This is guest post from Steve Cobb, co-founder of Hashtag Sports, an annual innovation conference and thought leadership platform taking place in Times Square this June. Register with the code SPORTTECHIE for 30% off your pass.
After a year-plus of refining and enhancing, it’s exciting to say that Hashtag Sports on June 26-28, 2017 in New York City is less than two weeks away.
Hashtag Sports is our annual innovation conference and thought leadership platform that explores the trends and technologies happening in and around sports at the convergence of media, content, sponsorship, and culture.
Across three days at the TimesCenter and nearby Microsoft Technology Center, over 1,000 senior-level professionals will come together from leading U.S. and international teams, leagues, brands, agencies, publishers, properties, platforms, and startups to learn and network.
Our goal is for Hashtag Sports to be a catalyst for the growth and development of an increasingly complex sports and media ecosystem as it continues through a period of profound change and disruption.
This event is designed to help answer the hard questions about new technologies, trends and business models that are transforming the industry and that we must now address to meet the needs of today’s fans.
Over 150 World-Class Thought Leaders
Our speaker lineup consists of 150+ proven thought leaders in media, sponsorship, and tech who understand and shape the experiences of today’s Connected Fan. Over 90% are VP level or higher, making them decision makers and visionaries with years of knowledge and expertise. We also challenged ourselves to put diversity on full display and curated a melting pot of executives, athletes, and innovators representing disparate genders, backgrounds, and viewpoints.
Some of our 2017 speakers include:
- Dawn Hudson, CMO, NFL
- David Stern, Commissioner Emeritus, NBA
- Jill Gregory, CMO, NASCAR
- Martellus Bennett, Super Bowl Champ, Green Bay Packers
- Jemele Hill, Co-Anchor, SportsCenter
- Brad Allen, Executive Chairman, NextVR
- Chiney Ogwumike, WNBA All-Star, Connecticut Sun
- Dennis Crowley, Co-Founder, Foursquare
- Jeff Marsilio, VP Global Media, NBA
- Roger Mason Jr., President & Commissioner, BIG3
- Patty Hirsch, VP and GM Digital, TIME
- Sundance Giovanni, Co-Founder, Major League Gaming
- Alfredo Bermejo, Head of Digital Strategy, La Liga
- Laura Froelich, Head of Sports Partnerships, Twitter
Over 50 Sessions and Nine Programming Tracks
Our unprecedented agenda comprises 50+ sessions of original insights, bold predictions, and impactful networking events all taking place in the center of the sports and media capital of the world. The breadth and scope of thought leadership and networking surrounding the future of sports makes our event one of the most efficient weeks in your sports business calendar year, which is why we have such a strong international base of attendees, speakers, and sponsors.
Our comprehensive track format allows for deep dives on compelling topics of which other events are only able to scratch the surface. Thought leadership is delivered through a highly curated mix of power panels, executive keynotes, interactive workshops, original announcements, and entertaining showcases.
Our 2017 track themes include:
- Content & Distribution, presented by Verizon Digital Media Services
- Investment & Startups
- Transformational Analytics, presented by Microsoft
- Athletes & Creators
- Fan Engagement, presented by OMNIGON
- Esports & Gaming, presented by Genius Sports
- Sponsorship & Advertising
- Announcements & Demos
- Keynote Interviews
Special Events and Networking Opportunities
While thought leadership is the foundation of Hashtag Sports, we understand networking and business development opportunities are where the magic happens. In addition to what goes on in the hallways between sessions, each evening features dedicated opportunities to meet in a casual atmosphere at our networking events in Times Square.
Our Opening Night Party on Monday June 26th in Times Square is open to all sports industry professionals in the New York City area during our event, attendees and non-attendees alike, so make sure to reserve your spot as capacity is limited.
Finally, Hashtag Sports offers a startup program to empower early-stage companies in the sports innovation ecosystem with special pass rates of $295. Qualified startups will hear from prominent investors and receive one-on-one sessions with seasoned industry veterans, who are able to offer advice and expertise on starting, growing, and scaling successful sports businesses.
For more info, check out our press release and conference schedule, get passes at www.hashtagsports.com, email us at info@hashtagsports.com, and follow us @HashtagSports.
SportTechie is a media partner of Hashtag Sports and we encourage you to take advantage of a 30% discount when registering by entering the discount code “SPORTTECHIE”.
