If you want an ideal platform to learn about the sports and entertainment industry, network, or even land your next internship, make arrangements to be in New York City for either the 5th Annual Sports Sponsorship Symposium (Sept. 25-26) or the ABA Forum on The Entertainment and Sports Industries (Oct. 11-13). In addition to the Sports Law Conference at Marquette University, these are two very notable forums that I would recommend to anybody looking to get your name out there.
I can personally attest to the benefits of attending one of these forums. Two years ago, I attended the ABA’s Forum on The Entertainment and Sports Industries with a classmate when I was in my second year of law school. It was very informative and I made a few invaluable contacts.
While both forums happen to be held in the same place–the New York Marriot Marquis in Time Square–they both offer diverse programs. You can check out the brochures for each forum below to decide which forum better suites your personal needs:
- The 5th Annual Sports Sponsorship Symposium [Brochure]
- The ABA Forum on The Entertainment and Sports Industries [Brochure]
From a cost standpoint, the ABA’s Forum is much more affordable.
The Sports Sponsorship Symposium costs $1,445 for SportsBusiness paid subscribers and $1,595 for non-subscribers.
The ABA Forum is drastically cheaper at $650 for General Attendees (Non-Forum/ABA Members), $600 for ABA Members, $550 for Forum Members, and $325 for Law Students. You better register on or before September 14, 2007 if you want the early bird discount ($100 cheaper).
If you decide to attend either forum or both, make sure you bring along some nice, professional business cards to hand out while you network. You never know whom you might meet. As I always tell people, all it takes is one!
Don’t hesistate to email me if you have any other questions.
–Matthew Allinson
2 replies on “NYC’s Sports Forums Provide The Perfect Opportunity To Break Into The Industry”
Hey Matt being that I live in New York, I am really going to look into going to one of these forums the Sports Symposium may be a tad too expensive for me.
Now I am a grad-student and therefore don’t have any business cards to hand out, I guess a resume will do. Would you say that the ABA is worth the money.
Yes, its worth the money if you maximize your opportunities while you are there. If you go into it determined to network and learn more about the industry, I would recommend it. I would also recommend going to FedEx Kinkos and having business cards printed up. They don’t charge much and you can put that you are a current student. Handing out resumes might be a bit too formal. All and all, I’d say it’s worth the investment.