SSAC

Moderator: Jackie MacMullan

Panelists: Sue Bird, Jeff Van Gundy, Nick Caserio

As fans, we watch sports for the unexpected and for the feats we did not see coming. Of course, many of the most memorable are David defeating Goliath. Upsets. Last second shots. Win streaks. What leads to the right moments where chemistry defeats legacy? Hear from Sue Bird, Jeff Van Gundy, Nick Caserio, and Daryl Morey on how players, GMs, and coaches come together when they have been both David and Goliath. What are the keys to developing this "underdog" mindset, and how can those of us who are not professional athletes apply those lessons to the challenges we face every day? #Underdog

Moderator: Michele Steele

Panelists: Paul Tudor Jones, Jonathan Kraft
American Football has long held the marquee sports spot within the United States thanks to continual advancements made by leagues and in the sport at large. The NFL is in a period of growth and innovation: the NFL's fan demographics have expanded, 5 international games will be played in 2024, player safety is paramount, flag football has been added to the 2028 Olympics, NFL games accounted for 93 of the top 100 most watched TV broadcasts in 2023, and more. However, fewer of America's youth are playing the game than any time in the past decade and there is concern about the traditional college football model. In this session we'll hear from Jonathan Kraft and Paul Tudor Jones II, two business titans who are at the forefront of this new football era, about what these recent dynamics mean for the game and how they expect the game to progress over the next few years. #FutureOfFootball

Moderator: Ted Knutson

Panelists: Steve Palazzolo, Eugene Shen, Sean Clement, Heather Maclean

This panel will deep dive into the multi-faceted world of football analytics with seasoned industry experts from the Washington Commanders, Pro Football Focus, SumerSports, and StatsBomb. The panelists will discuss the current breadth of analytics use cases in football, ranging from the crucial role data plays in player evaluation and roster construction to the rapidly increasing utilization of data to inform game strategy and decision-making. The panelists will highlight the tangible impacts of data-driven methodologies in shaping the modern football landscape and explore potential analytics advancements that can further enhance the influence of data on success in the NFL. #TheNumbersGame

Moderator: Liz Moulton

Panelists: Kirsten Corio, Julie Haddon, Dave Alpern
In an era where sports sponsorships offer an abundance of assets, from jersey patches to on-court branding, the challenge lies in ensuring that partners receive optimal value while maintaining fan engagement and data privacy. This panel, featuring perspectives from leaders across various industries and roles, including the USTA, NWSL, Los Angeles Rams, and Joe Gibbs Racing, delves into the dynamics of sponsor-brand-fan relationships. This panel will explore evolving fan expectations, successful activations, and the impact of shifting data landscapes on sponsorship strategies. While traditional marketing remains a cornerstone of sponsorships, the panel will discuss how it's transitioning to become more digital, emphasizing the fusion of traditional and digital marketing in today's sports sponsorship ecosystem. The panel offers insights into how sponsors are adapting their approaches to first-party data access, emphasizing the importance of staying connected to fans in innovative ways. #ActivatingValue

Moderator: Jacob Feldman

Panelists: Brian Josephs, Keith Goldner, Eric Rimsky

As the U.S. sports betting market continues to mature, hear how key stakeholders within the ecosystem are collaborating to maximize fan engagement opportunities today and in the future. This panel will feature a deep dive into the deeper event data, including the growing focus on the athlete narrative as well as the usage of emerging technologies and advanced analytics. The panelists will discuss how these tools are being leveraged to fuel in-play betting, increase betting offers, and create personalized experiences that bring fans closer to the sports they love. #SportsBetting

Moderator: Jeff Ma

Panelists: Grant Cloud, Madeleine Want, Brett Abarbanel

In the rapidly evolving landscape of sports gaming, the intersection of data analytics and technological innovation is creating unprecedented opportunities for growth and engagement. This panel will explore the forefront of innovation in sports gaming, highlighting how data is driving the development of new products and enhancing the sports viewing experience. Key topics will include new DFS game formats, responsible gaming initiatives, the integration of Esports into traditional sports gaming platforms, and the growth of digital communities that connect sports enthusiasts and enable them to form deeper connections to the games they love. Experts from leading gaming companies, including PrizePicks and Fanatics, will offer a deep dive into the intricate behind-the-scenes efforts that fuel these cutting-edge advancements in sports gaming. They will provide a rare glimpse into the complex interplay of data analytics, technology, and creative vision that underpins the development of new gaming formats and enhancements to the sports viewing experience. Through this discussion, the panelists will uncover how data and technology are not just changing the way games are played, but also how they are watched and experienced, paving the way for a more immersive and engaging sports gaming future. #TheNewPlaybook

Moderator: Danny Rensch

Panelists: Daryl Morey, Levy Rozman, Robert Hess

"The Digital Gambit" brings together chess legends Danny Rensch, Levy Rozman, Robert Hess, James Canty, and Daryl Morey to explore the evolution of chess in the digital era. This panel will delve into the transformation of chess content, fueled by mainstream media and online streaming, and its burgeoning appeal to a younger, tech-savvy audience. Discussions will focus on innovative formats like Chess960, the role of Twitch streamers in popularizing chess, and blending chess with other disciplines for unique content creation. The panel will also tackle the challenges of online cheating, the use of AI to enhance the chess experience, and strategies to monetize content while preserving the game’s integrity. Join us for an insightful exploration into how chess is being reimagined for a new generation, maintaining its rich heritage while embracing technological advancements. The event will also feature live demonstrations with our grandmasters interacting with the audience! #DigitalGambit

Moderator: Jeff Ma 
Panelists: Nate Silver, Xuan Liu, Jennifer Shahade

With the proliferation of analytics in sports and the increasing accessibility of machine learning, defining the next optimal next move is becoming increasingly challenging. Join us for an insightful poker panel as we explore the evolution of strategy in the game, driven by probability, game theory, and statistical analysis. Delving into how these analytical tools have revolutionized poker gameplay, our esteemed panelists will discuss the ways in which traditional strategies have been redefined and the game itself transformed. Beyond the poker table, we'll examine how these strategic principles are crossing into other domains, from sports to business, reshaping decision-making paradigms across industries. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of analytics, strategy, and the future of poker. #ProbabilityToProfit

Moderator: Erin Kelly

Panelists: Michelene Rabbitt, Dejan Mitkovski, Karlis Kezbers, Daryl Morey

After years of progress, the sports industry has increasingly embraced the usage of data & analytics to optimize and enhance business performance. But in a world where data-driven decision making is now part of the status quo, what is the next frontier for data & analytics in sports business? This panel will bring together executives from Snowflake, Ticketmaster, FanDuel, and NASCAR to delve into the innovative ways in which they deploy data & analytics tools. The panelists will discuss recent developments in data & analytics technologies, the impact of these technological advancements on current operations, and the future of data & analytics utilization in sports business as technological innovation accelerates. #DataRevolution

Moderator: Allison Loucks 

Panelists:  Brian Burke, Dean Oliver

ESPN Analytics will host a conversation with two leaders in the advanced metrics space, hitting on the prominence of analytics in the recently completed NFL playoffs, the impact on football and basketball in-game decision making, the media’s role in presenting analytics, and much more. #ImpactingTheGame