Game Changers

Texas Motor Speedway, a legendary hub for motorsports enthusiasts, stands proudly in the heart of Texas. This renowned venue has hosted thrilling NASCAR races and a spectrum of exciting events for decades, captivating fans from all walks of life. In a recent podcast episode, Mark Faber, EVP and General Manager at Texas Motor Speedway, shared insights into their unique fan experience and unwavering commitment to community engagement.Fan-Centric Philosophy:Mark Faber, boasting a rich background in sports and entertainment, recognizes that motorsports entail much more than track action. At Texas Motor Speedway, it's all about putting fans first, echoing the principles set by founder Bruton Smith. The fan experience is paramount, and Faber emphasizes the importance of prioritizing guest satisfaction.Spread across a sprawling 1,500-acre facility, Texas Motor Speedway offers fans a multitude of engaging experiences. Whether camping on the grounds, enjoying Geico's inaugural camper award, or witnessing thrilling races, the Speedway's mission is to enhance your visit comprehensively.Leveraging Content and Education:The motorsports marketing landscape has witnessed a transformation through content and education. Faber acknowledges the influence of Netflix's "Drive to Survive" series on Formula One's broader appeal. Texas Motor Speedway aims to harness this trend by developing content that delves deeper into their drivers and teams. The goal is to provide fans with insights, fostering a connection with the sport and nurturing a new generation of motorsports enthusiasts.Community and Charity Endeavors:Texas Motor Speedway is not just about thrilling races; it's also deeply committed to giving back to the community. Speedway Children's Charities, the Speedway's primary charitable initiative, operates chapters across all 12 Speedway Motorsports venues. Their philanthropic efforts address pressing issues such as homelessness, sex trafficking, and abuse, with a primary focus on children. Last year alone, they distributed $360,000 to 22 organizations, positively impacting nearly 40,000 children.In addition to supporting children, the Speedway extends its outreach to veterans, armed forces, police, fire, first responders, and teachers, acknowledging and celebrating the invaluable contributions of these community pillars.Texas Motor Speedway transcends being a mere motorsports venue; it stands as a symbol of community engagement and entertainment. With a diverse event lineup, a relentless commitment to fan engagement, and a strong emphasis on charitable initiatives, the Speedway offers an experience that transcends the racetrack. If you find yourself in Texas, consider a visit to Texas Motor Speedway, where the spirit of community, entertainment, and innovation converge to create unforgettable memories.Watch More Game Changers

Indoor air quality is a crucial consideration for professional and collegiate athletes who prioritize their wellness. Tony Abates, Chief Technology Officer at AtmosAir Solutions, explains how their comprehensive air purification system, known as atmosphere bipolar ionization, addresses various air contaminants. From reducing particulates that can irritate respiratory systems to inactivating viruses and bacteria, this technology is becoming a game-changer for sports facilities. Teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, USC, and UCLA have already adopted Atmosair's sports wellness solutions, recognizing the significant impact of clean and purified air on athletes' performance and health.Now, let's hear from Tony Abate, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at AtmosAir Solutions, as he shares more insights into their cutting-edge air purification technology and its impact on sports wellness on Game Changers.

Over the past decade, we've seen an increasing intersection of sports and business, with athletes moving beyond their sports roles into entrepreneurship, investing, brand-building, and business strategies. As the sports industry's global value is projected to reach $623.6 billion by 2027, the question of how athletes transition into business becomes more pressing. Furthermore, with research showing that 80% of retired NFL players go broke within three years of leaving their sport, the stakes are high. Can the principles learned inside the white lines of a football field transition into successful business?This compelling topic is addressed in the latest episode of Game Changers. Host Katie Steinberg talks with Merril Hoge, former NFL running back and renowned sports analyst, a man who has proven himself both on the field and in the boardroom. As someone who has authored multiple books on business, he is able to bring his unique perspective to the discussion of business strategies.In this episode, Steinberg and Hodge discuss:The parallels between sports and business and how principles learned on the football field can be applied to business strategies.The importance of integrity and self-reflection in achieving personal and professional success.The powerful effect of setting goals, visualizing them, and taking inventory of your progress towards them.Merril Hoge, born and raised in Idaho, is a former NFL running back for the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers. Apart from his successful sports career, he is known for his work as an author, philanthropist, and sports analyst for ESPN. His insightful perspectives on the connection between sports and business have made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field.

Game Changers host Katie Steinberg sits down with CEO Adam White to tell the inspiring story of Front Office Sports. Front Office Sports, an innovative digital media platform known for its unique sports-related content, has announced plans to upscale and expand its brand reach while staying true to its essence of providing the best in sports business news and analysis.After nine challenging yet rewarding years, Front Office Sports has grown into a multi-platform media company reaching millions of users across different channels. During an interview with the company's CEO, Adam White, he shared insights into their strategic plan. White emphasized the company's strategy to drive more scale and relevance, increasing content output, and building Front Office Sports as the "Wall Street Journal of sports.""The goal is to have our content accessible to our audience from the minute they wake up till the minute they go to sleep," said White. In pursuit of this, the company has unveiled a new structure for its newsletters, incorporating co-authors to bring added personality to the brand. The company also plans to associate the brand with more known personalities to supplement their well-established product.Adam White credited Front Office Sports' successful partnerships with notable brands such as Sling TV, New Balance, Globe, and Cisco, which have played pivotal roles in social activation and digital integration. These partnerships are part of Front Office Sports' mission to extend its reach and influence across different digital platforms, including social media channels, podcasts, emails, and even elevator screens.White also talked about the importance of breaking news and high-quality reporting. "The best media companies have the best reporting, scoops, and analysis. If we can be those people in this category, it's going to go a long way," he said. As part of this drive, the company is planning to hire more talented journalists.Despite the challenging times faced during the pandemic and subsequent economic setbacks, Front Office Sports has remained resilient and steadfast, earning a reputation for their hard-hitting sports journalism.Watch More From This SeriesAbout Front Office Sports:Front Office Sports is a leading digital media platform specializing in sports business news and analysis. They are dedicated to providing readers with an in-depth look at the multi-billion-dollar sports industry and its impact on society at large. Founded by Adam White, the company's vision is to build the "Wall Street Journal of sports."

