2024 AGENDA
* Subject to change
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
10:00 AM
Registration Hosted by Magnifi
10:30 AM
IAF Connect Brunch (For the first 200 attendees who register) IAF Connect is a meticulously organized and highly intentional networking program. Designed to offer the most valuable networking experience possible, our mission is to ensure that each attendee leaves smarter and better connected than when they arrived.
10:45 AM
Brunch for those not signed up for IAF Connect Session
11:30 AM
Opening Remarks
11:45 AM
Speaker Introduction by Steve Hogan, CEO, Florida Citrus Sports Sponsored by Florida Citrus Sports Featured Interview
- Lt. General Richard M. Clark, Executive Director, College Football Playoff
12:15 PM
Driving Revenue Growth in College Sports: What’s Moving the Needle Now and into the Future Facing rising revenue pressures, college athletics organizations are exploring innovative ways to unlock new revenue streams. From immediate opportunities like on-field logos, stadium naming rights, and NIL sponsorships to emerging options such as jersey patches, these organizations are adapting to meet the dynamic needs of college sports. - Ross Bjork, Athletic Director, The Ohio State University
- Cole Gahagan, President & CEO, LEARFIELD
- Casey Wasserman, Chairman and CEO, Wasserman; Chairperson and President, LA28; President and CEO, Wasserman Foundation
12:50 PM
The Future and Value of the Bowl System Outside of the CFP As the College Football Playoff (CFP) continues to expand, what does the future hold for the bowl system outside the CFP? What value do these games bring to teams, fans, sponsors, and media? - Nick Carparelli, Executive Director, Bowl Season
- Kurt Dargis, Senior Director, Programming & Acquisitions, College Football, ESPN
- Steve Hogan, CEO, Florida Citrus Sports
- John Saccenti, Executive Director, Las Vegas Bowl
- Alex Sotiropoulos, Brand Manager, Pop-Tarts
1:25 PM
House vs. NCAA Module: Perspectives on Why It Happened and What Happens Now
Perspectives on why it happened and what happens now.
PART 1: Perspective I.
1:25 – 1:55 PM
- Jeffrey Kessler, Partner and Co-Executive Chairman & Co-Chair, Antitrust/Competition Practice, Winston & Strawn
PART 2: Perspective II.
1:55 – 2:15 PM
- Jim Cavale, Founder & CEO, Athletes.org - Jeffrey Kessler, Partner and Co-Executive Chairman & Co-Chair, Antitrust/Competition Practice, Winston & Strawn
- Jason Stahl, Executive Director and Founder, College Football Players Association
2:15 PM
Break
Hosted by FEVO
2:45 PM
The Future of College Sports Panelists discuss their plan to re-structure FBS college football to correct its economics, grow the sport, partner with the players, and fund Olympic sports in a more sustainable, long-term way. - Mark Abbott, Former President and Deputy Commissioner of Major League Soccer
- Chris Bevilacqua, Co-Founder, BH | V
- Bubba Cunningham, Athletic Director, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Gordon Gee, President, West Virginia University
- Len Perna, Chairman & CEO, TurnkeyZRG
3:20 PM
Featured Interview: A President’s Perspective - Gordon Gee, President, West Virginia University
3:50 PM
NIL - Crisis OR Progress? Panelists will explore the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Discover how these changes are shaping the future of college sports. - Hilary Cox, Executive Associate Athletics Director for Strategic Initiatives, University of South Carolina
- Solly Fulp, Executive Vice President, NIL Growth and Development, LEARFIELD
- Walker Jones, Executive Director, The Grove Collective
- Brittney Whiteside, Vice President, Collegiate Partnerships, Altius Sports Partners
4:25 PM
Closing Remarks
4:30 PM
Reception
6:00 PM
National Football Foundation 66th Annual Awards Dinner Purchase Tickets: HERE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11
8:00 AM
Breakfast & Registration
Registration Hosted by Magnifi
Breakfast Hosted by TFL
9:00 AM
Featured Interview - Charlie Baker, President, NCAA
9:30 AM
Unlocking Private Equity: The New Revenue Frontier in College Athletics
Private equity has become a buzzword in college athletics, but what does it truly mean for universities and their athletics departments? Panelists will discuss the impact of private equity on college campuses, the intricacies of private equity's integration with universities and their athletics departments, the potential benefits and pitfalls and how PE may reshape the future for college sports. - Tim Pernetti, Commissioner, American Athletic Conference
- Drew Weatherford, Founding Partner, Weatherford Capital and Collegiate Athletic Solutions
- Dr. Robert C. Robbins, President Emeritus, the University of Arizona
10:00 AM
The Athletic Director’s Perspective: Inside Expansion and Conference Realignment Panelists will discuss the far-reaching impact of expansion and conference realignment. Learn how these movements affect competition, student athlete well-being, revenue streams, and more. - Joe Castiglione, Athletic Director, University of Oklahoma
- Chris Del Conte, Athletic Director, University of Texas
