The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) Industry Leaders Summit will feature sessions ranging from managing geo-political risk, emerging market analysis and the future of sourcing to forecasting the merger and acquisition environment and the convergence of technology in sports. This 36-hour event is designed to provide a unique opportunity for some of the most highly regarded executives in the sports and fitness industry to find solutions to “what keeps them up at night” while also networking with customers, partners and peers. The inaugural version of this annual event will be held in late September 2013 in the greater Washington, D.C./Baltimore area.
What Are Sports and Fitness Industry Leaders Saying?
“Our industry is constantly evolving, and success will be based on a commitment to innovation and adapting to the rapidly changing global environment,” said Kevin Plank (Founder and CEO; Under Armour; Baltimore, MD), who has committed to speak at the 2013 SGMA Industry Leaders Summit. “I am excited about the opportunity to participate in this inaugural event, which should be an invaluable resource to executive leaders and to the industry as a whole.”
“This event is being created to bring industry leaders together to listen, to learn, to exchange ideas, and to network with other leaders throughout the sports and fitness industry,” stated Larry Franklin (President; Franklin Sports; Stoughton, MA), SGMA’s Chairman of the Board. “Our central theme will be to focus on The Future. This event is specifically designed for the sports executive to learn about the trends and what the best practices will be over the next 3-5 years. The goal of this summit is to help all attendees prepare for the future.”
“Coming out of our recent strategic planning process, we identified the need for thought leadership programs focused on executive-level management issues,” said Bob Puccini (President; Mizuno USA; Atlanta, GA), SGMA’s Vice-Chairman of the Board. “I am confident that the subject matter covered in this event will help us all become more effective leaders in our organizations. I believe that the SGMA Industry Leaders Summit will become the flagship event for global executives in our industry for many years to come.”
“The challenges faced by global executives transcend traditional definitions of the fitness, sports and recreation industries,” said Chris Clawson (President; Life Fitness; Schiller Park, IL). “This is a great opportunity for industry leaders to come together to learn and network with people who share similar challenges.”
“We are committed to delivering an Industry Leaders Summit that is both compelling and forward-thinking,” said Tom Cove, SGMA President and CEO. “The Future of our industry and how it is impacted by technology, societal trends, politics, innovation, sustainability and corporate/social responsibility, emerging markets and global influences are themes that will be weaved throughout the agenda.”
Unanimously endorsed at the SGMA Board Meeting in June, the Industry Leaders Summit is the newest addition to SGMA’s growing collection of thought-leadership initiatives. Other events include National Health Through Fitness Day, the Litigation and Risk Management Summit, the High School & University Equipment Rules Conference and SGMA’s monthly Thought Leadership/Research Webinar Series. More details related to the 2013 SGMA Industry Leaders Summit will be announced in the coming months.
