2019 Agenda and Speakers

This intimate discussion will include points of view from sponsors, media companies and social media channels, as well as equip you with strategies, insights and learnings that can directly accelerate the brand growth and endurance of your athlete partners, clients and team members.

Location: Pac-12 Network

8:30 AM:
Registration and breakfast  

9:00 AM
Opening Remarks
Patty Hubbard and Stephanie Martin, Co-Founders, BrandForward

9:15 AM
The Rise of the Multi-Hyphenate: Athlete, Investor, Founder, Creator and Beyond
Bryant Barr, President, SC30 Inc.
Kristen Gambetta, Senior Director, Sports and Entertainment, Rakuten
Lance Thomas, NBA Veteran and Owner, Slangmagic Fishing
Moderator: Jennifer Azzi, Olympic Gold Medalist & WNBA All-Star

10:15 AM
Morning Break

10:30 AM
The Art of Storytelling in a Digital World
Dexton Deboree, Founder, Chief Creative Officer and Director, FALKON
Nate Houghteling, Co-Founder and Executive Producer, Portal A
Austin Schumacher, Head of Culture and Entertainment Marketing, Lyft
Moderator: Emeka Mbanefo, Director of Sports, Clio Awards

11:30 AM
Networking Break

11:45 AM
The New Champion: From Supporting Causes to Leading Them
Brandi Chastain, Women’s World Cup Champion, California Thorns FC Executive Director and Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative Founder
Alysia Montaño, Olympian and #DreamMaternity Founder
Ellis Wyms, NFL Veteran and Founder, Athletes for Computer Science
Moderator: Ashley Adamson, Pac-12 Network Lead Host and Reporter

12:45 PM
Lunch and Networking

1:45 PM
Roadmap for the Athlete Entrepreneur
TJ Graham, Partner, Cooley
Matt Hillman, Co-Founder, Cut + Sew LA and Co-Host, Lightharted Podcast
Joseph Milord, News Editor and Next Play Host, LinkedIn
Moderator: Carolina Acosta, Pac-12

2:45 PM
Networking Break

3:00 PM
The Changing Face of Athlete-Driven Content
Justin Giangrande, Executive Vice President, VaynerSports
Adi Kunalic, Founder and President, opendorse
Vincent Pannozzo, Athlete Partnerships, Facebook
Moderator: Marcus Thompson II, The Athletic

4:00 PM
Closing Thoughts
Patty Hubbard and Stephanie Martin, Co-Founders, BrandForward

Reception to follow program close until 6:00 PM
@Pac-12 Network Rooftop