Carthage conference explores new trends in sports management

Carthage’s second annual Spotlight on Sports conference brought together several innovators in sports management, who described emerging trends in the industry and shared tips from their professional journeys.

Chicago Bears president Kevin Warren took part in a Q&A at Carthage's 2024 Spotlight on Sports conference Sept. 20 in the Todd Wehr Center.The 2024 conference, which took place Sept. 20 in the Todd Wehr Center, drew 315 registered attendees. Organized by the College’s School of Business and Economics, it featured a keynote Q&A with Chicago Bears president Kevin Warren.

Carthage offers a graduate business track in sports management and an undergraduate minor in sport business. These programs draw heavily on the expertise of a Sports Management Advisory Council whose members include Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold and Milwaukee Bucks president Peter Feigin.

Welcoming expert alumni and other industry leaders, the conference focused on four sessions:

ANALYTICS AND AI IN SPORTS

Carthage alumnus Ben Levicki ’21 describes his work with artificial intelligence for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the Spotlight on Sports conference Sept. 20, 2024.Ben Levicki ’21 and Canaan Campo of the Cleveland Cavaliers detailed their use of artificial intelligence to support the NBA franchise’s business operations. With a wide array of skills he gained at Carthage, Mr. Levicki has built customized algorithms to optimize ticket packages and free up employees’ time for higher-value tasks.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN SPORTS

Co-presenters Will Jurgensen, MSc ’21, and Jessie Pung talked about the changing economic landscape of sports. Mr. Jurgensen, who raved about his experiences in the Carthage master’s program, discussed his work in corporate partnerships for the Wild. Ms. Pung, who works for a fundraising arm of the University of Wisconsin athletic program, talked about the explosion of NIL (name, image, likeness) funding for college student-athletes.

SCOUTING AND PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

Todd Walther ’04 of the reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers and 14-year NBA coaching and scouting veteran Dan Hartfield took attendees behind the scenes in their respective sports. Both agreed that an athlete’s intangibles are the truest predictor of professional success.

LEADING CHANGE IN SPORTS

After meeting separately with Carthage’s current sports management cohort, Mr. Warren fielded questions from School of Business and Economics dean Jim Padilla. While describing the pioneering career arc that led him to the Bears, he advised the high school and college students in attendance to demonstrate curiosity, work ethic, integrity, and especially innovative thought.

“There’s so much talent in this room,” Mr. Warren said. “I’m so hopeful for our young people.”

Apply to the Sports Management Program at Carthage