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Academics / School of Business / 5th Annual Virtual Sport & Fitness Showcase

5th Annual Virtual Sport & Fitness Showcase

Hosted by Tiffin University, the City of Fort Myers and TeamWork Online

Jan 30, 2026

A FREE, virtual event for anyone looking to break into the sport and fitness industry. This event provides an opportunity to hear from industry professionals and gain insight of their journeys, as well as, what is happening in the sports world.

2025 Topic Schedule & Speakers

9:00 AM EST

9:20 AM EST

TeamWork Online is a premier platform connecting sports and live event professionals with career opportunities. It offers tools to build resumes, network with industry leaders, and find tailored job postings in sports, entertainment, and events. A trusted resource for students and professionals alike, it bridges the gap between talent and opportunity. As Tiffin University has recently partnered with TeamWork Online’s TeamWorkU program students can engage and understand the benefits and opportunities available to them through this program.

Moderator: Grant Pryor, Tiffin University Student

Featured Speakers: 

Bethani Burkhart*, Director of Career Services, Tiffin University

Kaeleigh Patriski, TeamWorkU Coordinator, TeamWork Online

Michelle Price, Vice President, TeamWork Online

College sports are constantly evolving with changes in technology, athlete compensation, and fan engagement. Stay informed on the latest trends shaping the industry, including NIL policies, conference realignments, and innovations in athlete wellness. Understanding these trends is key to thriving in this dynamic environment.

Moderator: Sophia Helton, Tiffin University Student

Featured Speakers:

Dylan Saunders*, Manager of Ticket Sales & Services, Learfield Amplify & Ohio State University Athletics

Lauren Procopio*, Account Executive, Teamworks

Morgan Adcock*, Associate Director of NCAA Customer Service, NCAA

Ryan Paul*, Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing & Fan Engagement, Kent State University

Behind every successful sports event is a dedicated team planning every detail. Learn the skills to manage logistics, design engaging fan experiences, and produce seamless game-day operations. This field blends creativity with precision, ensuring every event leaves a lasting impression.

Moderator: Katelyn Turner, Tiffin University Student

Featured Speakers:

Ally Gallagher, Senior Director, Special Events and Blue & Silver Club, Air Force Academy Athletics

Brett Myers*, Senior Vice President of Operations, Louisville Bats Baseball Club

Jamel Wright, Facility Lead Supervisor, NYU Athletics & Owner, WrightWaySports

 

Athletic directors must navigate complex challenges, from balancing budgets to fostering athlete success. Explore the ethical, financial, and organizational dilemmas they face and how strategic leadership can drive positive outcomes. This role requires adaptability and visionary thinking to lead in today’s competitive sports landscape.

Moderator: Riley Keller, Tiffin University Student

Featured Speakers:

Anton Goff, Athletics Director, Prairie View A&M University

Jerry Snodgrass, Former Executive Director, Ohio High School Athletic Association

Kelly Daniel, Assistant Vice President for Athletics, Tiffin University

Kevin Lennon, Senior Vice President for Policy and Governance, NCAA

10:00 AM EST

Internships are the gateway to a thriving career in sports. Gain hands-on experience, build professional networks, and develop skills in areas like marketing, operations, or media. Discover how internships can pave the way to future full-time roles.

Moderator: Hasani Msimbwa, Tiffin University Student

Featured Speakers:

Alanna Widman*, Assistant Equipment Manager, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

Joe Fenimore, President, F-O-R-T-U-N-E Personnel Consultants of Flag City

   

Kerri Perricone*, Student HR Director, Flag City Sluggers

Maddie Recker*, Group & Season Ticket Consultant, Toledo Mud Hens

Rodrick Cureton Jr., Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Outreach Manager, Milwaukee Bucks

Women are breaking barriers across all levels of the sports industry. Celebrate their achievements, explore career opportunities, and learn about initiatives aimed at advancing gender equity. Be inspired by trailblazers reshaping the future of sports.

Moderator: Tatiana Bermudez, Tiffin University Student

Featured Speakers:

Alfreeda Goff, Retired Senior Associate Commission/Chief of Staff, Horizon League

Amanda Brown*, Assistant Athletic Director, Student-Athlete Development & Professional Advancement, University of Kentucky

Kara Hess, Chief Experience Officer, Women Leaders in Sports

Meredith Scerba, Senior VP of Partnerships & Revenue Generation, NACDA

Monique Smith, Founder of Seeds of Empowerment & Podcaster for “Where Significance Blooms in Athletics & Sports”

Athlete representation combines negotiation, marketing, and legal expertise to support professional athletes. Explore career paths in this competitive field, from contract negotiations to brand partnerships. Learn how agents and representatives help athletes thrive on and off the field.

Moderator: Zach Grebert, Tiffin University Student

Featured Speakers:

Christian Addison, Founder, ASE Representation

Lee Johnson, Certified Agent, Lee Johnson Agency

Maine Prince, Certified Contract Advisor for NFLPA, Prince Management Group

Molly Kemper, Manager, Early Careers Recruiting, WME

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies have revolutionized college sports, impacting athlete recruitment and branding. Dive into the opportunities and challenges of this new era, including compliance, endorsements, and the evolving recruitment landscape.

