-ups and established brands turn their disruptive ideas into business results. As Chief Growth Officer at ESSENTIAL, a Boston-based innovation strategy, product, service and experience design firm, David leads strategy, new business, marketing and innovation for the firm’s clients and portfolio, including Lowe’s, P&G, Bose, Dell, Staples, GE, 3M, iRobot, TrueRowing, Coravin and many others. Prior to joining ESSENTIAL in September 2018, David spent 7 years as Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at Breakaway, a hybrid branding agency & venture capital firm in Boston, working
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with disruptive consumer and technology companies, including Shoes.com, Spartan Race, Drizly, Wasabi, EverybodyFights, Oath Pizza, PUMA, TrueFit, Bemis, AARP, Tishman Speyer, Dunkin’ Donuts, Velcro, Ascend Cannabis, Brown Brothers Harriman and DRIVN. Prior to helping launch Breakaway in 2011, David spent 20 years in global product, marketing, brand, general management and innovation roles at adidas, Groove Networks, Hearts On Fire, Reebok, Acclaim Entertainment and SmartPak Equine. David has worked with over 300 of the world’s most innovative companies, been part of a start-up team acquired by Microsoft, led brand & marketing for a company that scaled from $30 to $150MM in 3 years and introduced industrydefining technologies for major global brands. He is also a board member of a sports technology start-up and serves as a mentor/ judge at two premier start-up accelerators — TechStars and MassChallenge.
Andrew Lafiosca Senior Vice President of Teams & Brands Business Lead, Nielsen Sports & Entertainment Andrew joined Repucom (now Nielsen Sports & Entertainment) in 2015, bringing with him a diverse background across brand marketing, sports marketing and agency services. Andrew spent over 11 years working for Red Bull in varying capacities, concluding with 5 years as the VP of Marketing & Sales for the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer. Andrew received his BS from James Madison University and his MS from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Gwen Manto Former EVP & Chief Merchandising Officer for Sports Authority & Dick’s Sporting Goods Gwen Manto is a seasoned retail executive with over 30 years in the C-suite with roles in Merchandising, Marketing and Planning. She served as EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer at Sports Authority, where she was responsible for overseeing merchandising, planning and allocation, brand development and worldwide sourcing for 462 full line sporting goods stores. She previously had the same title for Dick’s Sporting Goods, which operated over 400 full line sporting goods stores and 84 golf specialty stores. Prior to Dick’s, Ms. Manto was the EVP of Soft Lines for Sears, Roebuck and Company, where she led the apparel and soft home categories to over $6.5 billion in revenue. She also served as President of Kids Foot Locker and has held senior roles at Kids “R” Us, Babies “R” Us, Federated Department Stores and Macy’s. Gwen is currently a consultant to the retail industry, where she works with brands and store groups in the USA, Europe and Asia. She specializes in the sporting goods space. Gwen is also the founder and CEO of mixallogy, an innovative cocktail mixer company. She is also an equity owner in a health and wellness company, Aloha.
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Rick Mina President, WSS Rick Mina, current President of WSS, has a long history in the specialty retail industry, as he has also served as former President and CEO of Foot Locker North America, Foot Locker Europe and Champs Sports. Mina has spearheaded growth and profitability for a Fortune 500 company through many phases of a changing and dynamic world. Opening new markets to American retailing, he has worked closely with executive leaders on 3 continents, truly understanding how to navigate cultural differences in today’s business world. He has achieved turnaround success, led high-level buyout and assimilation teams and created infrastructures for start-ups. He has also worked closely with several Private Equity firms, assisting in the due diligence and purchase of several companies.
Alison Minter Managing Director, North Castle Partners Alison Minter is a Managing Director with more than 18 years of consumer private equity investment experience. Since joining North Castle in 2001, she has actively managed the firm’s investments across a variety of Healthy, Active and Sustainable Living sectors. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Full Swing, ProSupps, HydroMassage, Sprout Foods, SmartyPants and Red Door Spas, and has previously served on the Boards of Directors of Doctor’s Best, Octane Fitness, Contigo, Ibex, Cascade Helmets, Atkins/Bora-Bora Organic Foods, and Avalon. Alison also serves as a member of the board of the New Canaan Soccer Association and the New Canaan Lacrosse Association. Alison also serves on the Women of Leadership Committee for ACG New York. She earned an A.B. in Economics from Princeton University.
