Ivey Sports Leadership Conference 2021
January 29 - 30 , 2021
Via Zoom
Across North America
In the midst of such an unexpected year that has brought changes to all facets of our society, sports has been reflective of the pioneering nature of humankind, and the response from leaders across all aspects of the industry has been impressive to say the least. In the 3rd annual Ivey Sports Leadership Conference, we strive to bring you the stories and insight from leaders who have been at the forefront of implementing positive change through our theme of “Leadership Through Crisis.”
Keynote Panel
The start of ISLC 2021 began with two highly anticipated keynote presentations. The topics of culture and diversity within sports were at the forefront of discussion.
Breakout Sessions
Delegates and panellists enjoyed their second day of ISLC 2021 participating in various discussions, including A Dollar and a Dream, Winning With Data, Kicking in the Back Door, Shifting Strategies in a Time of Crisis, and From Western to Leading the Sports World.
Case Competition
ISLC 2021 continued the tradition of a case competition in which delegates take on a realistic sports-related issue and present their findings in front of industry professionals. The winners of this year’s conference received a Nascar Prize pack valued at over $1000 per person.
“As long as you go into something new with an open mind, your value is transferable from sport to sport and industry to industry”
Keynote
This year’s conference featured two keynotes. Sportsnet’s “Top of [Her] Game” keynote featured baseball legend Dr. Justine Siegal and was hosted by Tara Slone of Sportsnet. Delegates gained insightful information on breaking barriers that seemed unbreakable. Moderated by Christine Simpson, sports announcer, journalist, and author Harnaryan Singh discussed diversity in hockey and his rise to fame through adversity.
“It was a privilege to listen to such accomplished people share their stories. ”
Becoming Virtual
As COVID-19 forced this year’s ISLC to become virtual, the ISLC team learned to adapt and prosper in its new surroundings. Although the executive team hopes for in-person conferences in the future, they are proud of their resilience and determination in making ISLC 2021 possible.
From Western to Leading the Sports World
Sponsored by Golf Canada, Ivey alumni David Beeston, John Chayka, and Laurence Applebaum shared insightful discussion about sports leadership, and how they each mapped their individual journeys from Ivey to where they are now.
Case Competition
The Ivey Sports Leadership Conference’s 2021 case competition, which runs alongside the conference, featured a case on the NHL’s newest franchise - the Seattle Kraken! Any and all post-secondary students were encouraged to apply in teams of 3-5 or as a free agent (to be placed into a team). Delegates presented virtually and had the opportunity to receive personal, real-time feedback from conference speakers and representatives from Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.
Members of the winning team each received a VIP experience with NASCAR, which includes a VIP Pass to a NASCAR race with behind-the-scenes access, a meet and greet with NASCAR drivers, networking with NASCAR executives, and lunch with Allan Boynton, the Director of International Operations and Business Development Canada. This opportunity is valued at over $1000 per team member!
Additionally, a special prize was won by outstanding delegates: Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum awarded four VIP experiences that will include the opportunity to attend a Golf Canada event as a VIP guest or participant*, depending on future public health circumstances. The opportunity was open to all case competition participants, and individuals were selected by Applebaum independent of their team's case competition success.
Sponsors
We are incredibly grateful for our sponsors, whose support aided us in providing a first-class experience for all of our attendees!
The Chayka Family
Co-Presenting Sponsor
ISLC would like to recognize the Chayka Family for the integral role they play in the success of this event. John and Kathryn Chayka (both HBA'14), have been involved in this event since its inception. Their financial support is what makes this unique event possible, but their contribution does not end there. We thank them for their invaluable guidance and support, as well as their enthusiastic involvement as speakers and judges for the case competition. We are lucky and proud to have such incredible leaders as Co-Presenting Sponsors for this year’s Leadership Through Crisis themed conference.
Laurence Applebaum and Golf Canada
Co-Presenting Sponsor
ISLC would like to recognize CEO Laurence Applebaum and Golf Canada for the incredible support and guidance they provide to this event. The in-kind and financial support they have provided has been vital in making each year of this event happen. Mr. Applebaum (HBA'94) makes an invaluable contribution to the event through involvement as a keynote speaker, case competition judge and by donating his time to provide once in a lifetime opportunities for our delegates. This event would not be possible without their support and we are thankful and proud to partner with an industry leader like Mr. Applebaum and an organization like Golf Canada.
Special Thanks
Special thanks to The Ivey Academy, the Richard Ivey School of Business, and Allan Boynton of NASCAR for their support throughout the execution of the event.
Great appreciation to David Simpson, Colin McDougall, Sean Acklin Grant, and Robert Mackay for their continued support.
Shoutout to the ISLC 2021 Student Executive Team!
Co-Chairs
Ella Neiles
Hiral Patel
Programming
Director - Daniela Fisico
Director - Jacob MacLachlan
Associate - William Bell
Marketing & Sales
Director - Emma Coelho
Director - Karina Leung
Associate - Liam Solomon
Associate - Lindsay Morrison
Speakers
Director - Connor Loucks
Director - Mathew Taylor
Sponsorship
Director - Josh Biderman
Associate - Jacky Black
Associate - Danyaal Irfan
Logistics
Director - Amaan Mamani-Mamdani
Associate - Eric Zychlinski