2025 Sapora Symposium
Honoring the legacy of George Huff
The Sapora Symposium is an applied learning series hosted by the University of Illinois' Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism, designed to enhance skills and foster collaboration for future industry change makers.
In spring 2025, the symposium will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Huff Hall by honoring the life and impact of the legendary coach and visionary administrator George Huff. The Illini athletic director’s influence on the campus and pioneering role in RST-related fields has inspired generations of students, faculty and practitioners.
The symposium will kick off with an evening featuring Illini basketball legends Dee Brown and James Augustine at the annual RST Winter Social at Hubbard Inn in Chicago on Jan. 23. Curriculum for the spring semester will continue with a weekly Zoom discussion with top practitioners and culminate with a March 28, on-campus event featuring notable guests addressing contemporary industry topics.
The spring 2025 series is presented by The Specialized Marketing Group Inc., a global sports, promotional and experiential marketing company.
“Not only is this an incredible opportunity for students to learn from and connect with some of the most influential, successful people in Recreation, Sports and Tourism, it gives those of us who are already in the industry the opportunity to speak directly to the youth that will shape the future of our business,” TSMGI Founder and CEO Jordan S. Bressler said. “We are thrilled to be a part of something that allows students the unique opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and perspective as they determine what route they may wish to take.”
“The relationship with TSMGI will contribute to a transformative learning experience and build a critical bridge to fields where the next generation is seeking career opportunities,” RST Department Head Carla Santos said. “RST is honored to recognize the legacy of George Huff, thrilled to collaborate with Jordan and his team, and grateful for their support of University of Illinois students.”
Sapora schedule
Jan. 23 (Hubbard Inn in Chicago)
RST will kick off the 2025 Sapora Symposium by welcoming alums Dee Brown (RST, ’05) and James Augustine (RST, '06) at the Hubbard Inn for the Winter Social Event. The evening will feature a conversation with the basketball legends to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the greatest season in Illini history and opportunity to catch up with old friends and new colleagues. A podcast of evening will be available online (In-person attendance is optional)
Feb. 5
Finkelman is the managing partner of The Salt Shed, a music and event venue located on the north branch of the Chicago River. Notable for being repurposed from the historic Morton Salt Co. warehouse, the Salt Shed has a distinctive industrial aesthetic that reflects Chicago's architectural heritage.
Watch the video from the event here.
Feb. 12
Contemporary Approaches to Sport Sponsorship: Leveraging your brand in 2025
In a dynamic sports landscape, effective brand management is critical to achieving success and sustainability. A well-defined brand not only differentiates an organization from competitors but promotes connections with fans, sponsors, and stakeholders. Our panel will examine the integration of technology, storytelling, and value-driven initiatives that empowers their organizations to remain relevant and competitive.
RST Alumni Panel:
Tristen Nelson, corporate partnership, Oklahoma Thunder
Alex Munoz, head of commercial revenue, Chicago Street Race
Austin Hunt, senior manager of corporate partnerships, Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium
Andy Szabo, senior director, global partnerships, LA 2028 Olympics
Watch the video from the session
Feb. 19
Podcasting's Role in Shaping Contemporary Sport Media
PFT Commenter (Eric Sollenberger), a media personality at Barstool Sports and a co-host of the “Pardon My Take” podcast, will share his perspectives on the evolution of sports media and tales of his adventures in and around the National Football League.
Feb. 25, 5 to 6 p.m.
Kevin Warren is the president and CEO of the Chicago Bears, a position he assumed in January 2023. With decades of experience in sports management and law, Warren brings a dynamic and innovative approach to the organization and is widely recognized for his visionary leadership and commitment to excellence. Prior to joining the Bears, Warren served as the commissioner of the Big Ten Conference, where he oversaw transformative initiatives, including the addition of UCLA and USC to the conference and groundbreaking media rights deals. He was also instrumental in leading the conference through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 28
PANEL SCHEDULE
All Seminars will be held in 101 Armory
8:45 to 9:20 a.m. Arrival and check-in
9:30 a.m. Panel Discussion Begins
9:30 to 10 a.m.
The Illini Way: The Enduring Legacy of George Huff
Illini Historian: Mike Pearson
Josh Whitman, Director of Athletics, University of Illinois
10:15 to 11 a.m.
Revving Up the City: The NASCAR Street Race Experience
Jordan Bressler, Founder, CEO, TSMGI
Julie Giese, Director, Chicago Street Race
Synopsis: From a dream to a city debut, this panel discussion provides an inside look at the logistics, strategy and community engagement required to host a national sporting event in an urban city, using NASCAR's groundbreaking Chicago Street Race as a case study. Featuring event organizers and marketing experts, the session will explore how to navigate partnerships, create impactful fan experiences and address logistical challenges. Attendees will gain actionable insights into fostering local support, driving economic impact and successfully bringing world-class sporting events to urban landscapes.
11:15 to noon
From Game to Fame: Exploring NIL Opportunities
Grayson Farrar, Vice President, Brandr Group
Rob Louthain, General Manager, Fighting Illini Sports Properties
Andrew McCarthy, Sr. Group Director, TSMGI
Synopsis: This panel discussion dives into the transformative landscape of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) rights and their profound impact on sports marketing. Featuring industry experts, athletes and marketers, the session will examine how NIL opportunities are reshaping partnerships, branding strategies and athlete endorsements. Attendees will gain insights into the challenges and innovations of leveraging NIL in campaigns, the evolving role of collegiate and professional athletes as influencers and the long-term implications for the sports marketing ecosystem.
Noon
Break for Lunch
Entire group will walk to Huff Hall for a group photo
12:20 to 1:20 p.m. Lunch and Networking (Rm. 114 Huff)
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Grimace: A Love Story; Unlocking Organic Marketing
Amanda Mulligan, Dir. Social Media, Marketing, Brand, US Marketing, McDonald’s
David Zlotnik, TSMGI VP Marketing & Communications
Synopsis: Join industry leaders for an engaging discussion on how two unlikely icons—Grimace, the beloved McDonald's character, and the New York Mets—unleashed the power of organic marketing to captivate audiences and drive brand engagement. Discover how cultural relevance and timely social media strategies turned a purple mascot and a sports team into viral sensations while building authentic audience connections and amplifying the brand's voice.
2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
It's 5 O'Clock Everywhere: Margaritaville as a Lifestyle, Brand and Cultural Phenomenon
Heikke Larson, Production Manager, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville
Carmen Rossi, U of I Alumni, Founder 8 Hospitality
Synopsis: This discussion will center on building immersive brand experiences and explore how both leaders have transformed hospitality and entertainment into powerful marketing tools, blending storytelling, atmosphere, and audience engagement to create lasting brand loyalty. From the escapism of Margaritaville to the elevated nightlife and dining concepts of 8 Hospitality, they’ll share insights on curating customer experiences, leveraging partnerships and staying culturally relevant in an evolving marketplace.
3:40 to 3:50 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Symposium Concludes
4:15 to 5:30 p.m.
Happy Hour and Networking
KAMS
102 E Green St STE 104, Champaign, IL 61820
April 15
White Sox field trip
Details to be announced