Conference Highlights

View a slideshow of photos from the conference

More than 250 senior sports industry executives assembled in the nation's capital for the 8th Annual Sports Facilities & Franchises Conference on May 21st and 22nd. The conference provided attendees an opportunity to hear industry leaders discuss the latest trends in facility and franchise management.

The conference kicked off with a president's roundtable where panelists weighed-in on ticketing, sponsorship sales, the fan experience, promotions and the economy's effect on sports. Other highlights of the day included an in-depth look at sponsorship branding in-and-around the new Nationals Park and a Verizon Center case study that outlined the redevelopment of the Chinatown District in Washington, D.C.

The day's other sessions examined non-game day revenue streams, creating unique fan experiences and linking community relations efforts with overall business strategies. Day one ended with a cocktail reception, followed by an "Evening at the Ballpark" at the new Nationals Park as the Washington Nationals hosted the Philadelphia Phillies.

Day two started with a lively exchange of ideas from our panelists as they debated the future of U.S. and international facilities as well as how to design facilities that offer the most to fans. This was followed by an exclusive one-on-one interview with D.C. United Owner Victor MacFarlane, who shared his perspective on the future growth of Major League Soccer.

Next on the agenda was a ticketing module session, which featured a presentation by the Philadelphia Phillies on the integration of stored-value ticketing along with a panel of ticketing executives, who outlined their ticketing and sales strategies.

Following the conference, guests enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Nationals Park, where they had an opportunity to visit the team's state-of-the-art control room and preview the park's suites and locker room.

This year's conference offered cutting edge content, significant networking opportunities and the industry's most senior speaker faculty on facility and franchise management.

Stay Tuned: We'll announce the location for the 2009 Sports Facilities & Franchises Conference in the months ahead.

For more coverage on the conference, please view the May 22-23 issues of SportsBusiness Daily, http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.main&postDate=2008-05-22.

The Washington Redskins Executive VP of Football Operations, Vinny Cerrato Added to SFF Speaker Faculty

Vinny Cerrato, Executive VP, Football Operations for the Washington Redskins, is scheduled to participate in a one-on-one luncheon interview at the 8th Annual Sports Facilities & Franchises conference. Recently appointed, Cerrato is responsible for all aspects of the team's football organization, including personnel, the team roster, scouting and salary cap management. With 18 years in the NFL, Cerrato will provide perspectives on the latest issues facing the NFL franchises and his outlook on the upcoming season.

The Nation's Capital Set to Host Sports Facilities & Franchises 2008

SportsBusiness Journal and SportsBusiness Daily have announced that the 8th Annual Sports Facilities & Franchises conference will be held May 21-22 at the Westin City Center, Washington, DC.

Sports Facilities & Franchises will once again offer insights into revenue-generation opportunities and venue operations, as well as a top executive-level perspective on the state of today’s sports industry.

In addition to in-depth content for which Sports Facilities & Franchises has become known, attendees will enjoy ample networking time with industry peers throughout the program. On May 21st, following a gala reception hosted by Proskauer Rose, all attendees will be transported to the new Nationals Park as the Washington Nationals, Stout Risius Ross, Centerplate and Sony Electronics co-host an Evening at the Ballpark event featuring a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The following day, all attendees are invited to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Park, hosted by ANC/Mitsubishi.

To view the complete program click on Agenda and click on Register Online to sign up today!.

HOTEL ANNOUNCEMENT: Our preferred room block at the Westin City Center has sold out, however, the hotel still has a number of rooms available. Please call the Westin at 202-429-1700 to reserve your room.

What they have to say about Sports Facilities & Franchises

"The SportsBusiness Journal's Sports Facilities & Franchises conference provides a great opportunity to stay on top of the latest trends in franchise and facility management and is an event I look forward to attending every year." Rich Gotham, President, Boston Celtics

"The Diamondbacks are in the enviable position of managing one of the most unique ballparks in the U.S. That's why a conference like Sports Facilities & Franchises is so important to us. It's the best forum I know for getting and sharing ideas on how to make your sports facility a first-class destination." Derrick Hall, President, Arizona Diamondbacks

"The Sports Facilities & Franchises conference, much like the Journal, affords sports executives a special platform to share innovation, network for business and build partnerships. it is truly a personal and professional growth opportunity for all attendees." Dennis Mannion, Chief Operating Officer, Los Angeles Dodgers

"As Dolphin Stadium is undergoing $250 million in improvements, the Sports Facilities & Franchises conference provided invaluable insights into best practices from other sports and entertainment facilities, as well as a forum for sharing ideas with peers and making connections with important industry leaders. It doesn't matter if you're new to this industry or if you are a seasoned player, it is well worth your time and participation." Mike Mossholder, Director of Marketing Partnerships, Sales and Marketing, Dolphin Stadium, Miami Dolphins

"To have a resource such as SportsBusiness Journal is a must for any sports-related operation. In my opinion, the Sports Facilities & Franchises conference is a must event for the sports executive. From marketing, sales and operations, this event has everything for the sports professional." Ron Maestri, Chief Operating Officer, New Orleans Zephyrs, Baseball Club (NY Mets Affiliate)