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AND GROWING!

Who Attends?

  • Athletes
  • Consultants
  • Educators
  • Executive Directors
  • Foundations
  • Fundiing Sources
  • Governing Bodies
  • Leagues
  • Media
  • Nonprofits
  • Philanthropists
  • Service Providers
  • Sponsors
  • Sports Executives
  • Students
  • Teams
  • Universities

Skills Developed

  • Culture
  • Financial Literacy
  • Fundraising
  • Governance
  • Leadership
  • Legal Issues
  • Literacy
  • Mental Health
  • Networking
  • Partnerships
  • Public Speaking
  • Social Media
  • Sponsorships
  • STEM 

SPONSORS

We would also like to thank all of our sponsors who are supporting
the sports philanthropy community and making SPW2024 a reality.

Host Sponsor

Opening Reception Sponsors

Lunch Sponsor

Name Badge Sponsor

Corporate Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Community Sponsors

Media
Partners

OVERVIEW

Since 2019, Sports Philanthropy World has brought together some of the best and brightest minds in the world of sports philanthropy. SPW cultivates a community of people and organizations who are passionate about using the power of sports to change lives and transform communities! We look forward to having you as part of our world!

SPORTS PHILANTHROPY WORLD 2024 Schedule

"Building a Culture of Philanthropy"

(Schedule subject to change without notice)

Click Buttons to Jump Directly to Sessions

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Kickoff Reception and Opening Panel

Host Sponsor

Location: 

MOE’S CANTINA-River North

155 W. Kinzie Street
Chicago, IL 60654 

Reception Sponsor

5:30 pm   Registration, Kickoff Reception and Opening Panel Discussion

6:15 pm   Panel Discussion: BUILDING YOUR FUNDRAISING BLUEPRINT

Fundraising is difficult. Always. Even with a strong name behind your organization, it takes time to strategize, cultivate and close the gifts that are needed to sustain and grow your organization. Learn from some of the best in the business! Even if you do not work in development or fundraising for nonprofits, the takeaways will help improve your business skills!


DEDAN BROZINO

President

Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation

7:15 pm   Networking and Thursday Night Football Watch Party

(Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions)

Friday, December 6, 2024

8:00 am   Registration, Breakfast and Networking

KPMG Offices, Aon Tower, 200 E. Randolph Street, 55th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601
(Attire is business casual)

9:00 am Introductions and Welcome

Sports has the power to change the world. Join thought leaders from around the world that are using sports philanthropy to change lives and transform communities. Connect with people who have the interest and capacity to help your organization grow into a powerful force.

TRAVIS HUNTER, JR.

Managing Partner

KPMG Chicago

ROY KESSEL

Founder

Sports Philanthropy Network

9:20 am   Opening Keynote

BUILDING SUSTAINABLE PHILANTHROPY:
Bringing Entrepreneurship to the World of Impact

Effective philanthropy has the ability to change the world. Daniel Bernard, Founder of Ride for Unity (and sports industry founder and investor), highlights the key elements to approaching philanthropy and impact through a business oriented mindset. Learn how to make non-profit efforts financially sustainable by creating diverse streams of donations and income alike. Gain an understanding of how the unique power of sport and its unifying nature can be leveraged to increase impact and donor value through a heightened emotional connection.

DANIEL BERNARD

Founder

Ride for Unity

10:00 am Networking Break

10:15 am MAIN STAGE PANEL #1--
Teams and Owners Leading Change and Creating Impact

Professional sports teams have financial resources, huge followings and star power. How can these organizations create a culture of philanthropy and maximize their impact? Learn how some of the best organizations use these strengths to transform lives and build stronger, healthier and more inclusive communities.

Robert Castellini

Managing Director, Sentinal Wealth Management Group, Wells Fargo Advisors

Owner,
Cincinnati Reds

SARA GUDERYAHN

Executive Vice President, Social Impact & Civic Affairs

Chicago Blackhawks

11:00 am BREAKOUT SESSION #1

  • Mental Health Track–Breaking the Silence
  • Skill Development Track–New Fundraising Strategies
  • Wildcard Track–NIL4Good
  • Education Track–Literacy
  • Health Track–Nutrition and Food Insecurity
  • Start-Up Track–Launching a New Foundation
  • Access Track–Breaking Into the Sports Philanthropy Industry
  • Tackling Societal Issues–Addressing Major Issues (Healthcare, Voting and more)
  • Sports and Faith

Mental Health Track

BREAKING THE SILENCE

Mental Health is a major issue at every level of sports, every profession in society and is a universal challenge across the board.  Why is it so difficult to open this conversation and break the silence? 

