2023 Schedule

Opening Reception and Registration

Enjoy a mocktini at the opening reception and meet speakers and fellow attendees.  

Lunch

GPS: Unlocking the Power of Personal Purpose

Afdhel Aziz, Chief Purpose Officer at Conspiracy of Love

Purpose is the driving force behind developing true authentic partnerships and it starts with you. Are you curious about your Personal Purpose? Join us for this inspiring talk that helps you find that spark of individual purpose, and helps you understand how it ladders up to your organization’s overarching mission.

Purpose coach and expert Afdhel Aziz will share lessons from his forthcoming book about how to find Purpose in your life and work, and help you apply the revolutionary GPS Model and ask, ‘What are my Gifts (my corporate super-powers)? What are my Passions (those causes and issues that keep me fired up?) And, how can I be of Service (to each other, to my organization, and the world)?

Creating Lasting Memories: Embracing the Magic of Family-Friendly Venues

Mark Giovino, CEO & Founding Partner at Allionce Group
Christine Boisen, Sponsorship Manager at Phoenix Zoo
Jennifer Schuder, Senior Vice President of Marketing at State Fair of Texas
Lindsay Yates, Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations at Aquarium of the Pacific

Join us for an engaging session focused on the power of family-friendly venues in the evolving sponsorship landscape. In this session, we will explore the secrets to creating immersive experiences that captivate both parents and children, while building long-lasting brand love for sponsors.

In today’s world, families seek shared experiences that provide enjoyment, education, and opportunities for bonding. As a result, family-friendly venues have gained significant importance. Discover how to leverage this trend and create unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impression on families.

Learn the strategies, insights, and best practices for designing immersive experiences that resonate with both parents and children. Learn how to align your sponsorship activations with the values and interests of families, creating a positive and memorable brand association.

Brewing Success: How Molson Coors and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Lassoed a Four-Decade Love Story

Amber Burda, Senior Director, Sponsorship, Business and Corporate Development at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Adam Dettman, Head of Partnerships-North America at Molson Coors Beverage Co.  

Saddle Up for a Wild Ride at the Sponsorship Mastery Summit with Amber Burda, Chief Revenue Officer at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and Adam Dettman, Head of Partnerships, North America, Molson Coors Beverage Co.! Get ready to unearth the hidden treasures behind a partnership that’s lasted longer than your favorite pair of cowboy boots – almost four decades and counting! In this session, you’ll ride shotgun on their adventure through the ever-shifting terrain of sports and entertainment sponsorships, where they’ve weathered storms, tamed wild consumer preferences, and kept their lassos firmly tied to a partnership that’s as sturdy as a rodeo bull.

Lessons from the Rising Tide of Soccer Sponsorships and the World Cup Wave

Jon Stainer, Global GM at Nielsen Sports
Dan Gaiman, Vice President, Partnership Development at U.S. Soccer Federation
Dan Keats, Director of Sponsorships & Consumer Engagement at Allstate
Beth Knox, President & CEO, Seattle Sports Commission

Join industry leaders at the forefront of the action for a captivating discussion that delves into the ever-evolving world of sports sponsorships, with a special focus on the seismic shift expected from the next World Cup. As sports like soccer continue their meteoric rise in popularity, the sponsorship landscape has never been more promising.  

This session will offer valuable insights into the evolution of sports sponsorships, spanning from local community initiatives to groundbreaking global partnerships. 

Learn how the upcoming global sports event is poised to transform the sponsorship arena, presenting fresh opportunities for brands seeking to connect with diverse audiences on an international scale. Whether you’re a sponsor or a rights-holder, everyone in the sponsorship industry will gain strategic insights from our expert panelists about the crucial role that sports, particularly soccer, will play in the sponsorship landscape. Discover how to navigate this thrilling journey to maximize your sponsorship potential. 

Creating, Integrating and Executing Partnerships through a DEI Lens

Tony Wells, Former Verizon Chief Media Officer and 4X CMO

Our industry was hit hard by the crises that upended life and work over the last few years, from the global health pandemic to a long-overdue reckoning with racial injustice and inequity, an economic downturn, and an ongoing mental health crisis. But how do we apply the lessons learned to create and execute partnerships with DEI in our sights and why it’s critically important to our success.

As we look optimistically towards the future, there are some lessons we’ve learned that should be extended to how we create and execute partnerships.  As the focus on transparency, accountability and progress on DEI goals continues, partnerships will need to have a stronger alignment with DEI values and strategies. Corporate partners will want to see internal strategies aligned with external partnerships. Tony will share how to view your sponsorships through a DEI lens, strategies to adopt, tactics to put into action and how to lead the effort.

Bringing Mission and Values to Life: Local Partnerships, Campaigns, and Social Impact

June Ashley, Senior Manager Partnerships at Starbucks

Discover how June brings Starbucks’ mission and values to life through strategic partnerships and impactful campaigns. Gain valuable insights into her approach to creating social impact and driving meaningful change in her community.

During this session, June will share inspiring examples of her company’s local partnerships, highlighting the campaigns that have made a significant difference and resonated with her target audience. Learn how she leverages sponsorship and collaboration to amplify Starbucks’ mission and values, fostering kindness and social impact.

Women in Sports and Events: Uniting, Advancing, and Paving the Way for the Future

Kathleen Francis, President at WISE
Amy Potter, Director of North American Sponsorships at BMO
Ashley Facchini, Director of Partnership Development at Chicago Cubs
Gina Scott, VP, Group Licensing & Partner Services at NFL Players Association
Megan Donovan, VP of Partnership Marketing at Chicago Bulls

An inspiring and empowering session led by Kathleen Francis, this panel brings together influential and accomplished WISE members and who are leading the industry and inspiring others to follow. During this session, panelists will share their remarkable career paths, highlighting how women are making their mark in the industry and leading future growth. Gain insights and practical advice from industry trailblazers as they discuss how women in the industry can unite, support one another, and pave the way for the next generation of female leaders.