The MUST ATTEND Sports Entertainment Conference
I don’t belong to a lot of professional organizations. I find many of these groups impersonal and don’t really benefit me. However, there is one sports entertainment association that stands alone. As a member of the Information Display in Entertainment Association (IDEA) for over 20 years, I have had the pleasure of attending some of the most engaging and informative conferences in the sports industry. I encourage all leagues, teams, and universities big and small to join.
IDEA conferences are a valuable source of education. Each conference is a bit different from the next, offering a diverse range of sessions covering the latest advancements in display technology to tips, tricks and best practices for calling the in-stadium show. IDEA also keys in on the latest fan entertainment innovations in projection mapping, the latest developments in 4K and HDR displays, and wearable light show tech. These conferences have always kept me up to date on the latest trends and technologies.
What truly sets IDEA apart are the networking opportunities. Through these events, I have been able to build friendships, help colleagues, have countless music conversations and collaborate on exciting projects. Whether I'm attending sessions or simply mingling with other attendees having a beverage, I always come away from these conferences feeling inspired and energized. This is also the BEST place to meet new people and network with other teams as well as creative gurus who you can lean on and collaborate with. This group is very generous with their time and ability to help one another. Not all industry associations are as open in sharing their knowledge.
Moreover, the organization has a strong commitment to advancing the industry and bringing up the next generation of game entertainment professionals through the “IDEA Inspire The Passion” Award. This award honors outstanding students/interns in the event presentation industry and gifts them an all-expenses paid trip to the Conference.
It’s an honor to be a trusted friend and resource for the creative giants of the sports entertainment industry. IDEA helps me to connect with so many teams and colleagues in one annual gathering. Their commitment to education, networking, and innovation has been invaluable, and I look forward to attending many more conferences in the future. I’ll see all of you July 9-12 in Austin, TX for the next conference. Make sure you get there. The first beverage is on me!