Ohio University

Sports Business Forum to take place Oct. 21 and 22

Oct 10, 2011
By Kyle Ranally

The Ohio University Center for Sports Administration will be hosting its annual Sports Business Forum, Oct. 21-22, in Walter Hall.

This forum will give undergraduate and graduate students and faculty the opportunity to communicate with professionals from across the country. Designed mainly for undergraduate students, this event allows them to network and start building their professional careers in sports administration.

"As one of OU's most distinguished academic departments, the Sports Administration Department takes pride in being able to bring such seasoned sports industry professionals to Athens," said Eamonn Reynolds, media relations assistant for Ohio Athletics. "In today's job market, it's not only about who you know, but also who knows you."

Topics that will be covered in this forum will vary based on the speaker. However, each speaker will touch on how he or she got involved in the sports industry, the growing trends they are seeing in the industry, the future of the sports business world, and advice for students entering the sports industry. Speakers will begin at 2 p.m. Friday.

Speakers at the forum will include:

• Jim Host, CEO of Host Communications- keynote speaker
• Mike Redlick, vice president chief sales officer for Indy Motor Speedway
• Tricia Turley, Ohio University associate athletic director for compliance
• Erika Austin, Middle Tennessee State University assistant athletic director for compliance
• Amy Bourke, GMR account supervisor
• Christina Ramos, Orange Bowl committee member
• B.C. Johnson, Disney Sports Attractions manager
• Bruce Wimbish, Greater Columbus Sports Commission marketing/communications manager
• Chris Terwood, New Jersey Devils ticket sales and services director
• Jackie Reau, CEO of Game Day Communications

Saturday will serve as a workshop day where students and faculty will split into groups with the different visiting speakers to discuss issues in the sports industry and work in teams to develop possible solutions.

"This is a rare opportunity for students to get first-hand interaction with professionals in their desired field and to get that critical foot in the door through networking," said Reynolds. "Above all else, listening to these speakers share their insights regarding the sports industry may help students gain a better understanding as to what area of sports they would like to work in and how to go about doing just that."

Anyone interested in attending the forum, should contact Andrew Wade at andrew.wade.25@gmail.com to reserve a spot. For more information about the event, visit http://www.sportsad.ohio.edu/events/businessforum/.