DERRICK BOLES

Founder

UnstoppaBoles

JACK CALLAHAN

Senior National Director of Programs

Up2Us Sports

ERIC KUSSIN

Founder

#SameHere
Global Mental Health Movement

Skill Development Track

FUNDRAISING STRATEGIES

Fundraising is the liveblood of every nonprofit organization. Join this session as we learn from executives that have developed innovative fundraising tools that allow organizations to scale their efforts without competing with their exising fundraising platforms.

MATT HEREK

Senior Manager, Sponsorships

BMO

DAVID HIRSCH

Co-Founder

OmegaJam

BEN QUIGLEY

Founder

Social Crush

ERIC SEDRANSK

Founder

Member for a Day

Wildcard Track

NIL4Good

NIL has become one of the biggest topics in sports. Name, Image and Likeness compensation has been available for professional athletes for decades. This new opportunity for college athletes has brought with it the need for an understanding of branding, marketing, sales and promotion. One key element that is often neglected is how college athletes can leverage their passion for a particular cause to enhance their overall marketability. Learn from some of the best minds in this space that help guide athletes and institutions about how they can make that impact!

KAYLA BRADHAM

Executive Vice President

Sports Philanthropy Network

LISA DELPY NEIROTTI

Director,
Sports Management Programs and Sports Philanthropy Certificate

George Washington Univ.

ROBERT SMITH

Founder

Nations Best NIL

Health Track

Nutrition and Food Insecurity

Starting a new foundation is difficult. Though we recognize that starting a new business venture takes a lot of time, money and expertise, many people fail to understand that getting a nonprofit off the ground involves a lot more than simply obtain 501(c)(3) status for the organization.  Learn from experts that have guided and nurtured start-up nonprofits and benefit from their insight to allow you to expedite your success! 

ROBERT FERGUSON

LinkedIn

Chief Nutrition Officer

iCourage Health, Inc.

Start Up Track

Launching a New Foundation

Starting a new foundation is difficult. Though we recognize that starting a new business venture takes a lot of time, money and expertise, many people fail to understand that getting a nonprofit off the ground involves a lot more than simply obtain 501(c)(3) status for the organization.  Learn from experts that have guided and nurtured start-up nonprofits and benefit from their insight to allow you to expedite your success! 

SEAN CROKER

Vice President

League of Angels

JOHN GUTHRIE

LinkedIn

Founder

Jiveberry

TANNER KIM

Founder

League of Angels

SHAWN PFEIFFER

Founder

Pucks for Autism

Access Track

Breaking Into the Sports Philanthropy Industry

What is the best way to break into the industry!  Learn from emerging leaders that have navigated the landscape and found their pathway to philanthropy!

CLAIRE KIRBY

Community Impact Manager

Indianapolis Colts

Tackling Societal Issues

Using Sports to Address Major Issues such as Healthcare, Voting Rights and more

Sports has a power to bring together incredible people and to attract attention which can allows us to tackle major societal issues.  Learn from organizations doing work that impact issues in sports and beyond!

MAUREEN SCHAFER

CEO

OnKai Health Foundation

BRENDA HILTON

Founder

Officially Human

DAN RICHMAN

General Sales Manager, Q101, WLS AM, WLS FM

Cumulus Media

Sports and Faith

The Power of Sports and Faith

Sports, media and faith work together in a powerful way!

DARRIN GRAY

Executive Director of Media Strategies

Athletes in Action,
Super Bowl Breakfast

Co-Founder,
Pro Player Project

LUIS SHARPE

LinkedIn

Founder

Sharpe Talks

ASIA CLIMACO

Founder

Athletes Business Council

12:00 pm   Lunch and Networking

Lunch Sponsor

12:30 pm  Lunch Keynote

POWERING ATHLETE PHILANTHROPY

Leigh was one of the first sports agents who focused on empowering his clients to take an active role in their communities.  Leigh helped his athletes identify their passion and select their causes. But perhaps his most important contribution to the sports philanthropy sector has been Leigh’s recognition of the power an athlete has as a role model. By taking a leadership role, the athlete can empower thousands of people to take an active role in supporting that cause. 

LEIGH STEINBERG

Founder

Steinberg Sports & Entertainment

1:15 pm MAIN STAGE PANEL #2--
Funders and Fundraising

Traditional funding sources are not sufficient to sustain nonprofits. From Family Offices to Venture Philanthropy and Social Impact Funds, this panel will explore how to build powerful relationships that can unlock opportunities for extensive growth and impact. Learn from these organizations that focus on grants and support high level impact.

LISA DELPY NEIROTTI

Director,
Sports Management Programs and Sports Philanthropy Certificate

George Washington Univ.

