Three Panels Tackle Key Industry Issues at 2022 Management Conference

DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS (April 21, 2022) – Supply chain issues, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) are three hot topics impacting society and sports. 

The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) will have experts examine all three areas and their impact on the sporting goods industry in panel discussions at the 2022 NSGA Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit on May 22-24 in Scottsdale, Arizona.  

“One of the best things about the Management Conference & Team Dealer Summit is learning about cutting-edge topics and business opportunities,” said Matt Carlson, NSGA President & CEO. “We all want to know how long supply-chain issues may last because of the disruption they have caused in our lives and in our industry. We also wanted to take a deeper look at DEI and NIL from the perspective of how they can affect our industry.” 

• “How Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Enhances Your Business” will look at the importance of building more diverse teams, connecting with diverse customers and investing in multicultural communities. It will be led by John Scipio, the CEO of SV Sports. Scipio was part of the acquisition of SV Sports in 2021 and it is now the largest African American owned and led sporting goods retailer and team dealer in North America. Scipio also worked with Nike. 
• “Unlocking Supply Chain Complexities and Challenges” will look at the various global factors that impact the ability to get products. Leading the discussion is Chris Lee, a lecturer in the nationally recognized Supply Chain Management Department at Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business. Lee has 25 years of supply chain management experience and 20 years of logistics experience with the U.S. Navy. 
• “Understanding the Impact of Name, Image and Likeness” will look at the new impact of NIL for college athletes and the opportunities for businesses. Megan Curry, the Director of NIL – Business Development and Marketing with WME Sports, will lead this panel. Curry collaborates to build its NIL platforms, strategy and implementation. She also worked at adidas for 13 years. 

Football legend Herm Edwards, Hall of Fame speaker Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman and ESPY Awards “Arthur Ashe for Courage” winner Aaron Thomas will also be keynote speakers at the event. Speed Networking, one of the most popular features of the event, returns in the afternoon of Monday, May 23 as retailers and team dealers have the opportunity to talk with manufacturers in a series of short, structured meetings.  

The Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony will cap off the event on Tuesday evening with the induction of Eric Bezanson (Cleve’s Source For Sports), Michael Gotfredson (Road Runner Sports) and Bill Sorenson (American Sports Products Group). For more information on the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame, please visit nsga.org/hall-of-fame/. 

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 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, visit https://nsga.org/events/2022-management-conference–team-dealer-summit/.