5:20 – 6:45 PM
Happy Hour Networking Reception
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Dinner & Awards Ceremony FEATURING: Greg Gadson, Decorated Army Commander & New York Giants Honorary Captain
9:00 – 11:00 PM
Informal Gathering, Ship Tavern *Optional This casual and lively restaurant, located in The Brown Palace Hotel, offers a vintage pub atmosphere and a great place to catch the latest sports games. Join SFIA and your fellow attendees at the tavern to sample its exceptional micro-brewed beers and wines.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2018 *All general summit sessions will take place in the Grand Ballroom 6:30 – 7:30 AM
Morning Run/Walk *Optional Early risers are welcome to join SFIA for a run or walk to take in the beautiful landmarks of the Mile High City.
8:00 – 8:30 AM
Breakfast Buffet
8:30 – 9:15 AM
reakfast with Matt Powell: Best Practices for B Brands & Retail in the Internet Age Join Matt Powell for breakfast and an interactive discussion of marketplace trends and what brands and retailers can do to win in the internet age. Matt, a well-known and often quoted expert in the sports industry, will be presenting the trends and forces shaping our industry and its future. Matt will assess the industry across various categories, discuss the forces impacting manufacturers, retailers and consumers, and provide his predictions for the coming year. Drawing upon NPD’s sales tracking data, his 40+ years in the industry, and insights from what has been successful in other industries NPD tracks, Matt will focus on best practices and what manufacturers and retailers can do to thrive in today’s rapidly changing marketplace. Matt Powell, Vice President & Senior Industry Advisor, The NPD Group
9:15 – 10:15 AM
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Fireside Chat with Merril Hoge Merril Hoge is passionate about sports, science and kids. And, after notable careers in the NFL and with ESPN, he’s not afraid to ask the tough questions. He’s also resilient, having almost lost his hand as a child, losing his mother as a teenager, surviving cancer and open-heart surgery, and seeing his football career cut short by a serious head injury. As an author and social commentator, Merril channels his passion, toughness and resiliency. He wrote his first book, Find a Way, about his life journey, and is now finalizing a potential blockbuster, which explores the national debate around concussions and the future of youth sports. Join us for a candid conversation with Merril to learn about his work and findings—it’s guaranteed to be eye-opening. Merril Hoge, Former NFL Player & ESPN Analyst, Author
10:15 – 10:45 AM
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Networking Break
2018 SFIA INDUSTRY LEADERS SUMMIT