NELI VAZQUEZ ROWLAND

President

GOLZ, LLC

DAN RUSH

Founder

PPV Live Event, LLC d/b/a Pay Per View Live Events

JARED YELLIN

Founder

Innovation Bridge Foundation

2:00 pm    BREAKOUT SESSION #2

  • Mental Health Track–Resilience
  • Skill Development Track–Grants
  • Wildcard Track–Speak for Success
  • Education Track–STEM
  • Health Track–Concussions and Brain Injuries
  • Start-Up Track–Legal Considerations for Starting a Nonprofit
  • Access Track–Improving Disability Access to Sporting Events and Sports Business
  • Tackling Societal Issues–Measuring and Defining Impact

Mental Health Track

RESILIENCE

Resilience is not just about bouncing back from stress and trauma—it’s about growing stronger through challenges.

This session will focus on five key elements of stress resilience: self-belief, cognitive agility, self-compassion, optimism, and emotional regulation. Learn how to harness those skills and transform your life. This session will empower you to embrace change confidently, build self-belief, and cultivate the cognitive agility needed to thrive in today’s world.  As a former FBI Agent who trains police departments, Cory will lead this interactive session to allow you to develop some the skills needed for today’s challenges.

CORY MCGOOKIN

Co-Founder

Resilient Strategy Group

LATASHA HENRY

Founder

Slaying Resilience Network

FRANK NARES

Managing Director, Chicago

Up2Us Sports

Wildcard Track

SPEAK FOR SUCCESS

Speaking and presenting in a clear and articulate manner is crucial to the success of your organization. Having the ability to convey your organization’s mission and vision helps build credibility, raise money and gain support.  Speaking skills are crucial to every aspect of an organization and will help bolster your career. Learn from some of the top speakers and speaking coaches that can help you develop the most important skills.   

RICK JORDAN

Founder

Rick Jordan TV

ANTOMIUS WISE

Founder

WISE Tax Strategies

Tackling Societal Issues

MEASURING AND DEFINING IMPACT

Concussions and brain injuries continue to cause concern around the sports world. New strategies and technologies are being developed that help manage and improve the treatment and care.

NEIL SCHWARTZ

Founder

SBRnet

ROBERT SMITH

Founder

Nations Best NIL

SHEILA WEAVER

Founder

The Academic and
Athletic Alliance

Health Track

CONCUSSIONS AND BRAIN INJURIES

Concussions and brain injuries continue to cause concern around the sports world. New strategies and technologies are being developed that help manage and improve the treatment and care.

CARLOS BRADLEY

Co-Founder

SAFR Sports

SHEILA THELEN

Founder

Vestibular Training Services

DR. CRAIG VAN DER VEER

Director

VDV Neurosurgical Consulting, LLC

JOHN "ZIGGY" ZEGLINSKI

LinkedIn

Co-Founder, President, CEO

SAFR Sports

Start Up Track

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS TO STARTING A NONPROFIT

Starting a nonprofit involves a lot more than simply filing an application for 501(c)(3) status. The legal ramifications of starting and operating a nonprofit can carry great weight. Getting the right advice and counsel at the outset can significantly facilitate your ability to scale your organization, minimize your risk and identify operational challenges.

ANDREW MORTON

Chair,
Sports & Entertaiment Philanthropy Law


Handler Law

SALLY WAGENMAKER

Partner

Wagenmaker & Oberly, LLC

Access Track

CREATING ACCESSIBILITY FOR SPORTING EVENTS, PARTICIPATION AND SPORTS BUSINESS

Organizations are recognizing the importance or providing access for their events and their organizations. Learn from participants and advocates that are working to create these opportunities. 

BECKY CLARK

Mental Sports Performance

USA Deaf Sports Federation

JEFF MANSFIELD

President

USA Deaf Sports Federation

3:00 pm    BREAKOUT SESSION #3

  • Mental Health Track–Suicide Prevention
  • Skill Development Track–Harnessing the Power of Social Media
  • Wildcard Track–Building Your Legacy Blueprint
  • Education Track–Financial Literacy
  • Health Track–Fitness and Activity
  • Start-Up Track–Getting off on the Right Foot and Raising Initial Capital
  • Access Track–Creating Opportunities for Women and Minorities
  • Tackling Societal Issues–Breaking Down Barriers and Creating Peace (In our communities and across the world)

Mental Health Track

SUICIDE PREVENTION

Dr. Dan Reidenberg is the Safe Online Standards (SOS) Director for the Mental Health Coalition, the Managing Director of the National Council for Suicide Prevention, a Special Advisor to the International Association for Suicide Prevention, and a Certified Psychological Autopsy Investigator, is the former CEO of SAVE.org and serves on several national and international editorial boards. He also serves as a consultant and subject matter expert for some of the nation’s Top 100 companies. He has created programs and conducted presentations for military and veterans, law enforcement and threat assessment teams, judicial systems, corporations, nonprofit organizations, communities, faith leaders, hospitals, healthcare systems and providers, veterinarians, coaches and athletes, farmers and rural communities, suicide prevention task forces, media organizations, schools, suicide loss survivors.  