Joey Pointer CEO, Fleet Feet Sports A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, Joey majored in business and earned his master’s in accounting. After college, he began working as an accountant at Ernst & Young. Upon learning, through his wife, that Fleet Feet’s national headquarters also resided in Carrboro, Joey saw an opportunity to combine his personal passion with professional experience. Shortly thereafter, Joey joined the Store Support Team, made up of 5 employees, becoming the first classically trained financial member of the staff. Starting as a financial manager in 2004, Joey was then in the position of director of operations from 2006 to 2012, and then CFO from 2012 until his 2017 promotion to CEO. Under his leadership, Fleet Feet has undergone significant changes rooted in people, culture, business development, the customer experience, national marketing and innovation. Guided by these strategic priorities, the brand has introduced fit id 3D foot scanning technology to all of its locations, driven customer engagement through its e-commerce site and digital media channels, added key roles to its senior leadership team, and undergone a complete brand refresh, all of which have helped the brand post consecutive months of comp store growth.
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Matt Powell Vice President & Senior Industry Advisor, The NPD Group Matt Powell is the vice president of industry analysis for The NPD Group, covering the sports, outdoor and recreation marketplace, offering his industry expertise on retail sales and consumer trends across apparel, footwear and equipment for categories such as running, outdoor, paddle sports, fitness and cycling. With over 40 years of experience in the retail and research industries, Powell has held positions both on the client and vendor sides of the business. On the client side, he has worked with leading retailers and e-tailers in sporting goods such as Modell’s Sporting Goods, Sneaker Stadium and MVP.com. A recognized expert on the sports industry, he is frequently quoted in media and writes Sneakernomics, a blog on Forbes.com.
Seth Richards CEO, Implus Seth Richards has been Chief Executive Officer of Implus Footcare, LLC since February 2000. Mr. Richards manages the overall operations, finance, IT, and product development efforts of Implus. Since joining Implus Footcare, LLC in 1990, Mr. Richards has gained valuable experience in product development, vendor relations, sales, customer service, shipping, manufacturing, inventory and production management. Mr. Richards holds a BS degree in Operations Research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Michael Schrage Research Fellow, MIT Center for Digital Business A fellow with MIT Sloan School’s Initiative on the Digital Economy, Michael Schrage is author of The Innovator’s Hypothesis, Who Do You Want Your Customers To Become? and Serious Play. His research, writing and advisory work focuses on the ‘behavioral economics’ of models, prototypes and experiments as collaborative media for managing ‘innovation risk’ and opportunity. His current research explores the interplay of ’network effects’ with innovation and human capital. He’s pioneering work in ‘selvesware’ technologies — coined by Schrage — designed to augment aspects, attributes and talents of productive individuals. Current research building on that theme — in collaboration with Google and the Sloan Management Review — addresses the ‘future of KPIs’ and digital dashboards. He is particularly interested in the future of ‘agency’ in algorithmically-rich networked environments. Michael was also an angel investor in several digital media and ‘machine learning’ start-ups, and is a featured and top-trafficked blogger on the Harvard Business Review site.
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Mark Sullivan Editor, Running Insight Mark Sullivan has spent more than 25 years writing about the sporting goods and active lifestyle business. He is a founder of The Running Event, which was recently sold to Diversified Communications. Prior to that, he was editor and publisher of Sporting Goods Business at VNU and earlier in his career was a group publisher at Fairchild Publications where he oversaw SportStyle, Footwear News and Golf Pro magazine, which he founded. While a reporter at Women’s Wear Daily, Mark won the prestigious Atrium Award for outstanding coverage of the American fashion industry. He is a graduate of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.
Matthew Tingler Managing Director, Robert W. Baird Matthew is a Managing Director within Baird’s Consumer & Retail Investment Banking practice, where he advises on equity offerings, mergers and acquisitions and other financial advisory services with a focus on the apparel and footwear, sporting goods and fitness, health and wellness, and outdoor recreation sectors. Some of his past clients include 5.11 Tactical, Badger Sportswear, Bushnell, Hydro Flask, Implus, Louisville Slugger, Performance Health and Simms Fishing. Prior to joining Baird, Matthew was a Senior Associate in Merrill Lynch’s Mergers & Acquisitions Investment Banking practice. Previously, he was an Associate in Citigroup’s Equity Research practice and a Manager in Ernst & Young’s Transaction Advisory Services practice, where he performed M&A due diligence, restructuring and valuation assignments. Matthew received an M.B.A from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University with distinctions and a B.S. in accounting and marketing with high honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder through the CFA Institute and a recipient of the SGB 40 Under 40 award sponsored by SportsOneSource Group.
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Jim Weber CEO and Chairman, Brooks Running Jim Weber joined Brooks as CEO in 2001 and is credited for the Seattle-based company’s aggressive turnaround story, focusing the team solely on delivering personally inspiring products and experiences that keep people running. The business and brand caught the attention of Warren Buffett, who declared Brooks a standalone Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary company in 2012. Weber’s professional journey also includes assignments as chairman and CEO of Sims Sports, president of O’Brien International, vice president of The Coleman Company, and various roles with The Pillsbury Company. Prior to joining Brooks, Weber was managing director of U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray Seattle Investment Banking practice, and also served on the Brooks board of directors. He currently serves on the boards of directors for Zumiez Inc., the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, Camber Outdoors and Tuck School of Business. In 2015, Runner’s World magazine named Weber one of nine most influential innovators in the running industry. As well, he’s earned a spot for more than 10 consecutive years on the Footwear News “Power 100” list, honoring greats across all footwear categories from the runway to running.
