Posted October 25, 2007

Pros will coach aspiring sports business owners at free seminar

Sports boot camp
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Do you have a passion for sports? Have you ever wanted to start a sports-related company? Temple University’s Boot Camp for Sports Entrepreneurs, an interactive conference on Nov. 7, can provide you with the tools you need to create, develop and launch a sports-related business.

Designed to introduce participants to the basics of entrepreneurship in professional, collegiate and recreational sports, the boot camp is sponsored by Comcast-Spectacor and produced by the Legal Studies Department of the Fox School of Business at Temple University, Temple’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Temple’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute.

A free, half-day program, the boot camp will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 7, from 8 a.m. until noon in the Student Center at Temple University, 1755 N. 13th St., Philadelphia, Pa. Breakfast is included.

The boot camp will be beneficial to both early-stage entrepreneurs and aspiring ones.

   

Attendees will learn about the breadth, scope and general organization of the industry and the various entrepreneurial opportunities available. These include sports collectibles, sponsorship marketing agencies, agent representation, ticketing, facilities management, promotions, food service, physical therapy, fitness centers and other businesses related to sports.

"When we think of sports as a business, we focus on the athlete and team,” said Sam Hodge, professor and chair of the Legal Studies Department at the Fox School, who will give the opening remarks. “There are many entrepreneurial opportunities available in sports.

“This program will provide a glimpse into the world of sports as a business and will feature a number of the leaders in the field who have turned a passion for sports into a career,” Hodge added.

Peter Luukko, president and COO of Philadelphia-based sports and entertainment firm Comcast-Spectacor, will be the keynote speaker. A panel discussion will follow, moderated by Michael Barkann of Comcast SportsNet. The panelists include Vernoca Michael, the first female boxing promoter in the United States and co-owner of Blue Horizon; Joe Mattioli, founder, Pocono International Raceway; John Langel, litigation partner, Ballard Spahr; Fran Dunphy, Temple men’s basketball coach and lecturer on entrepreneurship; and Leon Rose, legendary sports agent.

Michael W. Jackson, professor and director of graduate programs in Sport and Recreation Administration at Temple’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, will deliver the closing remarks.

For more information, please call the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute at 215-204-3082. Register online at fox.temple.edu/iei/calendar.

— Written by Holly Otterbein

For the Fox School of Business

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