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April 14 & 15, 2025 Omni at The Star

Summit Schedule

The 2025 programming schedule was updated on Monday March 10, 2025 and is scheduled to change.

Sports tech conference

Monday, April 14

12:00pm - 12:45pm
Star Ballroom

The Future is Here: Arena Technology Making an Impact

From immersive fan engagement to AI-driven venue operations, technology is redefining how arenas deliver unforgettable live experiences. Industry leaders from ESPN, COSM, Globant, and ASM Legends will explore advancements in interactive digital environments, smart stadium infrastructure, and next-gen crowd management.

Marques Colston Champion Venture Partners
Mariano BalcarceBusiness Hacking Director, Globant
Zack MaletSr. Dir., ESPN Business Development & Innovation
1:00pm - 1:35pm
Star Ballroom

From Playbooks to Boardrooms: Athletes Turning Visionaries

Elite performance doesn't stop at the final whistle—it fuels the next chapter. Join former pro athletes turned entrepreneurs and investors—Christian Ponder (The Post), Thad Young (Reform Ventures), and Justin Forsett (Hustle Clean)—as they share how they’ve leveraged their competitive mindset, leadership skills, and industry insights to build businesses, invest in innovation, and create lasting impact beyond the game.

moderator
Christian PonderFounder, The Post
Thad YoungFounder, Reform Ventures
Justin ForsettFounder, Hustle Clean
1:00pm - 1:35pm
Wynne Ballroom

Optimizing Recovery & Longevity: Enhancing Quality of Life

Experts from leading sports science and technology companies discuss cutting-edge advancements in recovery, injury prevention, and longevity, exploring how innovative therapies, wearable tech, and data-driven insights are enhancing athlete performance and overall quality of life.

moderator
Chris MinorFounder & Managing Partner, Coact Capital
Jesse HodgeFounder, Modtub
Valerin KrossinTheralight
Jim DonnellyFounder, Humanaut Health
1:50pm - 2:25pm
Star Ballroom

How Technology is Shaping Decision Making

The mental side of high performance is becoming a major sector for innovation and investment. Our panel of experts from sports and the military will discuss how decision making under pressure is measured and improved in addition to new technologies that are redefining the category.

Moderator
Art ChouManaging Director, Stadia Ventures
Quay BarnettGM, Anduril Warfighter Systems
Jeff RuedigerCEO, Overmatch
Peter VintChief of Sport, USA Volleyball
2:40pm - 3:15pm
Star Ballroom

The Power of Progress: How Women are Reshaping the Sports Industry

From front offices to boardrooms, women are shaping the future of sports like never before. This panel explores the biggest challenges, success stories, and untapped opportunities for women in sports tech and investment.

moderator
Lydia Davies Founder, Osprey
Fielding Jamieson Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Tipt Ventures
Emily Radyte CEO, Samphire Neuroscience
Kim Nixon Managing Partner, Open Venture Capital
2:40pm - 3:15pm
Wynne Ballroom

Emerging Leagues: The Future of New Sport

As sports evolve, new leagues and alternative competitions are capturing global attention and reshaping the industry. This panel will explore the rise of emerging sports leagues, their impact on fan engagement, investment opportunities, and how technology, media, and shifting consumer interests are fueling their growth.

Emily McIlquhamAssociate, Relay Ventures
Holden MarkoffPrincipal, Pines Capital Group
Joe DunniganFounder & CEO, Alt Sports Data
3:30pm - 4:05pm
Star Ballroom

Betting on the Future: Where Sports Wagering is Headed Next

As sports betting becomes more personalized and immersive, what role will AI, predictive analytics, and real-time engagement play? This panel will break down how sports books and tech companies are redefining fan engagement through next-gen betting experiences.

moderator
Evan DavisAttorney, RCCB Law
Javier AltamiranoGlobal Head of Startups, Sportradar
Mark AntalFounder & CEO, Staked AI
Lloyd DanzigManaging Partner, SharpAlpha
3:30pm - 4:05pm
Wynne Ballroom

Finding the Unicorns in Sports Tech

With billions of dollars flowing into sports tech, the race is on to find the next billion-dollar breakthrough. This panel brings together top investors and industry leaders to reveal what it takes for a sports tech startup to achieve unicorn status, the trends driving the biggest exits, and how investors separate hype from true innovation.