Two full days of insightful discussions and meetings, led by industry experts, regarding the changes, developments and innovations occurring in the sports & fitness industry.
Topics of Discussion: Rule Changes
Product Standards
Future of Sport
Impact of Governing Bodies
Health & Safety in Sports
Team Sports Rules Conference
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SCHOLAR PROFILES
Listed in alphabetical order by last name
Six sports and fitness professionals have been named to the class of 2018 Future Industry Leaders Scholarship Program. This competitive, application-based scholarship provides complimentary SFIA Industry Leaders Summit registration and is an unmatched learning and networking opportunity for young, aspiring individuals in the industry. Eligible applicants were required to be under 40 years of age, currently work for an SFIA corporate or non-profit member company and have ambitious hopes of holding a C-level executive position within the sports and fitness industry. All applicants were asked to provide their vision for the future of the sports and fitness industry and how they intend to contribute to that vision. This year’s class includes:
Jordan Buchsbaum
Sports Marketing Manager, Under Armour As a lifelong athlete and avid fan of all things sport and adventure, Jordan feels very fortunate to be a member of this ever-growing industry and community. She has the spent the last five years with Under Armour and Adidas, in a few difference facets— sales, marketing and product. Jordan’s experience has led her to believe that sport—whether it be competitive, recreational or entertainment—brings the world together. As a Los Angeles native, she was eager to settle in a location that emphasized outdoor activity, and her current home of Denver presents the perfect physical and social surrounding to lead an active lifestyle. Depending on the season, Jordan spends her free time trail running, rock climbing, mountain biking, snowboarding, hiking, camping and backpacking.
Doug Buser
Senior Director, Marketing & Business Development, Volt Athletics Doug Buser is the Senior Director of Marketing and Business Development for Volt Athletics in Seattle, WA. An experienced director with a successful track record of implementing internal and external communications strategies, Doug started his career in crisis management, working for BP during the Deepwater Horizon incident. Doug has honed his leadership skills in both large corporate and small boutique environments across a variety of industries, including healthcare, politics, travel and now, sports tech. Doug joined the Volt team in 2014 as Volt’s Communications Manager, and now oversees Volt’s marketing, sales, support and business development departments. A native of San Francisco, Doug played college baseball at the University of Oklahoma and later Seattle University, where he earned a degree in Communications.
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Ben Connery
Director, Specialty Sports, BSN Sports Ben Connery always knew he wanted a career in sports. Upon discovering lacrosse – a sport he could play professionally – he considered life as a professional athlete, but the salary of a lacrosse player didn’t suffice. While studying Sports Management at Ithaca College, he decided to follow in a family friend’s footsteps, and started his career in the sports industry with New Balance. Ben earned an MBA from Ithaca and started working at a lacrosse specialty team dealer in NY. From there, he went on to work for BSN Sports as a Sales Professional, and in 2014, moved to Dallas to lead the Lacrosse Division. The division has performed well and Ben has been given the opportunity to head some emerging and strategic sports opportunities since moving to BSN Headquarters.
Michael Lysaught
Strategic Account Manager, SKLZ Michael Lysaught, born and raised in Australia, has been living in the USA for the past 3 years. Growing up in Australia, he was always very active and competitive. Baseball has always been Michael’s passion, and in 2003, he signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins. After ending his baseball career, he pursued a career in the sporting goods industry in Australia, working as a distributor for Easton Baseball/Softball and SKLZ for several years, which eventually lead him back to the USA. In 2015, he relocated to Southern California, to accept a job with SKLZ, where he currently resides with his beloved wife.
Karen Menez
Director of Communications, ASICS America Karen Menez is the Director of Communications for ASICS America, overseeing all external, internal, corporate social responsibility and brand communication initiatives across the ASICS performance and lifestyle portfolios. She is also the cofounder and leader of the ASICS Women’s Collective, a group dedicated to empowering, guiding and developing employees across the organization. Karen started her career in the communications department at Sports Illustrated, where she served as a lead publicist executing communications campaigns across all of the Sports Illustrated Group franchises. A native of Wisconsin, who spent a decade in New York City, Karen lives with her husband and two children in Austin, Texas. She is an avid runner, SoulCycle addict and early morning boot camp enthusiast. She believes strongly in the power of positive thought and balancing career, family and fitness.