DR. DAN REIDENBERG

Safe Online Standards Director, Mental Health Coalition

Managing Director, National Council for Suicide Prevention

Wildcard Track

BUILDING YOUR LEGACY BLUEPRINT

We plan mosts aspects of our lives.  Business plans, estate plans, budgets, financial plans, emergency plans. Why do we spend so little time creating a plan for our legacy. Join Sports Philanthropy Network Founder Roy Kessel as we examine how to Build Your Legacy Blueprint.  What are the values that motivate your giving behavior? How do you want to make an impact in your community? How do you allocate the scarce resources of time, talent and treasure to create the roadmap that will allow you to leave a tangible legacy that improves our world!

TOM HANDLER

Partner

Handler Law

ROY KESSEL

Founder

Sports Philanthropy Network

PATTI PARKER

Founder

Discovery Wealth Management

HENRY JENSEN

Founder

Grayman Media Group

Education Track

FINANCIAL LITERACY

Financial literacy is an ongoing concern in the world of sports.  Many athletes (at all levels) struggle with the mechanics of financial literacy. We see current and former players struggling to hold onto the wealth they have amassed as they fall prey to unscrupulous actors.  The rise of NIL has created greater urgency for training athletes in high school and college. Learn from some of those that are on the forefront of protecting wealth.

ANTOMIUS WISE

Founder

WISE Tax Strategies

Health Track

FITNESS AND ACTIVITY

Fitness and Activity are at some of the lowest levels in years. Data shows that only 26% of the youth in the United States get the recommended one hour of activity per day. How can we teach these skills which will take a burden off of the health care system, improve community health and lead to longer, healthier lives.

MEGAN MENDOZA

Senior Manager,
Community Relations

National Football League

JALESA HAGGARD

LinkedIn

Field Manager


Up2Us Sports

Start Up Track

RAISING CAPITAL--Starting, growing and building a sustainable model for creating impact

Finding the resources to get your organization off of the ground is difficult. How can a new organization create a plan and strategy to secure the resources that are needed to properly create their impact? This session will explore not only the capital you need to launch but dive into the strategies that are needed for major gifts, capital campaigns and planned giving.

RICK JORDAN

Founder

Rick Jordan TV

SUSAN KAHAN

Founder

Sapphire Fundraising Specialists

ROY KESSEL

Founder

Sports Philanthropy Network

Tackling Societal Issues

Breaking Down Barriers and Creating Peace

Sports have the ability to break down barriers and create peace.  This occurs on an international basis as well as within our local communities. Learn from some of the leaders tackling these issues in a diverse group of environments! How can we leverage the power of sport to transform communities across the world and build stronger communities at home through efforts with the Police Athletic Leagues and others.

DAVID CASSEL

Co-Executive Director

Peace Players

LIRAN GERASSI

Executive Director

The Lux Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies (Milwaukee)

4:00 pm MAIN STAGE PANEL #3--
Partnering with Athletes and Sports Organizations

Traditional funding sources are not sufficient to sustain nonprofits. From Family Offices to Venture Philanthropy and Social Impact Funds, this panel will explore how to build powerful relationships that can unlock opportunities for extensive growth and impact. Learn from these organizations that focus on grants and support high level impact.

CHRIS CAPUANO

LinkedIn

Senior Director-Operations, Business & Strategy

Major League Baseball Players Association

MEGAN MENDOZA

Senior Manager,
Community Relations

National Football League

KELSEY NICOLE NELSON

Founder, Host & Executive Producer

Listen In With KNN

JONATHAN ORR

Founder

Athlete Transition Services

5:00 pm    Closing Keynote

6:00 pm    Closing Reception and Networking

7:30 pm    SPW2024 Concludes

EXHIBITORS

SPONSORSHIP

PREVIOUS SPEAKERS

Click Here for Full List of Previous Speakers

PAST ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTED

Click Here for Full List of Previous Organizations Attending

PHOTOS FROM PRIOR SPORTS PHILANTHROPY WORLD CONFERENCES

Click Here for Photos and Videos from Previous SPW Conferences