ABOUT THE SFIA START-UP CHALLENGE The SFIA Start-Up Challenge is celebrating its third year of unparalleled competition from around the world, bringing the most innovative, cutting-edge ideas and products to the big stage at the Industry Leaders Summit. For the first time ever, due to the high interest and quality of applicants, SFIA has chosen six start-ups to compete in the 2018 Challenge. These companies will receive 10 minutes to pitch their company to a distinguished panel of judges, as well as the entire summit audience, comprised of industry executives, experts and investors. Also new to the 2018 competition — Finalists will be vying for a grand prize of $15,000 (provided by Black Lab Sports) and an all-expensepaid trip to spend a day with the Under Armour Innovation Team. The six finalists were selected based on their proven leadership and innovation within the industry, and their potential to improve and grow the world of sports and fitness. The Start-Up Challenge will kick off the Industry Leaders Summit on Wednesday, September 26, from 8:30 am – 10:00 am in the Grand Ballroom.
START-UP CHALLENGE JUDGES Listed in alphabetical order by last name Dan Arment, President & CEO, Riddell & BRG Sports Keith Bank, Founder & Managing Partner, KB Partners Alexander Bente, Principal, ADvantage Sports Tech Fund Adam Blumenfeld, CEO, Varsity Brands Julia Clark Day, Executive Director of Business Development, The NPD Group Chris Clawson, Chairman, Sports & Fitness Industry Association Lorin Hamlin, Head of Innovation Partnerships, Under Armour Scott McDonald, CEO, Body-Solid, Inc. Alison Minter, Managing Director, North Castle Partners Mike Savage, CEO, Empower Fitness Dan Sheridan, Executive Vice President of Global Sales, Brooks Running Matthew Tingler, Managing Director, Robert W. Baird Marco Zambianchi, President, Technogym Mike Zlaket, President & CEO, Rawlings Sporting Goods
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2018 SFIA INDUSTRY LEADERS SUMMIT