moderator
Paine MatiscikManaging Partner, 4th & 1 Ventures
Pialy AdityaChief Strategy Officer, Republic
Mary OwenCo-Founder & GP, Forma Capital
4:20pm - 5:05pm
Star Ballroom

Pushing Boundaries & Rethinking the Limits

How are sports science and technology redefining human performance? Experts from Baylor Scott & White, Gatorade, and Plug and Play Sports Tech discuss cutting-edge advancements in nutrition, recovery, wearables, and AI-driven injury prevention, showcasing the innovations pushing the limits of athletic potential.

moderator
Kristen Rodgers Dir. of Brand, Retail, Media, Ad & Sports, Plug & Play
Sally MottRace Car Driver
Eric FreeseSenior Manager, PepsiCo
Simon DriverBaylor Scott & White
4:20pm - 5:05pm
Wynne Ballroom

New Age of College Athletics at the Intersection of Technology and Capital

Unpacking several cornerstone technology providers within the student and institutional ecosystems overlaid against the mindset and voice of the new age investor within this post NIL athletics space.

moderator
Greg FinkelsteinManaging Director, Tyton Partners
Steve SimmonsCOO, Nilent
Rachel MaengCEO, GEN Agency
David WhortonCo-Founder, CMO of SportsBiz
Opening Reception
by Blue Star Innovation Partners & Five Point Venture Partners
@ Sidecar Social   //   6:00pm - 8:00pm

Tuesday, April 15

10:00am - 10:45am
Star Ballroom

Beyond the Bench: The Next Era of Sports Innovation & Investment

This panel will explore how sports tech startups are securing funding in today’s market, what venture funds look for in early-stage companies, and the role of corporate investors, leagues, and strategic partners in fostering innovation.

moderator
Wayne KimmelFounder & Managing Director, SeventySix Capital
Lance DietzPartner, KB Partners
Melanie StrongFounding Partner, NEXT VENTURES
10:55am - 11:30am
Star Ballroom

From Fairway to Funding: Leagues Betting on Tech

Hear directly from PGA TOUR, PGA of America, and a leading startup backed by PGA TOUR about how sports leagues are strategically investing in technology to drive innovation and enhance their game-day experience.

Lance StoverSr. Vice President, New Ventures, PGA Tour
Kris HartSenior Director, Growth and Ventures, PGA of America
Evan RooseveltManaging Partner, Old Tom Capital
10:55am - 11:30am
Wynne Ballroom

Opportunities at the Intersection of Digital Health in Sports

As technology revolutionizes athlete wellness, the intersection of digital health and sports presents new opportunities for performance, recovery, and mental resilience.

Ivan TchatchouwoFounder, The Zone
T.M. Robinson-MosleyFounder, Playbook
Nate KlineFounder, Cistern Capital Investments
11:40am - 12:15pm
Star Ballroom

Beyond the Screen: Personalization, AI & The Future of Fandom

With AI redefining the live sports experience, content creation, and fan interactions, Malcolm Lemmons from Vetted Sports, IBM, and Providential Media will discuss how teams and leagues are leveraging AI-driven insights to increase engagement, optimize experiences, and drive revenue.

moderator
Malcolm LemmonsFounder, Vetted Sports
Renil Chandy Global Sales, IBM
Ryan FrankPresident & Co-Founder, Providential Media
Lunch Break
12:15pm - 1:15pm
1:15pm - 1:50pm
Star Ballroom

From Local Leagues to Global Powerhouses

Unlocking the Next Wave of Growth in Women's Sports Through Smart Investments, Emerging Markets, and Strategic Partnerships. A Global Panel Discusses Where the Real Opportunities Lie and How to Capitalize on the Rapid Global Expansion of the Women’s Game.

moderator
Jenni BrozenaVP, Startup Partnerships
Meredith McPherronCEO & Managing Partner, Drive by DraftKings
Kristin CollinsOlympic/Professional Sport Tech & Innovation
Kirsten TothFounder, FreeAgent
Paris SmithDefy the Odds Startup Launchpad
1:15pm - 1:50pm
Wynne Ballroom

Global Differentiators in Sports Tech Investment

Sports tech investment varies by region, with markets prioritizing different innovations. This panel features global investors and industry leaders discussing regional trends, from Asia’s focus on fan engagement and esports to Europe’s advancements in athlete performance and wearables.

Ross O'DwyerCEO, Cofounder, One Zero
2:00pm - 2:35pm
Star Ballroom

Redefining the Live Sports Experience

From cashless experiences to interactive digital signage, this panel will explore how stadiums and arenas are leveraging cutting-edge tech to deliver seamless, engaging fan interactions before, during, and after the game.

