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
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
(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
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
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
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
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
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
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
