Ivey Sports Leadership Conference 2020
January 10 - 11, 2020
Ivey Business School
London, Ontario
Keynote Panel
ISLC 2020 kickstarted the conference with our keynote event, featuring esteemed media professionals from Sportsnet who discussed Canadian and hockey culture in today’s modern age.
Breakout Sessions
Delegates and panelists enjoyed their second day of ISLC 2020 participating in various discussions, including management styles, sports media, esports, data analytics, and marketing.
Case Competition
Throughout the conference, delegates engaged in a case competition that was judged by industry professionals. Competition winners received the opportunity to interview for an internship with Golf Canada and the Arizona Coyotes.
“The panel consisted of leaders in the industry that I look up to, and it was great to hear their insights.”
Keynote
Moderated by Ivey faculty member David Simpson, ISLC 2020’s keynote featured Sportsnet’s Christine Simpson, Dave Amber, Harnarayan Singh, and Elliotte Friedman. The discussion, titled “Hockey & Canadian Culture: A Look Ahead,” looked at issues surrounding racism, sexism, and accessibility in the sport of hockey today.
We were honoured to be joined by special guest Pat Stapleton, a former Chicago Blackhawks captain and member of the Canadian National Men’s Hockey Team that took on Russia in the 1972 Summit Series. Rest in Peace to Mr. Stapleton, who passed away in April 2020. A commemorative piece written by David Simpson can be read here.
“I thought Mr. Simpson did a very good job moderating this panel and it was a great start to the conference. Went above my expectations.”
Leaders in Sport
Our first keynote featured prominent leaders from professional sports. Moderated by Scott MacArthur (Sportsnet), Ahron Cohen (former CEO of the Arizona Coyotes), Kim Davis (NHL EVP of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives, & Legislative Affairs), Laurence Applebaum (Golf Canada, CEO), and John Chayka (Arizona Coyotes, General Manager) took part in our panel titled “Career Builder: Charting My Future as a Leader in Sports.”
Building Engagement
Our second keynote featured Brian Jennings (NHL, EVP Marketing) and Dan Near (adidas, Head of Hockey and Lacrosse), moderated by Ivey Faculty Colin McDougall. The three panelists delved into attracting new generations of hockey in our modern era.
Breakout Sessions
“Managing the Modern Day Athlete: A Team’s Perspective”
Executives from the NHL, OHL, and QMJHL gathered to discuss their modern team management styles. Moderated by Madison Koekkoek (Hockey Canada, Social Media Coordinator), she was joined by John Chayka (Arizona Coyotes, General Manager), Jake Goldberg (Arizona Coyotes, Assistant to the General Manager), Trevor Georgie (Saint John Sea Dogs, President/General Manager), and Steve Staios (Hamilton Bulldogs, President/General Manager).
“Managing the Modern Day Athlete: An Agent’s Perspective”
Prominent agents from the world of professional hockey shared their insight into managing a modern day athlete in the world of social media and increased press coverage. Moderator John Matisz (theScore) was joined by Judd Moldaver (Wasserman, SVP of Hockey), Neil Glasberg (PBI Sports & Entertainment, President/CEO), and Jeff Jackson (Wasserman/Orr Hockey, EVP).
“Using Tech and Analytics to Improve Decision Making”
With the rise of the integration of analytics into decision making, our tech and analytics panel was a highly requested session. Lead by Dr. Cheri Bradish (Future of Sport Lab, Founding Manager/Director), she was joined by Brad Rossen (Arizona Coyotes, Director of Statistical Analysis), Christina Litz (Woodbine, VP of Business Development & Revenue), Meghan Chayka (Stathletes, Founder), and Costa Kladianos (Tennis Canada, Director of Innovation & Technology).
“They were the tops in their fields. Can’t ask for more.”
“Growing the Fan Game in 2020”
Executives from various aspects of sport discussed engaging the modern sports fan in the face of increased access and coverage. Laurence Applebaum (Golf Canada, CEO) was joined by Chantel K. Smith (NBA, Manager, Marketing Partnerships), Paul Beirne (Canadian Premier League, Founder/Former President), Jacquie Ryan (Canadian Olympic Committee, Chief Brand & Commercial Officer), and Michael Andlauer (Hamilton Bulldogs, Owner).
“The Future of Sports and the Media’s Role in Shaping it”
Sport media professionals from different outlets and organizations across the nation discussed the use of social media and controlling narratives with student delegates in this panel. Moderated by Marissa Roberto (TSN), she was joined by Molly Tissenbaum (Sport Innovation Lab, Research Analyst), John Matisz (theScore, National Hockey Writer), Ryan Dixon (Sportsnet, Writer), and Daniel Freiman (NBA Canada, Senior Manager, Digital Media).
“Leading Sports in a Crowded Market”
Our final breakout session featured two industry leaders in the professional Esports industry, Arwina Mogul (Beam.gg, CEO) and Sabrina Bruno (McCarthy Tétrault, Corporate Lawyer & member of MT>Play, a venture of McCarthy Tétrault that focuses on strategic, technical, and legal advisement in the gaming industry). Moderated by Madison Koekkoek (Hockey Canada, Social Media Coordinator), the panel discussed the emergence of Esports, and navigating the landscape of professional sports.
“It was to unique see how business and the inner relationship of sports collide.”
Sponsors
We are incredibly grateful for our sponsors, whose support aided us in providing a first class experience for all of our attendees!
Presenting Sponsor: Golf Canada
Presenting Sponsor: Wendy’s Canada
The ISLC 2020 Student Executive Team
(from left to right): Courtney Sinclair (Director of Delegates), Michael Andlauer (Director of Speakers & Sponsors), Karina Leung (Director of Social Media & Promotions), Mateo Molinaro (Director of Speakers & Sponsors), Joshua Weidman (Director of Delegates), Jonathan Kyriacou (Co-Chair), Rachel Raffard (Co-Chair), Hiral Patel (Director of Logistics), Cassidy Bearss (Director of Communications), and Adam Sinclair (Director of Speakers & Sponsors). Not pictured: Miles Pitassi (Website Coordinator).