The American Athletic Conference Forum is designed to bring together key stakeholders within collegiate athletics to discuss critical issues, share innovative ideas, and foster collaboration. This forum will provide Athletic Directors, Coaches, Student-Athletes, and Sports Media professionals with valuable insights and actionable strategies to enhance their programs and the conference.
Discussion Topics
- The Future of the American Athletic Conference in the National Collegiate Landscape
Explore how the AAC can maintain and strengthen its competitive standing among other conferences.
- Innovations in Athletic Training and Performance Enhancement
Discover cutting-edge advancements in training methods and technologies that can elevate athlete performance.
- Balancing Academic and Athletic Success among Student-Athletes
Discuss strategies to help student-athletes excel both academically and athletically.
- The Impact of COVID-19 on Collegiate Athletics and Future Preparedness
Examine the lessons learned from the pandemic and how to prepare for future disruptions.
- Strategies for Increasing Fan Engagement and Conference Visiblity
Identify effective tactics to grow the conference’s fan base and enhance its public profile.
- Addressing Equity and Inclusion in Sports within the Conference
Delve into policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion in collegiate sports.
- Developing Sustainable Athletic Programs and Facilities
Learn how to create environmentally and financially sustainable athletic programs and infrastructure.
- Navigating the Evolving Landscape of College Sports Media and Broadcasting
Understand the current trends and future directions in sports media and broadcasting.
- Ensuring Compliance and Integrity in Collegiate Sports
Discuss best practices for maintaining compliance and integrity within athletic programs.
Target Audience
- Athletic Directors
- Coaches
- Student-Athletes
- Sports Media Professionals
Key Speakers
- University Presidents and Athletic Directors from prominent AAC member schools
- Notable Coaches and athletes known for advocacy in academic-athletic balance and social issues
- Industry experts in sports media, broadcasting, and technology
- Health and performance specialists focused on innovations and COVID-19 preparedness
- Policymakers and legal experts in collegiate sports compliance and integrity
- Public figures or influencers with a keen interest in collegiate athletics
Forum Structure
Opening Session
- Theme Introduction: Overall theme and importance of the topics
- Keynote Address: Prominent figure in American athletics
Panel Discussions
- Each major topic is addressed in dedicated panel sessions featuring key speakers
- Q&A Sessions: Engage the audience with interactive question-and-answer opportunities
Workshops or Breakout Sessions
- Parallel sessions for in-depth discussion and practical advice sharing on specific topics
Networking Opportunities
- Scheduled breaks and social events to encourage interactions and idea-sharing
Closing Session
- Recap of critical insights from the day
- Focus on actionable takeaways and plans for future collaboration and engagement
Forum Promotion
- Comprehensive Marketing Strategy: Leverage social media, email campaigns, and targeted digital advertising
- Speaker Networks: Utilize key speakers’ and panelists’ networks to amplify awareness
- Media Partnerships: Secure coverage from local and national media outlets
- Engaging Promotional Content: Create video teasers and interviews with speakers
- Early Bird Discounts: Offer discounts and special rates for early and group registrations
- Referral Program: Incentivize attendees to refer others
- AAC Networks: Leverage athletic departments, schools, and organizations within the conference
- Dedicated Hashtag: Create buzz on social media
- Online Event Platforms: Manage registrations and engage with potential attendees
Forum Agenda
Day 1
Morning Session (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
- Opening Address by the President of the American Athletic Conference
- Keynote Speech on the Future of College Athletics
Panel Session 1 (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM)
- “The Future of the American Athletic Conference in the National Collegiate Landscape”
- Panelists: University Presidents and Athletic Directors from AAC member schools
- Moderator: Sports Media Personality
Lunch Break (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
Afternoon Session (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM)
- Panel Session 2: “Innovations in Athletic Training and Performance Enhancement”
- Panelists: Health and Performance Specialists
- Moderator: Notable Coach or Athlete
Panel Session 3 (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM)
- “Balancing Academic and Athletic Success among Student-Athletes”
- Panelists: Coaches, Athletes, and Academic Advisors
- Moderator: Industry Expert in Student-Athlete Academic Success
Networking Reception (6:00 PM Onwards)
- Opportunity for Attendees, Speakers, and Panelists to Interact and Share Ideas
Day 2
Morning Session (9:30 AM – 11:00 AM)
- Panel Session 4: “The Impact of COVID-19 on Collegiate Athletics and Future Preparedness”
- Panelists: Policy Makers, Legal Experts, and Health Specialists
- Moderator: Voice of College Sports Compliance and Integrity
Breakout Sessions (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM)
- Simultaneous Workshops on Specific Topics with Expert Facilitators
Lunch Break (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
Afternoon Session (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM)
- Panel Session 5: “Strategies for Increasing Fan Engagement and Conference Visibility”
- Panelists: Media and Broadcasting Experts, Marketing Professionals
- Moderator: Sports Media Personality
Panel Session 6 (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM)
- “Addressing Equity and Inclusion in Sports within the Conference”
- Panelists: Athletes, Advocacy Leaders, and Policy Makers
- Moderator: Notable Figure in Sports Equity
Closing Session (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM)
- Recap of Key Insights and Actionable Takeaways
- Plans for Future Collaboration and Engagement
- Closing Remarks by Forum Organizers
Forum Materials
- Digital Event Program: Detailed agenda, speaker bios, and session descriptions
- Presentation Slides: Available for download after the forum
- Handouts: Digital copies of reference materials shared during workshops
- Feedback Forms: Attendee input on the forum and suggestions for future topics
- Forum Mobile App: Networking, live polling, and session feedback
- Promotional Materials: From sponsors and partners
Forum Follow-up
- Thank-You Emails: Highlights from the forum and links to session materials
- Post-Forum Survey: Gather feedback on the event and topics for future forums
- Post-Forum Report: Summarize critical insights and outcomes
- Future Forum Dates: Announce and encourage early registration with discounts
- Ongoing Engagement: Social media and email campaigns to share highlights and videos
Sponsorship Opportunities
- Exclusive Naming Sponsor: Prominent brand visibility in promotional materials
- Panel/Workshop Sponsors: Brand exposure in individual sessions
- Networking Event Sponsor: Exclusive access and visibility at networking events
- Technology/Media Partner: Support with live streaming, digital content, or app development
- Official Product Sponsors: Showcase products/services to a targeted audience
- Community Sponsorship: Support inclusion and access initiatives
- In-kind Sponsorships: Offering services or products that support the forum
Success Metrics
- Attendance Increase: Registration and check-in data
- Engagement Levels: Number of questions, workshop participation, mobile app activity
- Quality of Content and Speakers: Post-forum feedback and ratings
- Sponsor Satisfaction: Sponsor feedback and increased sponsorships
- Media Coverage: Media mentions and social media shares
- Post-Forum Objectives: Actionable insights, new partnerships, future collaboration plans