- Martin Jarmond, Athletic Director, University of California, Los Angeles
- Jim Knowlton, Athletic Director, University of California, Berkeley
10:35 AM
Break
11:05 AM
Addressing Mental Health: OnBalance and University of Miami Partnership Panelists will discuss the critical importance of addressing mental health in college sports. Discover proactive solutions, including innovative technological approaches, to tackle the mental health crisis and support student-athletes effectively. - Walt Norley, Founder, Chairman & CEO, OnBalance
- Dan Radakovich, Athletic Director, University of Miami
11:25 AM
Execs Weigh in on the Biggest Industry Issues and Trends The transformation and reimagination of college athletics are happening now. College sports are at a critical turning point. Panelists will discuss: - Academics
- Improving the student-athlete experience
- Private equity
- Recent court decisions and pending litigation
- Transfer portal
- Governance changes
- Revenue generation and sharing
- Title IX
- Olympic sports
- The at-home and in-venue fan experience
- Conference realignment
- NIL
- Roster management
- And other industry issues and trends - Caitlin Jacklin, Senior Manager, U.S. College Athletics Leader, Deloitte
- Bernadette V. McGlade, Commissioner, Atlantic 10 Conference
- Graham Neff, Athletic Director, Clemson University
- Gloria Nevarez, Commissioner, Mountain West Conference
12:00 PM
Finding Future Fandom Panelists will explore strategies to engage the next generation of fans. Learn how to develop a digital strategy that leverages technology and data to connect with fans in new and innovative ways. - Travis Cameron, Associate Athletic Director / Chief Revenue Officer, University of Minnesota
- Jessica Gelman, CEO, Kraft Analytics Group
- Brian Higgins, Senior Vice President, Business Performance, NCAA
- Ben Mathan, Chief Strategy Officer, LEARFIELD
12:35 PM
Lunch What Keeps You Up at Night? The Student Athlete Perspective Join us for an insightful panel discussion where student-athletes including NFF Scholar Athletes, share their experiences and challenges. Our panelists will delve into a range of topics, including: - Balancing Academics and Athletics: How do student-athletes manage their time and commitments?
- Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL): The impact of NIL on student-athletes’ lives.
- Transfer Portal: The competitive impact of the transfer portal.
- Mental Health Crisis: Addressing the mental health challenges faced by student-athletes and the support systems available. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear firsthand from those navigating the unique pressures of being a student-athlete.
You will hear from: - Meredith Page, Women’s Volleyball, Radford University
- Jackson Woodard, Linebacker, Football, University of Nevada, Las Vegas and National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete
1:45 PM
PARTNER INSIGHT Presentation: The Use of Temporary Structures to Increase Revenue and Improve the Spectator Experience - Jason Tedrow, CEO, InProduction
2:05 PM
Big Media. Big Ideas. Big Revenue. A Look inside the College Basketball Crown
The inaugural College Basketball Crown is set to feature schools from the Big Ten, Big 12, and Big East, along with additional at-large participants. This exciting event will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas from Monday, March 31 to Sunday, April 6, 2025, with all the action airing on Fox and FS1. Panelists will discuss this new big idea. - Val Ackerman, Commissioner, Big East Conference
- Nick Baker, COO, Global Partnerships, AEG
- Jordan Bazant, Executive Vice President, Fox Sports
- Kerry Kenny, COO, Big Ten Conference
2:35 PM
Driving Incremental Revenue Panelists will explore various strategies for revenue growth. From maximizing facilities and sports entertainment districts to enhancing premium hospitality and fan experiences, and uncovering new sponsorship opportunities, discover how programs and partners are seeking to drive incremental revenue. - John Currie, Athletic Director, Wake Forest University
- Wes Day, CEO, REVELxp
- Rhett Hobart, Deputy Athletic Director, External Affairs, Auburn University
3:10 PM
Partner Insight Hear how WWE is successfully integrating itself into the world of college football through partnerships, athlete development and recruitment. - Tyrel Kirkham, CMO, Big 12 Conference
- Scott Zanghellini, Senior Vice President and Head, Revenue, WWE
3:30 PM
What Keeps you Up at Night? Addressing the Budgetary Challenges Administrators are Facing Panelists will delve into the pressing budgetary challenges facing administrators. Discover where the next revenue opportunities are coming from and learn how to position your teams for success amidst revenue pressures. - Mike Alford, Athletic Director, Florida State University
- Keith Carter, Athletic Director, University of Mississippi
- Warde Manuel, Athletic Director, University of Michigan
- Desiree Reed-Francois, Athletic Director, University of Arizona
- Graham Rossini, Athletic Director, Arizona State University
4:20 PM
Closing Remarks
4:30 PM