Introducing Leslie Tillem and Curtis Parris: The Powerhouse Duo Shaking Up the B2B Hospitality WorldLeslie Tillem and Curtis Parris bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, making them the perfect duo to discuss the top trends in B2B hospitality. In a recent interview, Leslie and Curtis delved into their experiences working with high-profile clients, including a memorable collaboration with Ashley and Jared, well-known personalities from reality TV. Leslie described the couple as charming, adventurous, and a joy to work with, while Curtis praised their enthusiasm and highlighted their unforgettable performance in a recreation of the iconic "When Harry Met Sally" scene.When asked about their favorite memories from the show, Leslie and Curtis shared anecdotes that exemplified their dedication to creating personalized and immersive experiences for their clients. They emphasized the importance of understanding each client's unique needs and going above and beyond to exceed their expectations. Their commitment to building strong relationships with clients and industry contacts sets them apart, ensuring that every trip is tailored to perfection.As part of the esteemed Global Travel Collection, Leslie Tillem and Curtis Parris have access to a vast network of experts, allowing them to curate exceptional luxury itineraries for their high-end clientele. Their approach goes beyond simply ticking off destinations on a map; they prioritize understanding their clients' desires and delivering extraordinary experiences that leave a lasting impression.Leslie and Curtis also discussed the evolving role of human travel advisors in the age of technology. While AI-powered platforms like chatGBT have their advantages, they emphasized the irreplaceable value of human expertise, personal connections, and dedicated support. They highlighted the importance of having a trusted advisor who can navigate unforeseen challenges and provide personalized assistance that goes beyond what automated systems can offer.When it comes to travel trends and immersive experiences, Leslie and Curtis are at the forefront. They shared insights on emerging destinations such as Saudi Arabia, India, Rwanda, and Bhutan, where travelers can delve into unique cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable encounters with wildlife. Their commitment to crafting tailor-made itineraries ensures that clients have the opportunity to explore destinations that may not be on everyone's radar, creating truly immersive and transformative travel experiences.Leslie Tillem and Curtis Parris have been receiving rave reviews from the travel community since the premiere of their show. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and passion for delivering exceptional service have garnered praise from industry peers and clients alike. They have set a new standard for luxury travel and have proven that travel advisors play a crucial role in creating unforgettable experiences for discerning travelers.Watch More From This SeriesAbout Leslie Tillem and Curtis Parris:Leslie Tillem and Curtis Parirs are renowned travel advisors and industry experts, known for their exceptional client service, attention to detail, and ability to create personalized luxury travel experiences. With a wealth of experience and a vast network of contacts, they have gained a reputation for delivering unforgettable journeys that exceed expectations. Leslie and Curtis are proud members of the Global Travel Collection, a partnership that enables them to provide their clients with unparalleled access to exclusive destinations and exceptional amenities.

The classic line from Field of Dreams is, if you build it, they will come. In Savannah, Georgia, a more appropriate baseball saying might be, if you make it fun, they will come.Jesse Cole, Owner of the Savannah Bananas, is truly in a league of his own. Cole is a trailblazer and an absolute game-changer when it comes to the sport of baseball. His dreamchild, The Savannah Bananas, made believers out of naysayers and transformed a community to become evangelists for this new version of America's pastime. They say there's no cryin' in baseball, but there are no rules governing fun. And if there were, it's safe to say Cole and his team would break them. The Savannah Bananas are an incredible story; a small-time community baseball team with national appeal. In just a few short years, they've captivated fans across the country with their original take on the sport, with fun front and center of the action. Game Changers host Katie Steinberg caught up with Jess Cole to learn more about the Bananas' story and the branding secrets that set this ball club apart from all others. From the origin of the club's unique name to its transformation from traditional baseball to its ‘fun rules' Banana Ball and all the crazy marketing providing one of the most fantastic experiences in all of sport, Steinberg, and Cole cover a lot of ground. The ethos of fun that drives all the decisions around building this successful brand. “We put ourselves in our customer's shoes,” Cole said. “I learned this from Walt Disney; he's my biggest mentor. He was sitting at a park bench. Every Saturday was his day with his daughters, and he's watching them on a carousel at Griffith Park, and he said, ‘I wish there were a place that adults and kids could have fun together.'” Cole used the same logic that created Disneyland to create his version of baseball to make the game fun for fans, young and old. Jesse Cole is the founder of Fans First Entertainment, which owns and operates the Savannah Bananas. The Bananas have welcomed more than one million fans to their ballpark, and have been featured on MSNBC, CBS Sunday Morning, Access Hollywood, HBO Real Sports, CNN, and ESPN. Cole is the author of Fans First & Find Your Yellow Tux. The Savannah Bananas play their rivals, The Party Animals throughout a fun, fan-focused baseball season at Savanah's Grayson Stadium and locations throughout the country during their upcoming 2023 Banana Ball World Tour. Tickets are available at thesavannahbananas.com.

The classic line from Field of Dreams is, if you build it, they will come. In Savannah, Georgia, a more appropriate baseball saying might be, if you make it fun, they will come.Jesse Cole, Owner of the Savannah Bananas, is truly in a league of his own. Cole is a trailblazer and an absolute game-changer when it comes to the sport of baseball. His dreamchild, The Savannah Bananas, made believers out of naysayers and transformed a community to become evangelists for this new version of America's pastime. They say there's no cryin' in baseball, but there are no rules governing fun. And if there were, it's safe to say Cole and his team would break them. The Savannah Bananas are an incredible story; a small-time community baseball team with national appeal. In just a few short years, they've captivated fans across the country with their original take on the sport, with fun front and center of the action. Game Changers host Katie Steinberg caught up with Jess Cole to learn more about the Bananas' story and the branding secrets that set this ball club apart from all others. From the origin of the club's unique name to its transformation from traditional baseball to its ‘fun rules' Banana Ball and all the crazy marketing providing one of the most fantastic experiences in all of sport, Steinberg, and Cole cover a lot of ground. The ethos of fun that drives all the decisions around building this successful brand. “We put ourselves in our customer's shoes,” Cole said. “I learned this from Walt Disney; he's my biggest mentor. He was sitting at a park bench. Every Saturday was his day with his daughters, and he's watching them on a carousel at Griffith Park, and he said, ‘I wish there were a place that adults and kids could have fun together.'” Cole used the same logic that created Disneyland to create his version of baseball to make the game fun for fans, young and old. Jesse Cole is the founder of Fans First Entertainment, which owns and operates the Savannah Bananas. The Bananas have welcomed more than one million fans to their ballpark, and have been featured on MSNBC, CBS Sunday Morning, Access Hollywood, HBO Real Sports, CNN, and ESPN. Cole is the author of Fans First & Find Your Yellow Tux. The Savannah Bananas play their rivals, The Party Animals throughout a fun, fan-focused baseball season at Savanah's Grayson Stadium and locations throughout the country during their upcoming 2023 Banana Ball World Tour. Tickets are available at thesavannahbananas.com.

Being able to order food at the press of a button is beyond just mere convenience, it is simplicity and delivery at its finest. If host Katie Steinberg has anything to say about it, food delivery apps like Grubhub are almost a little too easy to use. Nicolas Holland, the Partnership Director with GrubHub sat down with Game Changers to discuss the present and future of the food delivery app.“It's really all about discovery, it's all about accessibility,” said Holland, noting that the ease and use of the app allows users to discover and experience new food networks that exist all around them. “Technology has really enhanced the way we all live our life from our couch…we're able to leverage our time so much more effectively.”There are a plethora of factors that go into being able to provide an excellent food delivery and pick-up app. Good wifi and great coverage in the venues are essential to carrying out orders. In sports venues and stadium deliveries, Grubhub utilizes algorithms to track wait-times and historical data to improve the customer experience. This on-time consumer experience for in-venue and in-stadium pick-ups allows the fan to see the game they came for (not have to stand in a line) and experience the food simultaneously.In a new move aimed at branching into the hospitality industry, Grubhub has partnered with Resorts World in Las Vegas. As a mega-hotel, with over 3,500 rooms, Grubhub has worked to “customize and tailor our product to fit their needs” throughout the property. On the Fly powered by Grubhub allows customers to deliver food services and products to their room or for pick-up. Holland imagined, “You're leaving for the day…and all you want to do is stop at the cafe in the lobby, grab yourself a cup of coffee and some breakfast…and there's like a 30 minute wait just for a cup of coffee?”Grubhub provides the tracking and the tools needed to minimize and eliminate these inconveniences.

