The 2020 BSM Summit is less than 3 weeks away, but that isn’t stopping us from adding extra reinforcements for our two-day conference in the big apple. If you haven’t bought a ticket yet, I hope you will. Tickets will be only be available til Sunday February 16th. To secure your seat click here.
I’m proud of how this event has come together this year because it’s not easy to assemble, and coming off of last year’s successful show in Los Angeles, it could’ve easily gone the other way. Our speaker lineup is very strong, and when we announce the full agenda late next week, I think those coming to the show will find a lot of informative and interesting sessions to enjoy. It takes nine long months to build this show, and there are always last minute changes, additions, and unexpected twists and turns. The weeks prior to the show are the most intense with everyone wanting questions answered and last minute information provided. It’s why my month of February includes many sleepless nights.
But what makes hosting the Summit rewarding is knowing I have a chance to bring people together from all parts of the country and different areas of the media business to explore ways to elevate the industry . When I last looked at our guest list, I saw more than 40+ programmers, general managers, and executives were coming to the show and that’s pretty cool. If you’re an owner, industry executive, general manager, programmer, on-air talent, digital specialist, behind the scenes employee or seller working in the sports media industry, the information and connections available in the room at this event is unmatched. If you don’t leave the building with better relationships and more knowledge on how to increase revenue and ratings, then you didn’t pay close enough attention.
Before I share the names of who’s been added to our lineup, I want to give you a heads up to be on the look out tomorrow and Monday for two additional announcements. Tomorrow we’ll have details to share about our private cocktail party on Wednesday night February 26th. Our friends at ESPN Radio have helped secure a few more special guests who I’m sure attendees will be excited to say hello to after the first day’s sessions are complete. On Monday, I’ll be announcing another addition to our speaker schedule which I’m personally excited about. This special guest will have many in the room taking notes during her session. Stay tuned!
OK but now let’s fill you in on today’s details. We have some exciting additions to promote. I’m pleased to share that Fred Jacobs of Jacobs Media, Mike Raffensperger of FanDuel, Damon Amendolara of CBS Sports Radio, Freddie Coleman of ESPN Radio, Spike Eskin of Sports Radio 94 WIP, Rod Lakin of Arizona Sports 98.7, Jim Graci of 93.7 The Fan, and Gordy Rush of 104.5 ESPN have been added to our on stage lineup at the 2020 BSM Summit.
In Fred Jacobs’ case, he’s one of the smartest radio minds in the business. Anytime a PD or GM can take advantage of his insights and research, do it. It’ll help you a ton. Mike Raffensperger meanwhile is the CMO of FanDuel, one of the nation’s largest sports betting gaming operators. Adding Mike’s perspective to our sports betting panel will help many in the room gain a better idea of where this space is heading.
On the programming end, I’m thrilled to have Spike, Rod, Jim and Gordy join us on stage. All four represent different cities, and bring different layers of experience to the conversation. Rod, Jim, and Gordy will be part of our final session on Thursday. Spike will be involved in the opener on Wednesday morning.
Last but certainly not least is the talent. It’s personally gratifying to add Damon and Freddie to the show. I almost hired DA in 2009, and we both grew up in the same upstate NY area. Freddie and I on the other hand both worked our way up the ladder in Poughkeepsie, NY and I produced his first audition and many six hour long shows with him on ESPN Radio. Each have gone on to lengthy runs in the sports radio business, and they’ll have a lot of wisdom to share with folks in the room.
Once again, if you’re looking to join us, tickets are still available. We’ve got an action packed show already assembled, but even more firepower to be announced soon. Thanks as always for supporting BSM, and I hope to see you at the Summit.
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.