Moderator: Emily Hammer, Tiffin University

Featured Speakers:

Ian Bunting, NIL Agency Director, Valiant Management Group

  

Jim Convertino, Director, Professional Athletes & Entertainers Insurance Solutions Practice

Dr. Lorenzo Guess, Director of Athletic Performance & Head Athletic Performance for Men’s Basketball, Michigan State University

Mark Koesterer, Founder, The Players NIL

 

Mary Boyden*, Assistant Track & Field Coach, Ohio University

Toby Baldwin, Executive Associate A.D., NIL & Operational Advancement, Oklahoma University

10:40 AM EST

Sponsorships and partnerships are at the heart of sports business, driving revenue and brand visibility. Learn how professionals create innovative collaborations between teams, athletes, and corporations. Discover roles in sales, activation, and partnership management.

Moderator: Darryl Waller, Tiffin University Student

Featured Speakers:

Danny Singer, Coordinator of Sports Brand Solutions, Disney (ESPN)

   

Kelly Hyne, Senior Vice President, Brand Alliances, Orlando City Soccer Club

Sean Kriek*, Manager of Business Development at Weber State Sports Properties, Learfield

Sara Knysh, Director, Measurement and Insights, InterSport

A career with the NFL offers exciting opportunities in one of the world’s most iconic sports leagues. From internships to full-time roles, explore positions in marketing, operations, media, and more. Learn what it takes to succeed in this highly competitive environment.

Moderator: Olivia Miller, Tiffin University Student

Featured Speakers:

Alexander Martin, Director of Player Engagement, Miami Dolphins

   

Chanel Murff, Senior Manager, Emerging Products & Strategy, NFL

Joe Lofton*, Football Development Manager, NFL Pittsburgh Steelers

Kristen Hamwey, Chief People Officer, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sports broadcasting brings the game to life for millions of fans. Discover careers behind the mic, in production rooms, or in content creation for sports entertainment platforms. This field combines storytelling with technical expertise to enhance fan engagement.

Moderator: Jacob Ellis, Tiffin University Student

Featured Speakers:

Dean Jackson, Broadcaster, Play-by-Play

  

Duane Battle, Video Lead, Tiffin University & Camera Crew, BCSN

Helen Williams, College Basketball Analyst & Chief Executive Officer at We Move Coaches & A Coach for the Coach

Margriet de Schutter, Elite Speed Skater, Author, Motivational Speaker, Presenter, Host, & Sports Journalist, Netherlands

Ticketing and fan services professionals are the frontline of fan engagement. Learn how they manage sales, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and ensure events run smoothly. This sector is essential to creating memorable moments for fans.

Moderator: Cody Powell, Tiffin University Student

Featured Speakers:

Ashley Madison*, Manager of Ticket Sales, Cleveland Guardians

   

Ben Milsom, Chief Revenue Officer, Intersport

Devin Stith, Premium Sales and Service Representative, Cleveland Browns

Dylan Powers, Director of Ticket Administration, Dayton Dragons

Rob Zuer, Senior VP, Hospitality & Ticket Sales, Elevate Sports Ventures

11:20 AM EST

Professional sports offer a wide range of career opportunities, from team operations to business development. Explore pathways to join leagues, franchises, and organizations across the globe. A career in pro sports demands passion, versatility, and innovation.

Moderator: Nicole Nemeth, Tiffin University Student

Featured Speakers:

Adam Vogel, Senior Director, Team Training & Development, BSE Global

  

Brian Pernell*, Digital Contractor, UFC

Kyle Moll, VP of Sales, Zawyer Sports and Entertainment and Team President of Savannah Ghost Pirates

Madeline Larsen, Senior Manager, Suites & Hospitality Development, Cleveland Cavaliers

An advanced degree can unlock new opportunities in sports management and leadership. Learn how programs in business, law, or data analytics can enhance your career. Discover how further education can set you apart in this competitive industry.

Moderator: Riley Keller, Tiffin University Student

Featured Speakers:

Brandon Wright J.D., Associate Professor of Instruction in Sports Administration & Sports Career Coaching, Ohio University

 

Dr. Derichard McCoy, Assistant Professor of Sports Management, Benedict College

Dr. Sandra Geringer, Assistant Professor of Education, Tiffin University

 

From data analytics to wearable tech, innovation is transforming sports performance and fan engagement. Explore careers at the intersection of technology and sports, driving advancements in athlete training, broadcast technology, and virtual experiences.

Moderator: Carson Drennen, Tiffin University Student

Featured Speakers:

Brian Perkins, Director of Ticket Strategy & Analytics, Toledo Walleye & Mud Hens

   

Harold Smith*, Football Director of Creative Media, Coastal Carolina University

Shonna Brown, Associate Commissioner for Football Operations, PAC-12 Conference

Ensuring safety and efficiency is critical in managing large-scale sports venues. Explore careers in security, operations, and facility management, ensuring fans and athletes enjoy a seamless experience. This field combines logistics with crisis management skills.

Moderator: Ryan Konyecsni, Tiffin University Student

Featured Speakers:

Derek Halbasch, Director of Stadium & Partner Logistics, Cleveland Browns

 

James DeMeo, Unified Sports & Entertainment Security Consulting, LLC

Michele Powell, VP of Operations & Event Development, Haslam Sports Group

Olivia Hornak, Event & Security Coordinator, S.A.F.E. Management

* Tiffin University Alumni

Click Here to Register


Thank you to Participating Faculty Members

2024 Recap

Overview 2024 showcase

The 2024 event partnered Tiffin University and the City of Fort Myers in cooperation with Florida Gulf Coast University and the United States Sports Academy to engage with over 60 speakers in 16 breakout rooms focusing on careers and hot topics in sports. Over 300 participants zoomed in and out of each of the breakout rooms to engage, network and connect with industry professionals throughout the world.