2026 Agenda
Monday, May 18
6:00-9:30 PM
Sports Business Awards: Tech Location: "The Venue" at The Hard Rock Hotel, NYC
Featured Host:
Andrew Hawkins, Analyst, ESPN, President & Co-Founder, StatusPro, Former NFL Player
Tuesday, May 19
9:00-11:30 AM
Tech Leader Alliance Private Meeting Members Only
10:00-11:00 AM
Tech Seminar
Hosted by Honeywell Location: Microsoft Office Invite Only, Inquire to Attend: jtong@sportsbusinessjournal.com
11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Tech Seminar
Hosted by Next League Location: Microsoft Office Learn more about the topics discussed here Tim Brady SVP, Strategy & Solutions, Next League Scott Gutterman Chief Digital Officer, Next League Nick Rend VP, Interactive & Emerging Platforms, NASCAR
Anthony Santora Managing Director, IT, USGA
Cara Verwholt
VP, Performance Marketing, NASCAR
Invite Only, Inquire to Attend: jtong@sportsbusinessjournal.com
State Of The Industry At Tech Week
12:45 PM
Doors Open for Registration Location: The Times Center, NYC
1:10 PM
Opening Remarks
Taylor Bloom Head, Sports Technology Business, Sports Business Journal David Nugent Co-Founder & CEO, Next League
1:15 PM
Navigating the Evolving Ticketing Landscape: A Conversation with Ticketmaster’s Global President
Saumil Mehta Global President, Ticketmaster
1:50 PM
From Passion to Purchase: Emotional Intelligence in Live Sports
Matt Fleckenstein Chief Product & Technology Officer, Genius Sports
2:05 PM
From Field to Frame: Reinventing the Broadcast with Animated Alt-Casts
Phil Orlins VP, Production Technology & Innovation, ESPN
Michael "Spike" Szykowny VP, Edit & Animation, Graphics Innovation & Creative Production, ESPN
2:20 PM
Fireside Chat led by Next League
Lewis Sherr President of Business Operations, New York Mets
Moderator:
David Nugent
Co-Founder & CEO, Next League
2:50 PM
Tech Talk
3:05 PM
Industry Insight
Transitioning your Network with Confidence: Lessons Learned from Citi Field
Oscar Fernandez SVP, Technology, New York Mets
Michael Zeto Chief Commercial Officer, Boingo
3:20 PM
Networking Break
Hosted by American Tower
3:55 PM
The AI-Powered Arena: Innovation Across Sports and Entertainment
4:25 PM
Industry Insight
4:40 PM
Cutting-Edge Technology and Strategic Road Maps for New Facilities
Katee LaPoff CTO, Oak View Group
Justin Stahl CTO, United Center & 1901 Project
5:10 PM
Building a Modern Sports Franchise: Growth, Innovation and Technology
Jess Smith President, Golden State Valkyries
5:45-7:00 PM
Cocktail Reception & Networking
Location: The Times Center, NYC
Wednesday, May 20
8:30 AM
Doors Open for Registration
8:45 AM
SBJ Connect: Structured Networking & Plated Breakfast
SBJ Connect: Structured Networking is a facilitated networking experience focused on:
- Connecting attendees through guided conversations and topic-driven discussions
- Sharing insights and exchanging ideas
- Building lasting professional relationships in a structured yet relaxed setting
RSVP Required.
9:40 AM
Opening Remarks
9:45 AM
Innovation, Ownership, and Opportunity: A Conversation with Rashaun Williams
Rashaun Williams Founder, CIO, Harbinger Sports Partners Guest Shark, ABC’s Shark Tank Limited Partner, Atlanta Falcons
10:20 AM
The IBM Technology Driving UFC Insights
Alon Cohen EVP, UFC
Jonathan Collins Program Director, IBM Build Engineering
10:35 AM
Industry Insight
From Fiber to Fandom: Engineering a Seamless Digital Experience at Miami Freedom Park
Moderator: Jason Caliento Chief Commercial Officer, Boldyn Networks
10:50 AM
Networking Break
11:25 AM
Scaling Sports Technology: Driving Innovation Across the NHL, NBA, MLB, and AEG
Krishna Bhagavathula EVP & CTO, NBA
Sean Curtis CTO, MLB
Peter DelGiacco CTO, NHL
Diana Lovati CISO, AEG Worldwide
11:55 AM
From Reactive to Predictive: The Future of AI in Live Events
Kate Dramstad Director, Engineering, SeatGeek
12:15 PM
Industry Insight
12:30 PM
Networking Lunch
Hosted by Lumenalta
1:45 PM
Technology Leadership in New Sports Leagues
Scott Harniman SVP, Technology, United Football League
Andrew Macaulay CTO, TMRW Sports
John Spade CTO, Athletes Unlimited
2:15 PM
The VIP Evolution: How AI and Technology Are Redefining the Fan Journey
Charlie Myers CTO, Monumental Sports and Entertainment
David Wolf Partner, KPMG
Fan Experience Leader & Lead Account Partner, Monumental Sports and Entertainment
2:30 PM
From Activity to Impact: How Data is Rewriting the Rules of Sales Productivity
Darolyn Pierce VP, Data, Analytics & Insights, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
2:45 PM
Transforming with Intention: AI Leadership in a Changing World
Michael J. Jabbour AI Innovation Officer, Microsoft
3:00 - 6:00 PM
Leaders Club Members Meet
Location: Daintree Rooftop Bar & Lounge
(Members Only, Inquire to attend with RMiranda@sportsbusinessjournal.com; Full Details HERE )
3:15pm – 3:30pm – Arrival at Daintree Rooftop & Lounge
3:30pm – 3:45pm – Leaders Club Welcome & Networking
3:45pm – 4:15pm – Fireside Chat with Ryan Dillon, Gotham FC
4:15pm – 4:30pm – Breakout Discussion
4:30pm – 6:00pm – Networking Drinks
3:15 PM
Closing Remarks
3:30 PM