Being able to order food at the press of a button is beyond just mere convenience, it is simplicity and delivery at its finest. If host Katie Steinberg has anything to say about it, food delivery apps like Grubhub are almost a little too easy to use. Nicolas Holland, the Partnership Director with GrubHub sat down with Game Changers to discuss the present and future of the food delivery app.“It's really all about discovery, it's all about accessibility,” said Holland, noting that the ease and use of the app allows users to discover and experience new food networks that exist all around them. “Technology has really enhanced the way we all live our life from our couch…we're able to leverage our time so much more effectively.”There are a plethora of factors that go into being able to provide an excellent food delivery and pick-up app. Good wifi and great coverage in the venues are essential to carrying out orders. In sports venues and stadium deliveries, Grubhub utilizes algorithms to track wait-times and historical data to improve the customer experience. This on-time consumer experience for in-venue and in-stadium pick-ups allows the fan to see the game they came for (not have to stand in a line) and experience the food simultaneously.In a new move aimed at branching into the hospitality industry, Grubhub has partnered with Resorts World in Las Vegas. As a mega-hotel, with over 3,500 rooms, Grubhub has worked to “customize and tailor our product to fit their needs” throughout the property. On the Fly powered by Grubhub allows customers to deliver food services and products to their room or for pick-up. Holland imagined, “You're leaving for the day…and all you want to do is stop at the cafe in the lobby, grab yourself a cup of coffee and some breakfast…and there's like a 30 minute wait just for a cup of coffee?”Grubhub provides the tracking and the tools needed to minimize and eliminate these inconveniences.

When lifelong Detroit Red Wings fan Zack Klima missed seeing a game-winning goal due to waiting in a long line, he knew enough was enough. Spurred to action, Klima founded and is now CEO of company WaitTime, a state of the art artificial intelligence platform using real-time and historical data to analyze crowd diagnostics. Klima sits down with Game Changers host Katie Steinberg to discuss WaitTime's performance, success, and process.After meeting a few key investors and entrepreneurs, Klima was able to take the chance of a lifetime and develop WaitTime. When investments came through, others noticed, “...it kind of put WaitTime and the idea of WaitTime on the radar that, okay, this is something to actually look at,” said Klima.Instead of raising money conventionally, Klima found private investors to keep the company in-house, Klima noted, “Everyone has a swim lane…to achieve the goal that we're all working for.”How does WaitTime work? In the past, failed companies used beacons and bluetooth and even walkie-talkies to navigate the stadium and movement of people. Klima knew that WaitTime would need to take a different approach. Using cameras programmed with specific algorithms, Klima said, “We have four algorithms that track, individually, the movement analysis of everyone in real-times. So we look at speed of movement…direction of movement…and we do all this tracking…24 times per second.”This patented technology enables the team to pass along real-time data and expose deficiencies in any operation, allowing more efficient productivity to move in.When scaling, Klima said, “If you truly want to scale, you have to be with scaleable entities like Cisco, Intel, Microsoft…” and provide value to the companies through true integration, “Now we are at a point where Cisco…is now becoming our sales force globally,” explained Klima.As for what the future holds, Klima is excited to continue growing partnerships and expand on the uses of this patented technology - and never miss a game-winning shot again.

When lifelong Detroit Red Wings fan Zack Klima missed seeing a game-winning goal due to waiting in a long line, he knew enough was enough. Spurred to action, Klima founded and is now CEO of company WaitTime, a state of the art artificial intelligence platform using real-time and historical data to analyze crowd diagnostics. Klima sits down with Game Changers host Katie Steinberg to discuss WaitTime's performance, success, and process.After meeting a few key investors and entrepreneurs, Klima was able to take the chance of a lifetime and develop WaitTime. When investments came through, others noticed, “...it kind of put WaitTime and the idea of WaitTime on the radar that, okay, this is something to actually look at,” said Klima.Instead of raising money conventionally, Klima found private investors to keep the company in-house, Klima noted, “Everyone has a swim lane…to achieve the goal that we're all working for.”How does WaitTime work? In the past, failed companies used beacons and bluetooth and even walkie-talkies to navigate the stadium and movement of people. Klima knew that WaitTime would need to take a different approach. Using cameras programmed with specific algorithms, Klima said, “We have four algorithms that track, individually, the movement analysis of everyone in real-times. So we look at speed of movement…direction of movement…and we do all this tracking…24 times per second.”This patented technology enables the team to pass along real-time data and expose deficiencies in any operation, allowing more efficient productivity to move in.When scaling, Klima said, “If you truly want to scale, you have to be with scaleable entities like Cisco, Intel, Microsoft…” and provide value to the companies through true integration, “Now we are at a point where Cisco…is now becoming our sales force globally,” explained Klima.As for what the future holds, Klima is excited to continue growing partnerships and expand on the uses of this patented technology - and never miss a game-winning shot again.

From game highlights and player highlights to behind-the-scenes footage, social media users are actively following sports teams on TikTok. According to Morning Consult data, 46% of self-identified TikTok users said they “often” or “sometimes” use social media to stay updated with game highlights. In comparison, 42% said they use it for player highlights. Meanwhile, 43% of TikTokers said they use social media at least sometimes for sports news, and about 3 in 10 (31%) users watch behind-the-scenes content via social media.Patrick Rishe, Director of Sports Business, Washington University, focuses on the success of Formula 1 racing and its growth and following on social media. According to Gadgets Africa, a luckily-timed series on Netflix, Drive to Survive, gained popularity during the lockdown. The industry saw significant growth in following from YouTube to TikTok. F1 is building an audience with content and reaching younger audiences. Rishe believes we'll start “seeing trends in other sports. Use[ing] media to connect with younger fans.”F1's success is its variety of content. F1 is sharing stories on and off the track. “Formula 1 is very different than what's happening with Nascar. Nascar is experiencing stagnation,” noted Rishe. Leveraging social media to build audience growth means embracing an all-encompassing content strategy. By adopting the F1 content strategy, other teams could experience the same growth.Thanks to social media, fans enjoy access to the sport from social media. “Everyone is their own media outlet,” said host Katie Steinberg. However, professionals have to toe the line between access, posting responsibly, and honing their craft. Rishe said it's a good thing and requires discipline and control.”Rishe and Steinberg's conversation continues to explore other sports trends like alternative revenue streams and sports labor. The two discuss betting and the new technology that identifies issues with gambling. Their conversation also turns to minimum wage pay for 60% of professional sports players and how union movements may impact sports labor.

