Swimming Champion Missy Franklin Highlights Trio of Successful Speakers at NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Marty Maciaszek, NSGA Director of Communications
mmaciaszek@nsga.org
(847) 296-NSGA (6742), ext. 1260 

DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS (March 28, 2023) – Five-time Olympic Gold Medalist and 11-time World Champion swimmer Missy Franklin highlights a trio of speakers with diverse backgrounds who will share stories of leadership and success at the NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit on May 21-23 at the W Nashville in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Franklin, former NFL quarterback Tom Flick, entrepreneur Marcus Whitney and specialty retail expert Dan Mann, will all deliver valuable messages for Conference & Summit attendees. This year’s event will also look at key issues impacting the industry, provide numerous networking opportunities highlighted by the popular Speed Networking and recognize four legendary figures at the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame induction ceremony. 

“The program for this year’s NSGA Management Conference and Team Dealer Summit brings the energy and excitement that comes with holding the event in Nashville’s vibrant, urban setting,” said Matt Carlson, NSGA President & CEO. “The stories of the different paths Missy Franklin, Tom Flick and Marcus Whitney took to achieve success are inspiring and will give attendees great messages they can bring back to their teams. We are also looking forward to the insights that will be delivered on important topics that include managing human resources and engaging with customers for their teams. 

“The networking opportunities are second to none for all segments of the industry and the Hall of Fame induction ceremony is always a memorable way to wrap up the event.” 

Franklin provides the closing keynote early Tuesday afternoon with “Relentless Spirit: Staying Afloat Through Life’s Ups and Downs.” Franklin became a household name during the 2012 Olympic Games when she won five Gold medals and set numerous world records during her storied career. She will share her story as an advocate for mental health awareness, female empowerment and overcoming failure. 

Flick kicks off the program on Monday morning with “The Heart of Leadership: Inspiring People to Excellence.” Flick went from a seven-year NFL career to becoming one of the top corporate speakers in the country with a passionate storytelling ability that helps develop leaders and spark teams. 

Whitney gets the program started on Tuesday morning with “There is No Innovation Without Failure.” Whitney’s entrepreneurial spirit was instrumental in bringing a Major League Soccer franchise to Nashville. He is a founding partner of a healthcare venture capital firm and a best-selling author. 

The Monday morning session, “Building a Roadmap for Success,” will feature Mann (President of The Mann Group) and Karl Salz (President & CEO of Sun & Ski Sports). They will examine issues such as succession planning, personalizing the customer experience and innovative trends. In the Tuesday morning session, “HR Management Made Simple,“ Mindy Flanigan, a human resources expert and the founder of Inspiring HR, will share successful tips geared toward employee hiring and retention. 

The popularity of Speed Networking has grown since its inception in 2017 at the Conference & Summit. The Monday afternoon Speed Networking session gives retailers and dealers a series of quick, scheduled meetings to discuss products and issues with manufacturers and brands. 

The event concludes Tuesday evening with the induction of four industry icons into the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame. This year’s induction ceremony will recognize James Clifford Keen (Cliff Keen Athletic), Jeff Lynn (Dunham’s) and Kent McKeaigg (OrderMyGear) from the Class of 2023 and Bill Hunt (CHAMPRO) from the Class of 2022. 

About NSGA 

The National Sporting Goods Association has served as the leading voice for the sporting goods industry since 1929. NSGA is devoted to providing a competitive edge to sporting goods retailers and team dealers through industry leading research, networking, advocacy, and unmatched customer support. For more information about membership or NSGA’s products and services, please visit nsga.org. 

About the NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit  

The NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit started in 1965 and is the longest-running and most successful leadership event in the sporting goods industry. Top executives and decision-makers from sporting goods retailers, team dealers, manufacturers, sales agencies and industry supporting vendor companies gather for education, best-in-class networking, dynamic speakers and industry recognition at the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame induction. For more information or to register for this year’s event visit https://nsga.org/conference2023/.