The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) has extended its submissions deadline for the inaugural ‘Start-Up Challenge’, which will take place at the 2016 SFIA Industry Leaders Summit (ILS) in Denver, CO, September 14-15, 2016.
Interested companies will now have until Monday, June 20 to submit their pitch to become one of the five finalists chosen for the 2016 ‘Start-Up Challenge.’ Stadia Ventures, a ‘sports innovation hub for entrepreneurs, industry partners and investors,’ will join the SFIA in the vetting process.
Companies may apply for the 2016 SFIA ‘Start-Up Challenge’ by clicking here.
One winner will leave the 2016 ILS with a free year of SFIA membership, a spotlight in the SFIA Insider Blog, additional exposure through SFIA’s marketing channels and a commemorative plaque.
Additionally this winner will receive a free public relations campaign from Uproar PR, an award-winning international firm specializing in sports and fitness companies.
At the Industry Leaders Summit, the five finalists will be given 10 minutes to pitch their ideas and introduce their company to these esteemed judges:
‘Start-Up’ Challenge Judges:
* Adam Peake, Executive VP Category Management, Under Armour
* Chris Clawson, SFIA Chairman, President, Life Fitness
* Bob Puccini, SFIA Immediate Past Chairman, President, Mizuno USA
* Michael Savage, SFIA Secretary/Treasurer, CEO, Empower Fitness
* Tony Armand, CEO, United Sports Brands
* Jonathan Ram, Executive VP, New Balance
* Mike Zlaket, President & CEO, Rawlings Sporting Goods
* Jim Weber, SFIA Board Member, CEO of Brooks Running Co.
* Dan Arment, President of Riddell
The five companies selected as finalists will receive publicity in the lead-up to the 2016 ILS, special recognition during the annual Industry Leaders Summit Awards Dinner and real-time feedback from executives of the following brands already attending:
