DECA's 2023 Sports and Entertainment Marketing Conference was one to remember! Over 800 members gathered in Orlando, Florida, to learn about the hottest industries in the marketing field from the best of the best. Not only did members learn about sports and entertainment, but they also got to experience it firsthand as they headed to Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World and more.
Here’s what we learned from the conference and overall experience:
Several of our guest speakers emphasized how important digital communication was for their marketing efforts. With digital marketing, you can target customers, build clientele and create meaningful relationships. The cool thing about the sports and entertainment industry is that they have fun with their marketing because their customer base wants to see it! Stephen Kubiak, Universal Orlando Resort’s Manager of Social Strategy & Content, showed members how viral trends, like the meet-and-greet with the Grinch, combined with the customer’s voice made a huge impact on their brand and how it led to more engagement in their future content.
For many of the speakers, company community involvement was very important. For example in the sports industry, creating fan opportunities and providing low-income communities with resources and ways to stay active were incredibly popular. Shalisa Griffin, Greater Orlando Sports Commission’s Senior Director of Business Development & Events, shared that by partnering with their neighboring counties, they were able to address key issues, such as transportation, that impacted youth participation in organized sports. Businesses can create positive public relations and help their community in the process by being involved in the community.
After the conference sessions each day ended, chapters headed off to make the most of their trip to Orlando. Riding the Velocicoaster, creating Disney magic, soaking in the sun at the beach and participating in the #DECASEM Quest GooseChase to name a few of the many adventures they partook in. While the fun did have to end, the memories will stay and can even continue at ICDC!
Overall, this conference prepared our members to take action, connect and Get The Edge when competing to qualify for ICDC. We hope to see many more of you back here in Orlando, Florida, from April 22-25, when you put your 21st Century skills and leadership to the test!