From game highlights and player highlights to behind-the-scenes footage, social media users are actively following sports teams on TikTok. According to Morning Consult data, 46% of self-identified TikTok users said they “often” or “sometimes” use social media to stay updated with game highlights. In comparison, 42% said they use it for player highlights. Meanwhile, 43% of TikTokers said they use social media at least sometimes for sports news, and about 3 in 10 (31%) users watch behind-the-scenes content via social media.Patrick Rishe, Director of Sports Business, Washington University, focuses on the success of Formula 1 racing and its growth and following on social media. According to Gadgets Africa, a luckily-timed series on Netflix, Drive to Survive, gained popularity during the lockdown. The industry saw significant growth in following from YouTube to TikTok. F1 is building an audience with content and reaching younger audiences. Rishe believes we'll start “seeing trends in other sports. Use[ing] media to connect with younger fans.”F1's success is its variety of content. F1 is sharing stories on and off the track. “Formula 1 is very different than what's happening with Nascar. Nascar is experiencing stagnation,” noted Rishe. Leveraging social media to build audience growth means embracing an all-encompassing content strategy. By adopting the F1 content strategy, other teams could experience the same growth.Thanks to social media, fans enjoy access to the sport from social media. “Everyone is their own media outlet,” said host Katie Steinberg. However, professionals have to toe the line between access, posting responsibly, and honing their craft. Rishe said it's a good thing and requires discipline and control.”Rishe and Steinberg's conversation continues to explore other sports trends like alternative revenue streams and sports labor. The two discuss betting and the new technology that identifies issues with gambling. Their conversation also turns to minimum wage pay for 60% of professional sports players and how union movements may impact sports labor.

BioMech, as a company, combines sports and analytics to help athletes perform better at the sports they love. Professional Golfer Health Slocum and Dr. Frank Fornari, Co-founder of BioMech, joined Game Changers' Katie Steinberg to discuss the approach behind BioMech's technology and how it's upping the game for many golfers, including Slocum.“BioMech is a motion analytics company driven by artificial intelligence and machine learning,” Dr. Fornari said. “We make tools to analyze how you move, and then spit back meaningful, actionable information to the end user.”One challenge Fornari saw in golf, a sport steeped in process and tradition, was that it could be difficult to change when something wasn't working right. To make the appropriate change in one's game, people need tools that provide results they can trust. “We developed technology that teaches,” Dr. Fornari said. This easy-to-use and affordable technology works for golfers at any game level. Slocum worked with Fornari throughout the creation process on the part of golf he believes to be the most critical, yet least understood, putting. And the AI built into BioMech's solutions take all the knowledge and experience that golfers like Slocum possess and put it inside their putting application. “Once I met Frank and listened to his approach to not only golf but to everything,” Slocum said. “And talking about the science and analytics and how we can get better and do all this stuff, I was like, I want to be a part of it, and I was fortunate enough to become a part of BioMech. From the putter to the sensor to everything else that will come of it, it made sense to me. I saw an opportunity to help myself get better and help the masses get better.”

BioMech, as a company, combines sports and analytics to help athletes perform better at the sports they love. Professional Golfer Heath Slocum and Dr. Frank Fornari, Co-founder of BioMech, joined Game Changers' Katie Steinberg to discuss the approach behind BioMech's technology and how it's upping the game for many golfers, including Slocum."BioMech is a motion analytics company driven by artificial intelligence and machine learning,” Dr. Fornari said. “We make tools to analyze how you move, and then spit back meaningful, actionable information to the end user.”One challenge Fornari saw in golf, a sport steeped in process and tradition, was that it could be difficult to change when something wasn't working right. To make the appropriate change in one's game, people need tools that provide results they can trust. “We developed technology that teaches,” Dr. Fornari said. This easy-to-use and affordable technology works for golfers at any game level. Slocum worked with Fornari throughout the creation process on the part of golf he believes to be the most critical, yet least understood, putting. And the AI built into BioMech's solutions take all the knowledge and experience that golfers like Slocum possess and put it inside their putting application. “Once I met Frank and listened to his approach to not only golf but to everything,” Slocum said. “And talking about the science and analytics and how we can get better and do all this stuff, I was like, I want to be a part of it, and I was fortunate enough to become a part of BioMech. From the putter to the sensor to everything else that will come of it, it made sense to me. I saw an opportunity to help myself get better and help the masses get better.”

The rise in popularity of Esports took off during the pandemic, when more people stayed inside and sought other forms of entertainment. Senior Principal and Esports Director for the Americas with Populous Brian Mirakian talks with Game Changers host Katie Steinberg about the next generation of eSports facilities and the future of the market.“The market has really rebounded in a really strong way,” said Mirakian, noting that while the pandemic caused traditional sports to stop, video game popularity only accelerated.With Esports gaming remaining a constant throughout the pandemic, popular game styles like Battle Royale (think Fortnite) allowed different demographics to interact and engage with one another on new platforms.“There's a tremendous amount of growth that's happening in many different sectors…there's been more activity now than at any point really since we began to explore this as a market segment, going back seven, eight years,” said Mirakian.Investment in Esports has really taken off. An Esports stadium was built in Arlington, Texas outfitted with all the necessary streaming technology but which also has multi-use ability to host Esport events and other capabilities, “You need to have a production studio environment to create the content. What that does, what that allows for is a lot of flexibility and hybridization, right? That allows you to have myriad different types of events that then you can broadcast out and reach virtual audiences as well,” explained Mirakian.As a guest back in 2018 with Marketscale, Mirakian predicted smaller, more-close knitted venue types in the esports arena in retail-based areas, bringing ease of access to the community. While this has held true in some instances, there is also a large proliferation of Esport activities on higher education campuses, “There's a lot of facility types now that are beginning to originate at the college level,” noted Mirakian.On the other hand, Las Vegas will be home to a premier esports venue next year, “which will be home to all entertainment” at a much larger scale.

The rise in popularity of Esports took off during the pandemic, when more people stayed inside and sought other forms of entertainment. Senior Principal and Esports Director for the Americas with Populous Brian Mirakian talks with Game Changers host Katie Steinberg about the next generation of eSports facilities and the future of the market.“The market has really rebounded in a really strong way,” said Mirakian, noting that while the pandemic caused traditional sports to stop, video game popularity only accelerated.With Esports gaming remaining a constant throughout the pandemic, popular game styles like Battle Royale (think Fortnite) allowed different demographics to interact and engage with one another on new platforms.“There's a tremendous amount of growth that's happening in many different sectors…there's been more activity now than at any point really since we began to explore this as a market segment, going back seven, eight years,” said Mirakian.Investment in Esports has really taken off. An Esports stadium was built in Arlington, Texas outfitted with all the necessary streaming technology but which also has multi-use ability to host Esport events and other capabilities, “You need to have a production studio environment to create the content. What that does, what that allows for is a lot of flexibility and hybridization, right? That allows you to have myriad different types of events that then you can broadcast out and reach virtual audiences as well,” explained Mirakian.As a guest back in 2018 with Marketscale, Mirakian predicted smaller, more-close knitted venue types in the esports arena in retail-based areas, bringing ease of access to the community. While this has held true in some instances, there is also a large proliferation of Esport activities on higher education campuses, “There's a lot of facility types now that are beginning to originate at the college level,” noted Mirakian.On the other hand, Las Vegas will be home to a premier esports venue next year, “which will be home to all entertainment” at a much larger scale.

