The first-ever Sports Business Summit had no blueprint, no past event to reference, no vendor relationships, and no established plan for execution. The team had a vision for the programming and the impact they wanted, but they had no experience in the logistics of event planning, vendor coordination, or hospitality. With that said, I was fully responsible for making the event happen, which meant handling everything from sourcing vendors to designing the aesthetic and managing day-of execution.

I took the lead on vendor and logistics management, personally reaching out to caterers, rental companies, and suppliers to secure the best pricing and quality. With a tight budget, I had to work with those programming the event to determine what was the priority. I worked with the marketing team and designed and ordered custom merchandise, backdrops, table settings, and signage to create a professional and cohesive event atmosphere. The unexpected surge in attendance made the first year especially challenging; we originally planned for 500 guests, but just under 1,000 showed up, with 300 registering in the final week. With no time to spare, I had to lean on my crisis management and adaptability skills, quickly securing more food, chairs, plates, and materials to accommodate everyone without disrupting the event flow.

Beyond logistics, I understood the importance of hospitality and speaker experience. I wanted every guest, especially the speakers, to feel valued, so I went the extra mile to create personalized gift packages. Each one included handwritten notes, customized items, and thoughtful details that showed appreciation for their time and contribution. The effort did not go unnoticed; it added a personal touch that strengthened relationships and set the event apart. Many speakers mentioned how much they appreciated the handwritten note and gift; some even posted their gifts (notes included) on social media.

On the day of the summit, I personally oversaw the venue setup, layout design, and aesthetic details, ensuring that everything from floral arrangements to marketing banners created a polished and inviting atmosphere. While I delegated tasks where possible, I took full ownership of the execution, ensuring every detail was handled smoothly. By the end of the event, despite the challenges, it was a massive success. The ability to think on my feet, solve problems quickly, and create a high-quality experience under pressure made Year 1 such a strong foundation.