The brains behind the Ducks, the Dodgers and the Habs

Some of the most recognizable names in the major leagues will usher in the 20th edition of the John Molson Sports Business Conference, the largest student-run event of its kind in Canada.

"This is certainly our best speaker lineup to date,” says Mikael Clement, co-president of the John Molson Sports Marketing Committee (JMSM), made up of students from the John Molson School of Business.

The conference takes place from November 5 to 7 and aims to gather 300 student delegates from across the continent to network and learn from the industry’s top executives. Last year, the meeting brought together representatives from more than 20 North American universities.

From presidents to general managers, 24 distinguished speakers will be on site representing North America’s top teams.

Headliners include:

• Geoff Molson, owner, president and chief executive officer of the Montreal Canadiens
  
  
• Ken Holland, general manager and executive vice-president of the Detroit Red Wings
  
  
• Ned Colletti, special advisor to the president and chief executive officer of the Los Angeles Dodgers
  
  
• Michael Schulman, chief executive officer of the Anaheim Ducks

William Chan, co-president of the JMSM, says attendees will be privy to a number of panel discussions and workshops on issues shaping today’s sports industry, such as the role of social media in engaging a new generation of fans, the difficulties of maintaining brand appeal in the wake of economic downturn and the rise of soccer in North America.

“With the confirmations of Bob Lenarduzzi, president of the Vancouver Whitecaps, and Bill Manning, who was just named president of Toronto FC, we can expect great insights from our first ever Major League Soccer panel,” says Clement.

A unique feature of the conference is the JMSM Case Competition. Participating students will form teams to analyze a real sports industry business case and present their recommendations. This year, JMSM has collaborated with the Concordia Stingers and Cossette to create a case about the recent Concordia Stingers rebranding. 

Delegates will have numerous opportunities to meet face to face with speakers in an intimate setting.

“It’s a chance to network with industry executives as well as with 300 other students from across the continent who share a similar passion for the business side of sports,” says Chan. “We’ve had students secure internships and jobs within the sports industry through the connections they made during the conference.”

The 20th anniversary John Molson Sports Business Conference runs from November 5 to 7. Buy your tickets today.