Joel Totoro's love for professional sports and health has teed him up for a successful career as Director of Sports Science at Thorne. Totoro noticed that the development of a holistic approach has helped extend careers. Teams now include full-time dieticians, psychologists, physical therapists, and the primary care team.“Using health and wellness can be an enhancer in the game,” Totoro recognizes that extended careers are attributed to “the collaboration between different disciplines, nutrition and metabolic, strength coaches, psychologist, taking care of it [wellbeing] from all aspects.” Health is an interconnected system. We're shifting and becoming more focused on preventative care, and understandably, Totoro says, “is what healthcare should be.” Thorne is leading the way in quality and effective supplements. Thorne's supplements are strictly made with rigorous testing and the best ingredients to ensure high quality. Totoro understands that Thorne is in the “service industry, at the end of the day. We want you to be as healthy as you can be for as long as you can be.” If the product isn't improving the overall quality of life, it's not doing its job. “[Thorne is] altruistically driven, and that isn't [a factor] in other supplement companies,” explains Totoro.In an industry with a bad rap, supplements tend to be a money-driven business. Thorne is setting the bar high in terms of quality control. Many of Thorne's supplements are backed by NSF Certified for Sport. They provide peace of mind to professional athletes whose livelihood depends on clean testing before a performance. If a supplement had a filler, which may not be dangerous to an individual, but is considered illegal in a sport, the athlete's career could be on the line. Thorne's high standards honor that athletes' careers depend on reliable products.Thorne offers personalized, scientific testing and solutions so that individuals can create custom supplement regimens. Totoro explains that Thorne empowers its customers with “individual control and understanding.” While Thorne's standards are a huge differentiator, Totoro explains, “what's really exciting is the fact that we have partners in the medical space.” Recently, Thorne developed a supplement for brain health after a concussion with The Mayo Clinic. The supplement gives the brain the nutrients to support cell growth, ultimately benefitting memory and focus.From professional athletes to laypeople, Thorne provides the tools for individuals to improve and maintain their health. After all, as Totoro says, “you are the CEO of you,” and you have to “do what's best for you.”As the CEO of his health, Totoro's supplement routine is customized. Magnesium is what introduced him to Thorne. And he's excited about the development of leucine (found in SynaQuell, which supports cognition and focus) and Theanine (helps modify brain waves by increasing alpha-wave production. It also enhances brain neurotransmitters involved in stress management.)

For many, being first is an accomplishment. It is an accolade to boast about to friends, family, colleagues. To Dr. Jenifer Welter, it means something entirely different. Dr. Jenifer Welter, the first female NFL coach, sits down to talk with Game Changers Host Katie Steinberg about her experience as a trailblazer in the NFL.Dr. Welter began by talking about the importance of conceptualizing the possibility of something happening before it happens, perhaps even creating this possibility in a virtual space, if not yet a reality. As a trailblazer in female empowerment, Dr. Welter emphasized the loneliness of the accomplishment, “First inherently means only.”While it may be a lonely path, Dr. Welter talked about the importance of doing a good enough job to “be sure you're not the last.” There's a lot of attention and increased speculation about you as a first, especially as the first female in NFL coaching. Dr. Welter emphasized thinking about the narrative of the situation, “Keep your head down and your vision strong,” and don't let them break you.Although there may have been more focus on Dr. Welter because she is female, she also has a more unique approach to coaching than traditional styles. Her mindset is to build the relationship with the player, and in doing so, the player and coach will have a better and more positive relationship value.Dr. Welter said, “Most guys have been coached by women their whole lives,” whether they realize it or not, and to employ this Dr. Welter said it's her goal to, “Refresh the narrative on what is tradition and what is effective.”Dr. Welter doesn't yell. She guides and supports. She encourages and helps. What resonates with her and with her athletes is “authenticity.” Change is always coming, what's important is to understand that “courage can be contagious” and changing situations for the better.

Named one of Sports Business Journal's 40 under 40, Casey Schwab is making an impact in the sports -and education- world. In this new episode of Game Changers, host Katie Steinberg sits down with Schwab, CEO of Altius Sports Partners, to discuss education advisory work in utilizing the NIL and beyond.Schwab emphasized the work Altius focuses on, which is in working for athletic departments to provide athletes with the education and guidance they need to maximize the NIL and strike a balance for those wanting to go into the NFL.By focusing on long-term goals, rather than short-term monetary gains, Altius helps athletes envision the impact NIL might make when entering into the league and beyond.Steinberg emphasized one of Altius' mission goals is in empowering athletes which Schwab said Altius does by, from an institutional perspective, providing resources for the athletes to turn to. Rather than working for each athlete individually, Altius is paid by the university institution to provide “objective guidance in a compliant way”.In answering how athletic departments should be educating their athletes, Schwab stated “offensively and defensively.” In essence, departments need to get out in front of NIL and talk to athletes about resources and different situations they might come across. This provides a place for the athlete to go to to understand what the next step is in different situations.Schwab said that Altius aims to create relationships between brands and athletes in a positive and insightful way. He said that while there is certainly an imbalance between athletes wanting to be in this space (NIL) and brands that want to be in this space, Altius focuses on providing guidance for that athlete, to know what to do and how to talk to them.As for capitalizing on new opportunities, like being the Cinderella team in March Madness, those athletes and groups must be educated on NIL to really take advantage of those viral moments. With Altius, Schwab aims to make this new landscape equally playable.

When most people think of the Corning name, they think of dishware and cookware. But the reality is they are so, so much more. The company even lays claim to having glass on the international space station. Jessica Janis, Head of Business Development for Sports, Entertainment & Hospitality at Corning spoke with Game Changers host Katie Steinberg on the company's advanced technology that is driving network connectivity and affordability.One of Corning's more recent projects includes the installation of Everon™ mmWave's technology in SoFi Stadium's suites in time for the 2022 Superbowl. They worked with both Verizon and AT&T to fill service gaps to ensure fans were able to enjoy the complete digital experience wherever they were in the stadium.Janis, who also sits on the board of the LA Sports and Entertainment Commission noted that Corning also has “cellular solutions and fiber feeding a lot of the hotels and convention centers in the (LA) area as well as LAX airport.” The LAX project is exciting with Corning putting its technology at work in one of the world's largest airports as part of a massive renovation.Other recent projects include AT&T Stadium in Texas as well as “Kyle Field out of Texas A&M. We did a full fiber system there where everything is riding over one converged network,” said Janis. One thing that all these projects have in common is in creating a 5G network that is capable of supporting the increasingly digital experiences that consumers and fans expect from companies and venues.“Today, they talk about the in-stadium experience or in-arena experience but there's gonna be a lot of what do we do with those fans once they leave. And it's the engagement through applications that they might see in the stadium that they can actually get at home,” Janis said. 5G networks will continue to grow to keep these worlds connected while providing a scalable, cost-effective solution for companies to utilize.