Driving digital revenue, one fan at a time.
Tim Hinchey Former President & CEO, USA Swimming
Max SiegelCEO, USA Track & Field
2:00pm - 2:35pm
Wynne Ballroom

The 21st Century Athlete - Competitor & Entrepreneur

Today's athletes are not just competitors—they're investors, entrepreneurs, and brand builders shaping the future of sports business. This panel will feature athlete-investors sharing their journeys into venture capital, startups, and partnerships, revealing how they leverage their platforms and networks to create lasting business legacies.

moderator
Koen BosmaInvestor
Kyle AuffrayPrincipal & Venture Partner
Maarten PaesFC Dallas / Investor
Sebastian LletgetFC Dallas / Investor
2:45pm - 3:20pm
Star Ballroom

Big Brands, Big Innovation: Creating the Future

Join the Directors of Innovation from ESPN and the NFL as they explore how emerging technologies—ranging from AI and immersive media to real-time data and fan engagement platforms—are shaping the future of sports consumption, performance, and brand evolution.

moderator
Sean HanrahanFounder, BBTHD
Amir GelmanVP & GM, Americas at WSC Sports
Zack MaletSenior Director, ESPN Business Development & Innovation
2:45pm - 3:20pm
Wynne Ballroom

Athletes as Investors: The New Playbook

With social media, NFTs, and sports tech evolving rapidly, how are today’s athletes maximizing their brands? This discussion covers content ownership, direct-to-fan engagement, and investment strategies shaping the new era of athlete entrepreneurship.

moderator
Cal DorohoyCo-Director, Innovation & Client Engagement, VaynerSports
Pete StubbsHead of Partnerships & Sports Business, DealMaker
Deron GuidreyCEO & Co-Founder, PlayersTV
3:30pm - 4:05pm
Star Ballroom

Powering the Next Play: Sports Tech Investment Trends

This panel, led by Comcast SportsTech, will feature top investors from some of Comcast SportsTech's biggest partners, diving into the latest trends in sports tech investment, emerging market opportunities, and how leagues and brands are strategically aligning with cutting-edge startups to drive industry-wide transformation.

moderator
Jenna KurathVP of Partnerships, Comcast
Tim BrownstoneCo-Founder, Kymira
Robert SmithFounder, Fan Huddle
3:30pm - 4:05pm
Wynne Ballroom

How Health-Conscious CPG Brands Are Changing the Game

Rising demand for healthier, performance-driven products is fueling a new wave of health-focused CPG brands. This panel unites founders, investors, and athletes to explore how startups use science, branding, and athlete partnerships to innovate in nutrition, recovery, and lifestyle products.

moderator
Paine Matiscik Managing Partner, 4th & 1 Ventures
Andrew SendejoFounder, BrainTree Nutrition
Manny LubinFounder, Slate Milk
Ryan BrothersFounder, Drumroll
4:15pm - 4:50pm
Star Ballroom

The Next Frontier of Human Performance

From cutting-edge recovery technology to cognitive training and high-performance investing, the future of human optimization is being redefined. Join Star Sage (Hyperice), Robert Griffin III (Outta Pocket), Tommy Shaves (Nestre), and Stirling Mortlock (XV Capital) as they explore the latest innovations in sports science, mental resilience, and the business of performance, shaping the next generation of elite athletes and everyday peak performers.

Star SageSenior Director of Business Development, Hyperice
Tommy ShaversFounder / CEO, NESTRE
Robert Griffin IIICo-Host, OuttaPocket
Stirling MortlockPartner, XV Capital
5:00pm - 5:45pm
Star Ballroom

Beyond the Game: Athletes, Investments & the Business of Influence

Modern athletes are brands, investors, and cultural forces shaping industries beyond sports. In this closing panel, top athlete investors join Tidal League to discuss media, venture capital, and business ownership, revealing how they transform influence into impactful investments and redefine post-career success.

Thad Young Founder, Reform Ventures
Justin Gatlin Olympic Gold Medalist
Theo Pinson NBA Veteran
moderator
Kurt Benson Founder & CEO, Tidal League
Courtside Wine Mixer
by Plug & Play Sportstech & JP Morgan Private Bank

Only for MVP pass holders and their invited guests

@ The Game Square   //   6:30pm - 8:30pm