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University of Bridgeport's School of Business Welcomes International Experts to "Business of Sports" Symposium

by Abigail Levandoski

Bridgeport, CT (09/27/2023) — University of Bridgeport's Ernest C. Trefz School of Business recently welcomed a slate of international business experts to its successful "Business of Sports" symposium on Friday, September 22, 2023. The event, organized by students in UB's business programs, brought together a diverse audience of students, faculty, and community members to explore the intricacies of sports management and leadership.

The symposium took place on the University campus and featured a dynamic panel of speakers representing regional, national, and international sports teams and leagues. Attendees were treated to an engaging discussion moderated by UB graduate student and men's basketball player Ryo Kobayashi, who led an interactive Q&A session with the experts, providing valuable insight into the business aspects of professional athletics and eSports.

The distinguished panel of speakers included:

Bill Manning: President of the Toronto Football Club, president of the Toronto Argonauts, and a University of Bridgeport alum

Brendan Donohue: President of the NBA 2K League

John Mathers: A sports management consultant for the the Bridgeport Islanders

The event was open to the public and drew attendees from various backgrounds. The symposium not only showcased the expertise of the speakers but also underscored the commitment of University of Bridgeport's faculty to provide students with hands-on learning experiences to prepare them for successful careers. Aside from planning, organizing, and moderating this event, the students gained actionable advice for entering the fields of professional sports and eSports, including how to grow from an entry-level position into a management role and the importance of networking within the industry. The audience engaged in a thoughtful discussion about current challenges facing sports management professionals in an increasingly global athletic landscape and the importance of a positive culture that begins with good leadership.

UB President Danielle Wilken expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, "The Business of Sports symposium exemplifies our faculty's dedication to equipping students with the skills and real-world experiences they need to excel in their careers. Providing opportunities like these allows our students to connect with industry leaders, showcase their talents, and expand what they envision for their careers."

At the heart of this symposium is the student experience and a commitment to nurturing the personal and professional growth of UB's students through learning and career-focused programming. UB's dedicated faculty helps students gain a competitive edge in their prospective fields by inviting opportunities for students and industry leaders to engage with each other as the students prepare for their futures.

Visit www.bridgeport.edu to learn more about University of Bridgeport's Ernest C. School of Business, or follow UB on LinkedIn.

Media Attachments

University of Bridgeport: "The Business of Sports" symposium.

From left to right: Bill Manning, President of the Toronto Football Club and Presidents of the Toronto Argonauts, John Mathers, Sport Management Consultant with the Bridgeport Islanders, and Ryo Kobayashi, UB graduate student and event moderator.

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