In this exciting episode, Erick Dickerson, legendary NFL Running Back Hall of Famer speaks to Game Changers host Katie Steinberg about the recent publication of his memoir, Watch My Smoke, The Eric Dickerson Story. Dickerson played in the NFL for 11 seasons with the LA Rams, Indianapolis Colts, LA Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons.The conversation opens with a look into what drove Dickerson to write a memoir of his life. He shared that the idea started around 2007 when a writer friend of his told him he was a great storyteller and should share the story of his life. He decided to give it a go and they spent time with Dickerson sharing stories and his friend taking notes. Unfortunately, his friend passed away before they made any significant progress, and the book was indefinitely put on hold.Eventually, after years of poking and prodding from friends and relatives, Dickerson decided to give the memoir another life and in Jan. 2022 the book was released to the public. The biggest challenge was finding a book writer.The first writers sent samples but “it just didn't sound like me, at all. I mean, it's not the way I would talk. I won't forget one was like I said something like golly or gee whizz. I was like, oh man please, I would never say that. I'd say ah shit, right!” shared Dickerson. He finally found the perfect writer, Greg Hanlon, who was able to share his inspiring story in his voice.“I just did the audiobook a couple of weeks ago and it sounds exactly like me. I mean, I'm proud of it. the audiobook itself was very difficult to do but the book itself sounds just me and it tells my story. And one thing people know about me… I keep it one hundred, I mean I'm straight up, I'm no-nonsense, even to myself. I'm not the guy that won't call myself out on something. I call myself out on things to” shared Dickerson.Listen in to hear more no-nonsense from Dickerson as he discusses the memoir that shares the story of his life including what it was like to be a black man in the NFL, and how his mom told him two things when he left Texas “Don't go out there and embarrass yourself and don't go out there and embarrass me.” Dickerson shared that he has always “just tried to make his mother proud.” There can be little doubt that he has accomplished this goal among many others.

In this exciting episode, Erick Dickerson, legendary NFL Running Back Hall of Famer speaks to Game Changers host Katie Steinberg about the recent publication of his memoir, Watch My Smoke, The Eric Dickerson Story. Dickerson played in the NFL for 11 seasons with the LA Rams, Indianapolis Colts, LA Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons.The conversation opens with a look into what drove Dickerson to write a memoir of his life. He shared that the idea started around 2007 when a writer friend of his told him he was a great storyteller and should share the story of his life. He decided to give it a go and they spent time with Dickerson sharing stories and his friend taking notes. Unfortunately, his friend passed away before they made any significant progress, and the book was indefinitely put on hold.Eventually, after years of poking and prodding from friends and relatives, Dickerson decided to give the memoir another life and in Jan. 2022 the book was released to the public. The biggest challenge was finding a book writer.The first writers sent samples but “it just didn't sound like me, at all. I mean, it's not the way I would talk. I won't forget one was like I said something like golly or gee whizz. I was like, oh man please, I would never say that. I'd say ah shit, right!” shared Dickerson. He finally found the perfect writer, Greg Hanlon, who was able to share his inspiring story in his voice.“I just did the audiobook a couple of weeks ago and it sounds exactly like me. I mean, I'm proud of it. the audiobook itself was very difficult to do but the book itself sounds just me and it tells my story. And one thing people know about me… I keep it one hundred, I mean I'm straight up, I'm no-nonsense, even to myself. I'm not the guy that won't call myself out on something. I call myself out on things to” shared Dickerson.Listen in to hear more no-nonsense from Dickerson as he discusses the memoir that shares the story of his life including what it was like to be a black man in the NFL, and how his mom told him two things when he left Texas “Don't go out there and embarrass yourself and don't go out there and embarrass me.” Dickerson shared that he has always “just tried to make his mother proud.” There can be little doubt that he has accomplished this goal among many others.

The role in which The Harlem Globetrotters played in the desegregation of sports, especially in the NBA, cannot be understated. In 1948 and 1949, The Globetrotters stunned the sports world by twice defeating the World Champion Minneapolis Lakers of the NBA. Many of basketball's most famous names, from Wilt Chamberlain to Fred' Curly' Neal and Meadowlark Lemon, all donned that renowned red, white, and blue uniform. Noted for their on-court stunts and humor, the Globetrotters have set their sites in a new direction—a desire to play in the NBA. Sunni Hickman, Vice President of Marketing & Sales for The Harlem Globetrotters, spoke to Game Changers about the Globetrotters' ambitions for the future.When Hickman looks back at the history, she sees a clear line from where basketball is today and the path the Harlem Globetrotters forged. “The style of it, the components that they innovated,” Hickman said. “Basketball is an avenue for so many people whether you're on the court, coaching, or behind the scenes. They opened the door for that.”It's important to tell the history of the Globetrotters in a way that will resonate with the fans. Hickman noted that many of today's fans might not know the rich history of the Globetrotters and how the audiences they played for back in the early days may have been the first time such a sports audience saw players of color in the game. “It's important to connect those dots,” Hickman said.And to secure that history and make memories for the next century of Globetrotters fans, Hickman said the goal is for the Harlem Globetrotters to be an official part of the NBA. With expansion team talk in the air, now could be the perfect time to make one of the world's best-known basketball teams one of the NBA's.

Stadiums and venues shut down when the pandemic surfaced, but eventually adapted and found solutions to keep sports and live events running Katherine Krohn, Vice President of Business Development for ASM Global, joined Game Changers Host Katie Steinberg to discuss what the future holds for stadiums and venues.When COVID-19 first hit, the focus was crowd control; other technology was put on the backburner. “What I think the pause gave was really a lot of these rally savvy tech companies an opportunity to reinvent themselves and bring products to the table that maybe didn't exist before,” said Krohn. This included touchless technology and the WaitTime app, which allows seeing how and where fans move within venues. Krohn projected that these rollouts will only continue.According to Krohn, the sport technology sector will face speedbumps with technology rollouts. “I think it's not an industry-specific challenge, I think it's industry-wide. 5G really just reversed to fifth generation, meaning it's all new technologies coming out.” She added, “It's a significant overhaul in infrastructure that's required.” For example, a hot new stadium with 4G LTE will struggle until they jump to 5G.This brings to the table the importance of templates for venue technology success. Krohn explained the benefits: “The smaller arenas get to leverage what the T-Mobile arenas are doing today.” Additionally, “You know as a fan when you go to any ASM Global venue that you're getting a similar experience that's state of the art and engaged.”Krohn provided insight into the future: “I think the stadium of the future incorporates all of those creature comforts of being at home, breaking that mold of ‘this is why you love that energy of the live event,'” Krohn explained. More Stories Like This:The Latest Gaming Merger Firmly Establishes Dallas as an Esports HubWhy Stadium Naming Rights are a Brand's Winning Ticket for Building Revenue, Community

