Sports marketing conference at John Molson School of Business
The 17th Annual Sports Business Conference, a signature event of the John Molson Sports Marketing Committee (JMSM), was held at Concordia’s John Molson School of Business from November 8 to10.
The three-day event is the largest student-run sports business conference in Canada, attracting 250 student delegates from across the country. The convention welcomed an impressive roster of speakers, which included representatives from sports-related companies, television networks and all of the major North American sports leagues.
Among the speakers were Concordia alumni who have carved out thriving careers for themselves in the sports industry. This group included Assistant General Manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Julien BriseBois, EMBA 07, who in his keynote address, talked about how his experiences at JMSB played a key role in his success. Other notable alumni who spoke at the conference were:
- Len Rhodes, President and CEO of the Edmonton Eskimos
- Justin Kingsley, VP Public Relations, Sid Lee
- Ian Clarke, Executive VP & CFO of Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment
- Darcy Raymond, VP Branding & Fan Experience of the Tampa Bay Rays
Frederick Gallant, the marketing student who is the JMSM president, was delighted with how the event was received. “I am really proud of what we accomplished,” he says. “My team and the teams of organizers through the years have worked really hard to position this conference as the best in Canada, and I think it’s clear that we’ve succeeded.”
Kevin Gilmore, chief operating officer of the Montreal Canadiens agrees. This was the second consecutive year that Gilmore has been involved in the event. “I loved my experience last year,” he said. “If I am asked to participate again next year, I will say yes without hesitation.”
This kind of enthusiasm was on display throughout the conference. Speaking at the opening ceremony, JMSB Dean Steve Harvey talked about the passion of those who work in sports marketing. “The fact that this event has been organized for 17 straight years and that it keeps growing speaks volumes about the passion of the students interested in pursuing careers in the field,” he said.
Related links:
• John Molson Sports Marketing Committee
• John Molson School of Business