2026 Agenda
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Game Changers Evening of Celebration
4:00 PM
Registration Opens
Broadway Ballroom Lobby
4:15 PM
Class of 2026 Networking Reception
Private: By Invitation Only
Broadway Ballroom Balcony
Past Honoree Alumni Reception
Private: By Invitation Only
Location: Music Box/Majestic
5:00 PM
Pre-Ceremony Reception
Open to All Registered Guests
Location: Broadway Ballroom South
5:15 PM
2026 Honoree Class Photo
2026 Honorees Only
Location: Broadway Ballroom North
6:00 PM
2026 Honoree Ceremony
Location: Broadway Ballroom North
7:00 PM
Celebration Reception and Networking (heavy hors d’oeuvres)
Hosted by: Major League Baseball
Location: Broadway Ballroom South
8:30 PM
Reception Concludes
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1
Game Changers Conference
Unless otherwise noted, all sessions are in Broadway Ballroom North
8:00 AM
Registration Opens | Continental Breakfast & Networking
Broadway Ballroom Lobby
8:45 AM
Welcome | Opening Remarks
Abraham Madkour, Publisher & Executive Editor, Sports Business Journal
9:10 AM
Top of the Agenda: The Trends and Storylines You Should Be Watching
Heidi Browning, Senior EVP & Chief Digital Officer, NHL
Rachel Epstein, CMO, NWSL
Hillary Mandel, EVP & Head of America, IMG
Heidi Noland, EVP, Brand & Creative, UFC
Moderator: Abraham Madkour, Publisher & Executive Editor, Sports Business Journal
9:50 AM
Bridging the Gap: Partnerships that Transform Women’s Sport
Heidi Pellerano, CCO, Concacaf
Marina Storti, CEO, WTA Ventures
10:10 AM
Networking Break
Broadway Ballroom Lobby
10:25 AM
SBJ Connect: Structured Networking
Location: Broadway Ballroom South
This is a facilitated networking experience focused on:
- Connecting attendees through guided conversations and topic-driven discussions
- Sharing insights and exchanging ideas
- Building lasting professional relationships in a structured yet relaxed setting
11:20 AM
From Activation to Impact: The LPGA and Ford's Approach to Partnership Success
Rob Johnston, Manager, Sponsorships and Brand Activation, Ford
Moderated By: Monica Fee, Chief Sales & Partnerships Officer, LPGA
11:40 AM
One-on-One with Kristin Lemkau: Building Brands, Teams & Impact
Kristin Lemkau, CEO; J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, JPMorgan Chase
Moderator: Abraham Madkour, Publisher & Executive Editor, Sports Business Journal
12:10 PM
Leading a Modern Sports Franchise: Lessons in Leadership, Culture & Growth
Shelly Cayette, President, Charlotte Hornets
Moderator: Bonnie Bernstein, Founder & CEO, Walk Swiftly Productions; Host, The Champions Edge
12:40 PM
Networking Lunch
Location: Broadway Ballroom South
1:50 PM
Creating Opportunity, Inspiring Change: Leadership Lessons from a Trailblazer
Kim Ng, Commissioner, Athletes Unlimited Softball League
Moderator: Rachel Axon, Staff Writer, Olympics and Women’s Sports, Sports Business Journal
2:20 PM
Advice to My Younger Self: Navigating Ambition, Setbacks, and Success
Megan Hughes Allison, President, underdog venture team
Talaya Gaines, VP, On-Air Talent Relations, ESPN
Michele Kajiwara, Senior VP, Premium Business & Events, Crypto.com Arena
Keli Zinn, Athletic Director, Rutgers University
Moderator: Jenn Azara, Director, Tech and Women’s Sports Content, Sports Business Journal
3:00 PM
The New Playbook for College Athletics—and Why It Matters to Everyone
Kim Damron, President, Sports Properties, Learfield
Colleen Garrity, SVP, Marketing, Excel Sports Management
Candice Storey Lee, Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs; and Athletic Director, Vanderbilt University
Moderator: Rachel Axon, Staff Writer, Olympics and Women’s Sports, Sports Business Journal
3:30 PM
Networking Break
4:00 PM
The Human Edge: How to Lead, Innovate, and Thrive Alongside AI
Julie Souza, Tech & Innovation Advisor; Former Global Head of Sports, AWS
Samantha Stark, Founder & Chief Strategist, Phyusion
Moderator: Becki Wronko Civello, COO, Next League
4:30 PM
The New Wager Landscape: What Every Sports Executive Needs to Know
Adam Barrick, Head, Sports Sponsorships, Kalshi
Stephanie Sherman, CMO, DraftKings
Keith Wachtel, President, NHL Business, NHL
Moderator: Joe Lemire, Senior Writer, Sports Business Journal
5:15 PM
“Wine Down” Networking Reception
Broadway Ballroom Lobby
6:00 PM
