College Sports Information Directors of America

SIDEARM Leadership Forum presented by Learfield (Wednesday, June 27)

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2018 SIDEARM Sports Leadership Forum presented by Learfield
Site: National Harbor
Wednesday, June 27, 2018

For the third year, this day-long specialized programming leads off the 2018 CoSIDA Convention and will bring together senior-level administrators in sports communications, athletic directors and executives who have impacted college sports for panel discussions and networking opportunities. The Leadership Forum is a one-day separate registration event (not under the CoSIDA Conference registration) designed for anyone currently in a college sports communications leadership role, such as assistant, associate or deputy athletics director, or who aspires to be in that position in the future. A limited number of seats are available.

Leadership Forum rate: $125 CoSIDA member; $175 non-CoSIDA member

Registration Questions? Review this FAQ document which provides details on the registration process, or contact Will Roleson, CoSIDA Associate Executive Director at (317) 490-2905 or willroleson@cosida.com.

2018 Leadership Forum Topics and Schedule (as of June 15, 2018)

Topics will revolve around "Managing The Message As You Successfully Manage Your Department." Our focus is on enabling collegiate communications leaders (those who are at the associate or assistant AD level and those who aspire to be in those positions) to deliver better results through better thinking, better execution, better leadership, better teams and better diversity.

Programming will run from 8:00 a.m. through 4:15 p.m., with a luncheon specifically for Leadership Forum participants, presenters and special guests.

Sessions Site: National Harbor 12-13; Luncheon: National Harbor 5-7

7-7:45 am Registration (Maryland Ballroom Hallway)
7:45-8 am Welcome and Forum Preview
Introduction: Justin Doherty, Senior Associate Athletic Director, University of Wisconsin
Welcome: Jeff Rubin, President and CEO, SIDEARM Sports

8-8:45 am Silo Busting

8:45-9 am Discussion 9-9:10 am Networking Break

9:10-9:55 am Case Study: Focus On What Matters Most - and Learn How to Say NO

Summary: Your schedule is bursting at the seams with tasks, appointments, meetings and responding to requests and emails. Do you give in to people's requests, even if you already have too much on your plate or a hectic schedule? Learn how and when to say "no" and also learn how to help your staff realign their priorities and tasks. To be an effective leader, learning to say "no" is vital to both your success and the success of your department and your short and long-term goals. Presenters: Justin Doherty, Senior Associate Athletic Director, University of Wisconsin; Brian Lucas, Director of Athletic Communications, University of Wisconsin

9:55-10:05 am Discussion 10:05-10:15 am Networking Break

10:15-11 am From Crisis To Digital Brand Terrorism: How To Stay Relevant & In The Room When It Matters

Summary: How athletic communicators can get in the room and stay in the room and be part of the planning and strategies when it comes to brand reputation and crisis communications. In this social media and digital leadership session, the discussion will revolve around learning to tell your story clearly and effectively in a timely manner. Our two presenters hail from the SM2 group, led by CEO Carrie Cecil, is at the forefront of comprehensive social media training education and solutions for professional sports teams and college and university athletic departments. Poston also served as NASCAR chief communications strategists and spokesperson from 2004-2011. Presenters: Carrie Gerlach Cecil, CEO, SM2 and Anachel Communications; Ramsey Posten, Litigation and Crisis Communications Partner, SM2 and Anachel Communications

11-11:30 am Morning Wrapup Discussion and Networking 11:30-11:45 am Break 11:45 am-12:50 Leadership Forum Luncheon (National Harbor 5-7) Guest Speaker: Tom McMillen, President and CEO, Lead1 Association/CoSIDA Google Cloud Academic All-America Hall of Fame

1-1:45 pm All Things Media: Trending Topics

Join members of the national media and sports PR consultants in the sports world for a discussion of pertinent topics. Presenters: Dennis Dodd, CBSSports.com; John X. Miller, Senior Editor, The Undefeated; Gail Sideman, Publicist/Communications consultant/national TV broadcast assistant 1:45-2 pm Discussion and Networking Break

2-2:45 pm Defining Your Organization's Culture and Staying on Brand

Summary: As a leader, what are you doing to develop trust? Get the right people in your (department) bus. Once you do that, you must know your brand story/message to get your staff aligned. Learn how to train your staff and craft content and messaging that stands out in the communications clutter of today. Presenters: Len Sanderson, President, Sanderson Strategies Group; Lauren Taylor, Director of Marketing and Competition, Southeastern Conference 2:45-3 pm Discussion 3-3:15 pm Networking Break

3:15-4 pm How To Manage Up, According to Your Bosses; Keys to Positioning and Promoting Yourself

Summary: Discussion on how athletic communicators can position themselves for advancement and be seen as a strategic thinker and leader. Presenters: Sean Frazier, Director of Athletics, Associate Vice President, Northern Illinois University; Dan Radakovich, Director of Athletics, Clemson University 4-4:15 pm Afternoon Wrapup and Final Forum Thoughts *Leadership Forum attendees are also invited to attend the following:* 4:30-5:30 pm Town Hall Forum: The State of Athletic Communications Today Site: Prince George's C Ballroom Presenters: Rob Carolla, Director of Communications, College Football 150th Anniversary/CoSIDA President; Heather Dinich, ESPN.com Senior Writer and ESPN Studio Analyst, College Football Playoff; Bob Williams, NCAA; Dave Wrath, Associate Director of Athletics/Media and Alumni Relations, Augustana College; Amy Yakola, Executive Associate Commissioner & Chief of External Affairs, Atlantic Coast Conference Moderator: Erik Christianson, Managing Director, External Affairs, NCAA

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