The Global Institute of Sport took part in the incredible 2023 Soccerex Miami Conference, hosting an executive-themed day course during ‘the world’s leading football business event.’
The conference was held at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center in Miami, with GIS being welcomed as an official exhibitor and partner.
The day prior to the event, GIS held a day-long course teaching the current executives of sport the keys to success in the very dynamic sports industry.
Our course, hosted by Mark Clemmit at the GIS Miami Campus, proved very popular with around 100 sports industry professionals from Soccerex attending, who were able to listen to talks from:
- Paul Barber, CEO of Brighton and Hove Albion
- Sharona Friedman, President of the Global Institute of Sport
- Humza Tehrany, Chief Technology and Digital Officer at MLSE
- Chris Henderson, Chief Soccer Officer at Inter Miami CF
Being able to host such a fantastic event at our campus is something GIS is looking forward to repeating at future Soccerex Miami Conferences.
During our time at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center, we hosted our own panel discussion for Soccerex’s visitors, called ‘From Football Pitch to Elevator Pitch.’
Our panel included:
- GIS President Sharona Friedman
- GIS graduate and former USA international footballer Oguchi Onyewu
- Sports agent, sports lawyer and author Dr Erkut Sogut
- Chief Soccer Officer at Inter Miami CF Chris Henderson
The discussion involved the life of professional footballers, and ‘navigating the complexities of post-career life.’
This included, as GIS President Sharona Friedman said, “a lively discussion around player care, the power of getting an education, and the collective responsibility of the industry to ensure our talented athletes are prepared for their second career... and know what their options are.”
Along with GIS, many other top organisations from world football attended Soccerex this year, including clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, PSG, Liverpool and both Manchester United and Manchester City.
Other exhibitors at the conference as well as GIS were Serie A, CONCACAF and La Liga.
UCFB and GIS is the official education partner of Soccerex for 2023-24, with many of our students gaining valuable industry work and networking experience at the global event.
Dr Erkut Sogut said about the event: “Sharing the stage with distinguished sports leaders and professionals like Oguchi Onyewu, Sharona Friedman and Mark Clemmit was not just an honour, but a profound learning experience.
“Our dialogue on the 'Transition from Active Soccer Player to After Career' brought to light various perspectives and insights that are invaluable for anyone in the sports industry.
“The connections made and relationships built at Soccerex are ones I cherish deeply. Meeting many friends and forming new bonds was a highlight of this event. It's a reminder of how vibrant and supportive the sports community is.
“I am already looking forward to next year's gathering, where we can continue these vital conversations and foster even stronger ties within our community.”
To find out more about the campuses and global hubs GIS has across the world, offering sports industry-related postgraduate degrees in Europe, North America and Oceania, click here.
Alternatively, click here to view a GIS prospectus and see where a degree could take your sports industry career.