Alberto Santana, SVP of Sales for Amadeus, joined Host Katie Steinberg to discuss upcoming trends in the global travel industry and all things sports, from the Super Bowl to the Olympics.In 2000, Santana joined Amadeus, a global travel company started by some friends, with his only hotel industry experience being a brief valet stint. After 20 years of work there, Santana saw Amadeus do a good job taking care of employees and partners during the pandemic because of their planning and strong financial holdings. “We've been really successful in navigating unforeseen waters with constraints globally,” stated Santana.Amadeus has insight into 2022 travel trends because of their ability to look at booking data six months out. While people used to book early, the current trend is waiting until the last minute. Booking windows now are one or two days which makes it difficult for hotels to prepare. Another major change is that people are opting to drive more versus flying. “What's been really interesting is seeing how drive markets are leading the charge,” Santana stated.Business travel is still a bit down while leisure travel has risen with remote work, but overall, the industry is bouncing back. 2022 is “surpassing ‘19 numbers right now as it comes to hotel bookings,” Santana said.Omicron will factor into 2022 travel when it comes to events and whether there are cancellations or not. 60 percent of guests are concerned about cancellation policies of hotel. Santana believes Americans need to live a healthier lifestyle to help rebound from the pandemic faster.To hear more about projected hotel and travel trends and to peek into Santana's perspectives on college football, all things Super Bowl, and the Olympics, tune into the Game Changers podcast.

Youth sports are a significant part of the lives of kids in the U.S. However, parents, grandparents, and other family members can't always be there in person. The GameChanger app offers a new way to watch every game. The app's founder Sameer Ahuja joined Game Changers host Katie Steinberg to talk about its impact.Ahuja explained, “It connects parents and grandparents to the most important game of the week, the one their kid is playing.”Being able to share in these experiences was one inspiration. Ahuja also noted that its intent was to support coaches as well. They can use it to score the game, tally statistics, and stream. “It's like watching professional sports, but it's your kid's game!”With all this data and video, the app creates post-game recaps that include all the stats. For students seeking a scholarship for sports, the app can craft highlight reels.Because games are available on smartphones, Ahuja also believes it helps with participation. “Often when parents can't attend, kids may be less engaged. Now everyone's connected, and the app helps maintain participation.”The easy-to-use app allows users to watch in just a few clicks. They even receive push notifications that a game has started. Ahuja described other features, “There's a written recap that uses AI to write a story. You can look at stats from a season or career. Altogether, it tracks 150 stats. Users can message and communicate as well, building a community.”This digital experience with a fan community is also important and has metaverse implications. “We're moving in that direction. There are opportunities to memorialize highlights with your social group, which doesn't have to be large.”

Some might say Ken Patel, CEO of EV Hotel, is the next Elon Musk of the hospitality industry. Patel began his journey in hospitality as a child, helping his father in his hotel and working his way from the desk to roles with more responsibility. Now, he is heading the convergence of AI and hotels, which he discussed with Host Katie Steinberg.Patel believes the main issue with hotels in 2021 is the lack of the key digital experience. Technology has remained relatively stagnant in comparison to other sectors. While the non-technological experiences may be comparable, such as the mattress, mirror, and general room setup, this is not the case for technology. Smart TVs, Google Homes, Alexas, and other AI technology that enhance home life is absent, and EV hotels seek to amend this.The first EV hotel is set to open in Phoenix at the end of 2022. The Phoenix location was selected because the 2023 Superbowl will be hosted there. Hospitality and sports go hand in hand.EV hotels will allow employees to focus on serving customers. “EV is focused on automation and automation is creating less task-driven systems,” Patel stated. Because of that, employees such as housekeepers have less administrative tasks. An EV Experience desk will also contribute to this by allowing front desk to focus more on customer-oriented services.Patel predicts that for travel in 2022, hotel stocks come down harder than they go up. This is because as people begin to travel more, businesses will charge four to five times typical rates, resulting in plummeting stocks. Patel's advice to businesses: “Don't look at your short-term gains. Look at your long-term vision with maximizing the gains.” He added, “2023 second quarter is when we will see the comeback.”

Seeing his own kids grow up playing school sports, Chuck Thompson, Nike Dallas FC president, noticed a gap in youth sports — it is inefficient and doesn't set players up for success. He joined Host Katie Steinberg of Game Changers to discuss the Nike Dallas Football Club and its impact on the community.Thompson's vision of creating a well-oiled, high-results football club came to fruition through pulling together an elite coaching staff. The team boasts 40-50 years of experience and is comprised of coaches with quite a resume — five with Superbowl trophies, 11 NCAFA conference champions, one Jim Thorpe Award recipient and a sports training business owner — all of which have powerful recruiting connections.Together, the coaches have a goal of impacting children's lives. The team attracts players across Dallas of any playing ability and economic status who desire:An additional avenue of competitive trainingTo obtain an acceptance offer from a D1-level university — preferably with a scholarship.The club also takes a wholistic approach in influencing their players. For instance, they help organize tutoring to ensure the players can continue their post-secondary education and playing. The club wants the best of the best and those willing to grow.“We can take all of our players with different skillsets and abilities and give them the opportunity to play at the next level and give them the opportunity to get their schools paid for,” said Thompson.As for the next business venture, Thompson plans to increase community support and recruit sponsors and partners to help impact more kids.Overall, Thompson sees Nike Dallas FC as a resource for the players in not only their training but also in advisement not only on their future youth sports career but personal life as well.When proudly talking about one of his players, Thompson explained, “He's now getting a Stanford education because of football, because of his hard work… just to see that emotion, that's what we want.”

Mike Rufail, founder and chief gaming officer at Envy Gaming, excitedly explained the gaming merger with OpTic Gaming and how Dallas is becoming an esports hub while talking with Host Katie Steinberg.One big change from the merger will be the name of the team — the Texas-based Call of Duty League franchise Dallas Empire will be rebranded to OpTic Texas. Rufail believes the merge will be successful due to the two owners holding vastly different yet essential characteristics for running a lucrative business. Complimenting Hector Rodriguez, owner and CEO of OpTic, as a charismatic leader, Rufail is more attracted to the business operations, and he believes these traits “fills each other's gaps.”Jokingly, Rufail laughed, “He completes me.”However, the primary reason behind the gaming merger is to bring two highly competitive, successful, top-tier e-sports gaming companies together to round out the fans experience.“We're trying to deliver an experience to the people who are watching us and supporting our team,” he explained. “It's all for the fans.”When deciding on the rebranding of the name, Rufail suggested that the two keep OpTic's name since it has a bigger, global presence in the e-sport industry. As Texas-natives, the two also decided to include all of Texas instead of zeroing in on Dallas, hoping to make it more special for the whole state.Rufail commented on his excitement of the attention the merger is bringing to the e-sports industry, hoping it will help engage more people and show competitors an example of what's possible.Luckily, fans and players alike are looking forward to what's next for OpTic Texas and building a ‘home' for its gaming family in Dallas.“The fans are happy about it and they're looking forward to seeing what we're going to do together… I think they understand that we're going to give them a good experience,” Rufail said.

