CUW business students met with over 50 experts in the overlapping sport, entertainment, hospitality and event management industries in this unique, two-day networking event.
On Monday, October 28th, the new Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center hosted the 2019 CUW Sport and Hospitality Networking Roundtable, presented by Marcus Hotels and Resorts. This event was coordinated by the Sport Hospitality Program Director, Dr. Daniel Underberg, and was designed to support students’ career aspirations through active networking with industry professionals.
This event acts as a unique opportunity for students to network with over 50 representatives in the overlapping sport, entertainment, hospitality and event management industries: from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, the Green Bay Packers, Capture Sports Marketing Agency, and the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa to name a few.
One of the many experts included Greg Marcus, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Marcus Corporation. He met with CUW students during the Sport Hospitality Roundtable event and was a keynote speaker for that evening’s MBA Industry Leaders Seminar Series. During his visit, he shared the history of The Marcus Corporation with graduate and undergraduate students, discussing the adapatability of the entertainment industry. You can read his full story here.
Underberg explains that “compared to a traditional panel discussion, the Roundtable is a much more individualized experience for the experts and attendees—and that has led to its popularity and effectiveness.” An array of experts were present ranging in age, experience, organizational role, and industry type. Students were able to meet with the experts that align with their specific career goals and interests.
Faculty also use this event to reinforce the importance of networking and mentoring to expand students’ visions on careers available in these massive industries, and to provide essential perspectives not found within the walls of a classroom.
In addition to the evening networking event, representatives from the Milwaukee Brewers, American Family Insurance, and Kohler Company also spoke on a panel earlier that day on the topics of “Generating Revenue in Professional Sports” and the “Intersection of Sports and Hospitality.”
Panel 1: Generating Revenue in Professional Sports
- Jason Hartlund – Chief Revenue Officer, Milwaukee Brewers
- Bob Peiffer – Sports Marketing Lead, Sargento Foods
- Josh Belkoff – Sr. Director of Recruiting and Development, Sports Business Solutions
Panel 2: The Intersection of Sports and Hospitality
- Michael Belot – Senior Vice President, Bucks Ventures Development
- Michael Mueller – Vice President of Corporate Communications, Kohler Co.
- Nate Pokrass – Executive Director, Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation; Tournament Director, American Family Insurance Championship
Later that morning, Speaker and Coach, David Cooks, spoke on his transition “From Paralysis to Purpose.” He shared with students that “your ability to endure is always greater than your willingness to endure.”
Finally, a Breakfast with Marcus Hotels was held the morning of Tuesday, October 29th at the Saint Kate Arts Hotel. Students interested in hospitality, tourism and event management networked with Marcus corporate representatives, participated in a panel discussion, and took a tour of their new hotel in downtown Milwaukee.
This FREE event is open to all high school and college students, regardless of university affiliation. The CUW community—alumni, partners, faculty and staff, etc.—are also invited to attend this event.
If you are interested in attending the 2020 Networking Roundtable this fall, please visit cuw.edu/events or email Dr. Daniel Underberg (daniel.underberg@cuw.edu) for details.
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