New York City Trip

For graduates of the LCB's Warsaw sports marketing program, an old Frank Sinatra line is particularly relevant. It's the line from his famous song, "New York, New York" and goes like this: "If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere."

Class of 2006 with NBA Commissioner David Stern and WNBA President Donna Orender at the NBA's corporate office in New York

It's the ultimate field trip and due to the generosity of the National Basketball Association, second-year sports marketing graduate students travel to NYC to participate in three full days of intense seminars, small group meetings and special events geared to provide an extra edge in the job market and offer valuable insight into the industry from outside the classroom. For many students, the highlight of the trip is hearing first-hand from some of the most important leaders in the sport industry.

Students start with an opportunity to network with many top industry professionals at a banquet held at the Harvard Club in Manhattan.

A meeting with the National Basketball Association includes a discussion with Commissioner David Stern and NBA Entertainment President Adam Silver. Presentations by other key executives, including SVP of Basketball Operations, Stu Jackson, provide a great overview of the league's current marketing and operations initiatives.

During a visit to the NFL, students meet with Roger Goodell, executive vice president and chief operating officer. They also spend time with Marketing Director Ty Stewart, M.B.A. '98 and Gil Beverly '03, both Lundquist College alumni.

Additional meetings throughout the week may include visits with ESPN, McCann Erickson/Mastercard, NRTA and Sports Illustrated to name a few.

Though most of the five-day trip is consumed with scheduled meetings and informational job interviews, the students also enjoy the chance to soak up the New York City experience with Broadway shows, museum tours, and sightseeing activities just steps away from their Times Square hotel.

"It was important to marry the marketing techniques we learned in the classroom with what happens on a major league level," said Doug Williams, MBA '03. "The New York trip showed me that the Warsaw curriculum is dynamic, and what we learn will shape the future of the industry. The trip gave me confidence in my education and in my ability to compete as an individual," he continued. "It showed me that I am prepared to take a leadership role in companies, teams, and leagues around the nation."