Planning for the BSM Summit has been ramping up the past few weeks and for the first time the puzzle is starting to take shape. As you’ll learn in a few paragraphs, we’ve added more speakers to February’s show, and I’m excited about the way the event is coming together.
When this process starts I literally have no idea of where it might end up. I type up a few hundred names who I think our attendees would have an interest hearing from. Then I examine which issues matter most to sports media professionals, and start making the rounds to see who fits each conversation. As I work thru the process, I brainstorm with Demetri Ravanos, pick the brain of industry people I trust and respect, and make adjustments to create an action packed two-day program.
The goal of this summit is to gather sports media professionals under one roof to explore a wide range of issues facing the industry. Thru a mixture of on-stage and hallway conversations, attendees gain insight and information to take back to their buildings to improve their brands. Along the way new relationships are formed, a few laughs are enjoyed, and a couple of memorable moments are created.
The hardest part of putting it together is not being able to get everyone involved. I’m appreciative of the requests to participate and don’t like having to say no, but I believe in keeping the event fresh. To do that it means changing up who we feature on stage, and securing the most qualified people for subjects that have the greatest value to our attendees. It also means turning down financial considerations for stage time. Though it’d be nice to have a little extra spending money in my wallet, if it’s not going to fit the tone of the show and benefit the room, I usually take a pass.
Over the past few months I’ve had a number of people ask me if this event is strictly for sports media programmers. To eliminate any confusion it is not. We have strong support from sports radio’s PD’s and am appreciative of their attendance and participation but if you’re a GM, salesperson, host, imaging director, producer or agent, there’s plenty at this show for you too. My only rule is that those attending must work in the media business.
To help us explore the most pressing issues facing the sports media business, we’ve assembled a number of talented and well respected speakers for the 2020 BSM Summit in New York City. 18 professionals were previously announced, and I’m thrilled to share a few new additions who will be with us on February 26th and 27th.
Joining us on stage at the Ailey Citigroup Theater will be Radio Advertising Bureau President and CEO Erica Farber, Entercom New York Regional President and Market Manager Susan Larkin, Beasley Media Philadelphia Vice President and Market Manager Joe Bell, Hubbard Radio Minneapolis Vice President and Market Manager Dan Seeman, Sports Radio 610 Program Director Armen Williams, and Altitude Sports Radio Program Director Dave Tepper. Adding these six talented professionals to the lineup will make this year’s conference even stronger. I’m excited to have each of them involved.
It goes without saying that having a lot of smart successful people involved in this conference is important and I’m extremely thankful for the support, but the work is far from done. Over the next few weeks and months I’ll push to add a few more accomplished professionals in specific areas of interest for this year’s show. The pursuit of sponsors will continue as well as they’re a big part of allowing us to continue making this event possible. When all is said and done, we’ll feature 50-60 on-stage participants and produce a show that media professionals and business partners enjoy attending and gain value from.
If you’re looking to help out, there’s an easy way to do so – buy a ticket to attend the show, tell others about it, or reach out to secure a sponsorship if you run a business that targets sports media professionals. There aren’t many opportunities to make face to face contact with key decision makers in the sports media industry or to pick the brains of people outside of your company. If you’re able to attend, I’m confident you’ll leave this conference energized, smarter, and with more ideas and information to help you grow your business. That alone is worth two days of your time, and the price of a ticket. I hope to see you there!
Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