Commentary:Big news in the hospitality space as our very own host of Say Yes to Travel, Sarah Dandashy, has a new book on the shelves, Hospitality From Within, and it's available for pre-order today!We wanted to catch up with Sarah and find out what her inspiration for writing this book was; Sarah has a wealth of knowledge on running premier hotels and what it takes to be a top notch concierge. We picked her brain on what she wants hospitality professionals and readers to take away from the book, and why she sees the insights as applicable for today's industry.Make sure to check out Sarah's podcast Say Yes To Travel right here on MarketScale, and follow Game Changers for more full length episodes and weekly bonus clips from the hospitality industry.Abridged Thoughts:I'm really excited about this because, for those that might know me or might not know a bit about my background, I've actually worked in the hospitality space for over 18 years and 15 of those years as a hotel concierge, specifically in luxury properties. And I wanted to write this book because as I've been able to pull together and think back on all of my career, seeing the shifts that are happening in the industry right now, I really wanted to solidify and identify a lot of the lessons I've learned along the way. And I think the part that I really love the most about it that really ties into the nature of hospitality is the community aspect. Of course, there are lessons and tips that I've picked up along the way, but I also share real stories from other hospitality professionals from around the world that just really shows you how universal hospitality is. So the last chapter is dedicated to special concierge stories from my colleagues and dear friends in multiple properties everywhere around the world. But then I also have quotes in the book as well, too, from different execs and leaders within the space. Now, for me, what I really want people to take away from the book are ways to just rethink looking at hospitality and how we can really tap into the root of it and how to give that genuine service, really tapping into what hospitality from within means. Especially right now and I think moving forward, hospitality professionals really need to rethink how they're doing hospitality, how they're delivering service. The landscape is changing and consumers and guests want something a little bit different. They want personalized experiences. They want something that's real, not cookie cutter as well, too. And I hope my goal, at least certainly in this book, is to maybe inspire those that are in the industry that have been in the industry for some time that maybe just need to be reinspired or reinvigorated or those that are interested in entering into the hospitality space, different things that they can think about and how they can really tap into the genuine love that all of us in the hospitality space really feel.

Life after college sports can be a dreaded reality for athletes. Whether it's turning an athletic passion into a lifetime money-maker, or it's finding a career outside of sports, both options pose their own sets of professional challenges. On the first episode of Game Changers, host Katie Steinberg sits down with Brandon Pfluger, Senior Director of Business Development and former soccer athlete at Southern Methodist University, to talk shop on one of the most important decisions of his life: does he go pro with his soccer expertise, or does he hone a different set of skills?Katie and Brandon talk what the sport meant to him while being a student, his ultimate decision to go to law school rather than getting an MBA and how that impacted his current career, and how he's stayed in touch with SMU post-graduation. Beyond that, the two discuss SMU's Life After Ball program, and how it's helping athletes prepare for a career after college ball.

The big news in the esports world is the merger of Envy Gaming and OpTic Gaming. This unification brings together two of esports most impressive teams and promises to deliver excitement for fans. Providing insights on the merger, Mike Rufail, Founder and Chief Gaming Officer of Envy Gaming, sat down with Game Changers host Katie Steinberg.“We really fill the gaps of each other, and this merger is really for the fans so we can deliver the ultimate experience for them. We want to create awesome moments for them to watch,” Rufail commented.Rufail and OpTic Gaming leader Hector Rodriguez are long-time friends and rivals, with teams competing against each other. The merger should set the company on a new path to grow, innovate, and prosper.Envy will retain its 21,000-square-foot headquarters and training facility in Dallas. Rufail, a Texas native, was thrilled to start his business in the state. “I've traveled all over the world, and Dallas was always a play where people showed up for esports. Esports has always been popular in Dallas.”The new joint venture will bring an even bigger spotlight on the companies and esports. It's the new age of sports in a digital world. Rufail noted that it has advantages over traditional sports because those games aren't evolving. “With gaming technology, we're always doing new things to keep gaming exciting with more capabilities.”Talking about what that next big thing will be, Rufail noted VR. “It's taken a long time, but we're starting to play around with it more now that it's more accessible.”The new company will move beyond esports into media ventures, content creation, and live events.

Sports is a dominant element of our culture and for better or worse, the road to the glory of professional sports starts at a young age.On an upcoming episode of Game Changers, Host Katie Steinberg sits down with Nike Dallas FC President, Chuck Thompson, to discuss how he saw the inefficiencies of youth sports and how that led him to starting his own football team as his so called mid-life crisis.

On this episode of Game Changers, Host Katie Steinberg talked with Warren Moon about his post-retirement game plan. Moon played 20 years in the NFL and CFL before hanging up his cleats to found Sports 1 Marketing, a global sports and entertainment marketing agency that leverages over $20 billion in relationship capital and over 38 years of business experience, bringing athletes, celebrities and businesses together to make a lot of money, help a lot of people, and have a lot of fun.To understand Warren Moon, you must first go back to when he was a child in Los Angeles. Moon lost his father when he was seven but had a ton of support from his six sisters and his mom. In many ways, this was an advantage, as this feminine presence taught him how to cook, clean, sew, and even iron his clothes.“But, when it came to fixing a car or doing a tune-up, or changing the oil, or anything to do with mechanical work, I had no clue because I didn't have that type of guidance around me,” Moon said.His mom noticed these disadvantages and put him in Boy Scouts and sports where he would have a male presence. These coaches and mentors took away some of the sting of not having a dad, as these men helped step into that role.“I came up at a time where, especially the area we lived, there was a lot of violence and lot of gangs, and I could have easily gone that direction,” Moon said.

Corporate sponsorships have been a key source of revenue for professional sports teams. However, the era of buying a sign is no more. Now, it's all about the experience. Game Changers host Katie Steinberg chatted with Michael Mattocks, Senior Director of Corporate Sponsorships for the Dallas Mavericks, to get his insights.Mattocks has a unique career path. His fascination with the NBA was always a big part of his life, but he didn't know it could be his job. After spending 15 years in the legal field, he made a phone call to the Mavericks that would change his life.“I spoke to the head of HR to get some information on how to work there. He explained for an hour how teams are set up and recommended corporate sponsorship,” Mattocks explained.That fateful conversation turned into a job interview and a career. He's been with the company 17 years, and a lot has changed. “The sponsorship things we did 15 years ago, we don't do at all now. Now, it's about getting that one thing you can buy—the excitement of being at a game,” Mattocks said.With the influx of technology and social media, sponsorship opportunities evolved. “The experience of the sound and feel of the game and melding that with a sponsorship brand integration generates affinity and excitement,” Mattocks noted.Everything digital is also trackable and measurable, so sponsors understand the impact. One example Mattocks shared was the Mavericks partnership with Texas Oncology. “Patients came and told their stories, interacting with players. Seeing that is the best part of the job.”