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By: Will Baggett, @W_Baggs
There is something special about this time of year. For many of us, the majority of our business is conducted during the workweek, leaving our weekends open to enjoy the pageantry of college football. For others, various tasks performed during the week are compounded with other preparations for the real work set to commence over the weekend.
No matter which classification you fall into, with another college football season in full effect, we all find ourselves pondering how our favorite teams will fare week in and week out. This uncertainty is the quintessence of sport and serves as the invisible tether that literally strings us along from week to week. There is, however, one particular week that we can be certain will always deliver…
#SBWeek16 is upon us, and it’s coming to a city near you!
Sports Business Week is designed to take the work out of networking by assigning dates and designating venues whereby industry peers may come together to socialize, educate, and engage with one another. What began as a small gathering of kindred spirits has evolved into a worldwide meeting of the minds centered on sports business.
Co-founder Russell Scibetti provided further context on this highly anticipated, annual event. “Sports Business Week started with a spur-of-the-moment get together in New York that I posted on my blog, and eight people showed up. Then we did it again, and 30 showed up. Then friends in other cities asked about doing their own events. It just kept growing, so in 2013, we tried to host several cities on the same night, and in 2014, we expanded to a full week. Last year, we hit 39 cities in 6 countries, and we have over 40 scheduled for this year.”
Beginning Monday, September 12th, and spanning the following four days, new bonds will be formed and existing ones strengthened. As sport professionals, we fully recognize the importance of building relationships, and there is no greater setting to do so than in person at one of the many locations playing host to the festivities. Scibetti elaborates, “I like to think of Sports Business Week as the reception after the conference, without the conference. It creates opportunity in every city to connect with other industry professionals, and we all know how important it is in sports to keep growing your network.”
Although this week of international gatherings is centered on the business side of sports; its takeaways are both intrinsically and altruistically rewarding. Warren Buffett best described this sensation when he said: “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” In like fashion, not only will the residual value garnered from attending Sports Business Week pay dividends throughout your career, but you will also be contributing to a worthy cause. Tickets for these events range from $5 in advance to $10 at the door, and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to The V Foundation for Cancer Research.
Scibetti’s counterpart, Joshua Duboff, spoke highly of the partnership. “The V Foundation for Cancer Research is a natural fit as they are an endemic partner throughout our industry. Almost all SBWeek attendees know about the V Foundation and are familiar with Jim Valvano’s story. The organization has been highly supportive of our events and we’re excited to have them back again this year.” Needless to say, the goal for #SBWeek2016 is the same as it has always been―to help fellow members of the sports business community connect with one another while supporting a great cause.
In short, attending Sports Business Week 2016 is a great way to kick off your season of personal and professional development. As you press toward the mark of your career goals, remain mindful of the advice shared by the coach whose legacy is commemorated by The V Foundation and thereby Sports Business Week, the late Jimmy Valvano.
“Don’t give up…don’t ever give up.” –Jimmy V
Click here for a full listing of the host cities, dates, and times. We will see you there!