Gabe Nagelkirk
Senior Product Manager, Xenith Gabe Nagelkirk, a lifelong football enthusiast, eagerly seized the opportunity to serve as the Senior Product Manager at Xenith. The company provides a start-up culture, great people and ample opportunity, so it didn’t take much convincing in his book. Born and raised in Holland, MI, Gabe earned a bachelor’s in international business from Cornerstone University and began his career in the furniture industry at Haworth. However, the menial everyday tasks did not live up to his standards. So, he quickly started working his way up within Haworth’s Distribution department to find better opportunities. Eventually, after numerous moves and promotions, Gabe discovered Xenith, and quickly made the transition from the furniture world to the sports world.
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ABOUT THE SFIA START-UP CHALLENGE The SFIA Start-Up Challenge is celebrating its third year of unparalleled competition from around the world, bringing the most innovative, cutting-edge ideas and products to the big stage at the Industry Leaders Summit. For the first time ever, due to the high interest and quality of applicants, SFIA has chosen six start-ups to compete in the 2018 Challenge. These companies will receive 10 minutes to pitch their company to a distinguished panel of judges, as well as the entire summit audience, comprised of industry executives, experts and investors. Also new to the 2018 competition — Finalists will be vying for a grand prize of $15,000 (provided by Black Lab Sports) and an all-expensepaid trip to spend a day with the Under Armour Innovation Team. The six finalists were selected based on their proven leadership and innovation within the industry, and their potential to improve and grow the world of sports and fitness. The Start-Up Challenge will kick off the Industry Leaders Summit on Wednesday, September 26, from 8:30 am – 10:00 am in the Grand Ballroom.
START-UP CHALLENGE JUDGES Listed in alphabetical order by last name Dan Arment, President & CEO, Riddell & BRG Sports Keith Bank, Founder & Managing Partner, KB Partners Alexander Bente, Principal, ADvantage Sports Tech Fund Adam Blumenfeld, CEO, Varsity Brands Julia Clark Day, Executive Director of Business Development, The NPD Group Chris Clawson, Chairman, Sports & Fitness Industry Association Lorin Hamlin, Head of Innovation Partnerships, Under Armour Scott McDonald, CEO, Body-Solid, Inc. Alison Minter, Managing Director, North Castle Partners Mike Savage, CEO, Empower Fitness Dan Sheridan, Executive Vice President of Global Sales, Brooks Running Matthew Tingler, Managing Director, Robert W. Baird Marco Zambianchi, President, Technogym Mike Zlaket, President & CEO, Rawlings Sporting Goods
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START-UP CHALLENGE FINALISTS A-CHAMPS
www.playroxs.com Kilian Saekel Co-Founder & CEO A company creating systems that combine video game play patterns and technology (sensors, lights and sound) to trigger kids to play, with the goal of helping kids adopt active lifestyle habits.
BLINKTBI
www.blinktbi.com Jackie McKelvey Director of Corporate Development Creators of the technology and software, EyeStat, which has evolved to become the fastest, easiest, most accurate brain injury measurement tool in the world.
ELEVATE HOCKEY www.elevatehockey.net Andrew Oman Founder & CEO A hockey brand developing a new, unique stick that will revolutionize the game of hockey, as it improves players’ ability to handle, pass and shoot.
FLEXIT INC. www.flexit.fit
Austin Cohen Founder & CEO The mobile app that quickly and easily enables users to access gyms wherever and whenever they want, and only pay for the amount of time they are in the facility.
NIX BIOSENSORS www.nixbiosensors.com Meridith Unger Founder & CEO A single-use patch that senses sweat rate, electrolyte losses and hydration status via sweat, to support hydration management on the field to optimize safety, as well as physical and cognitive performance.
TOTAL BODY BOARD www.totalbodyboard.com Charles Austin Founder & President A portable fitness equipment product structured around resistance bands and versatility, to improve strength, endurance, quickness and range of motion.
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Celebrating 20 years! PHIT Makes History This summer presented a historical and critical moment for the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act, as it passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. America is one step closer to reducing the cost barrier to physical activity, and creating a healthier, more active nation.
Promoting Activity
March 12 - 13, 2019 Washington, DC
At the SFIA's annual National Health Through Fitness Day, industry leaders, celebrity athletes and other physical activity advocates meet with Congress to push for the passage, or celebrate the passage, of the PHIT Act, as well as other key legislation that will help our country overcome a major epidemic: obesity & sedentary lifestyles.
Capitol Hill Campaign to "Get America Moving to Improve Health"
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2018 SFIA INDUSTRY LEADERS SUMMIT
Design by: www.ktdcreative.com
SAVE THE DATE FOR 2019 The Industry Leaders Summit is headed back to Baltimore! Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore Baltimore, MD Wednesday, September 25 – Thursday, September 26, 2019
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU NEXT YEAR!
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