Overview: The IUSMA took 13 members on the first networking trip of the year to Indianapolis, Indiana. Members from freshmen to seniors were able to ask questions about their specific interests.
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NCAA: The first meeting of the day was with David Lovell of the NCAA. He stressed a variety of different things that students should think about if they want to be successful in the sports industry. The most valuable skill one can posses is the ability to generate revenue; be it in collegiate or professional sports. Often times, students need to start out in the lower level of sales and need to experience rejection.
Lovell also claimed that athletic departments are run by University Presidents and Conference leaders more so now than ever before. Athletic Directors are losing more power as the industry transforms. He also mentioned that the NCAA pays it's 1051 member schools 96% of their total revenue.
Sunrise Sports Group: A lunch meeting with David Morton established the role relationships play in being successful not only in sports, but in life. He told members to get experience anywhere they can but to not stop there. Students need to find a path to get to where they want to be. What are they better at than everyone else? Who do you know and, more importantly, who knows you?
In an ever-evolving industry, it is important to read everything in sight. Listening to those above you and asking questions can push one over the top. It's a competitive industry and it is only getting tougher everyday.
USA Football: The final meeting of the day was with more of a unique company. USA Football gets half their revenue from the NFL and the other half from sponsorships. As a non-profit organization, USA Football puts all revenue back into the company.
Nate Boudreaux went over the "Heads Up Football" campaign with the group. It's main initiative is to reduce concussions in the game of football. Their commercials can often be seen on NFL Sundays.