Blue Zone at Kenan Stadium | October 24th, 2025

8:30-9:00AM: Check-In

Casual breakfast/coffee and networking

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​9:00-9:10AM: Opening remarks

Will Pleasants (Wasserman) and UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham

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​9:15-9:45AM: All Session on Artificial Intelligence and Sports

Bill Stratton (Former Lead for Snowflake Global Head of Media, Advertising & Entertainment Vertical)

AI's impact is being felt in all aspects of life - education, business, and sports & entertainment. Bill will provide insights on how sports and music organizations are leveraging AI to their benefit and what he expects the future to hold.

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​9:45-10:30AM: Workshop Session #1

Working in sports and entertainment runs the spectrum of opportunities. Representatives from each sector will talk about their role in the sports and entertainment ecosystem, their path to get there, and more.

- Data and Analytics in Sports with Andy Galdi (Senior Director of Engineering, Teamworks)

- Sports Media with Taylor Vippolis (Executive Producer, Stugotz and Company Podcast)

- Brand Strategy with Darcy Macri (Global Brand Marketing Director, Global Football, NIKE)

- Private Equity in Sports with Jackson Phillips (Partner, Atairos)

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​10:30-10:45AM: BREAK

Headshot session #1

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10:45-11:30AM: All Session on Reimagining Sports and Organizations

Ilana Finley (Chief Communications Officer, LIV Golf)

Kim Stone (CEO, Washington Spirit)

Annette Parker (Former Head of Marketing, Eastside Golf)

Hear from leaders who have left more traditional roles and organizations to blaze new trails with upstart leagues, teams and apparel companies

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11:30AM-12:30PM: Networking & Lunch

Headshot session #2

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12:30-1:15PM: All Session on Music as an Entertainment Business

Dan Gill (EVP, Recorded Music, BMG)

From Mammoth Records in Chapel Hill to becoming a Billboard Music Power Player, Dan has seen the evolution of musical acts over his 30 year career. You'll hear about finding the next big artist, predicting hits, and the opportunities for students with an eye on music.

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1:15-1:30PM: BREAK

Headshot session #3

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1:30-2:15PM: Workshop Session #2

- Data and Analytics in Sports with Andy Galdi (Senior Director of Engineering, Teamworks)

- Sports Media with Taylor Vippolis (Executive Producer, Stugotz and Company Podcast)

- Brand Strategy with Darcy Macri (Global Brand Marketing Director, Global Football, NIKE)

- Private Equity in Sports with Jackson Phillips (Partner, Atairos)

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2:15PM: Closing and Wrap-Up

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2:15-3:00PM: Networking Time and Internship Fair

Open networking with speakers and visiting employers. Students are encouraged to review who is coming and print copies of their resume to share!