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Michael Veley, the Department of Sport Management’s founding director and chair, speaks at the news conference announcing the launch of the groundbreaking Sports, Entertainment & Innovation Conference.

On July 14, and ���ϲ����� University’s , in collaboration with the Las Vegas-based guest experience agency , proudly announced the launch of a first-of-it-kind Sports, Entertainment and Innovation Conference (SEI-Con) hosting thought leaders and subject matter experts from across the globe to educate, collaborate and create dynamic ventures together.

The inaugural conference will be held in Las Vegas with an opening reception on July 15, 2024, and the three-day conference from July 16-18. The event will include exhibitor pods, innovation labs, daily keynotes, seminars/sessions, roundtables and daily wrap parties with music.

“There has been momentum building in the area of professional sports throughout Southern Nevada in recent years, and the economic growth that comes along with it is undeniable,” says University of Nevada, Las Vegas President . “Through business and workforce development, and of course innovation, UNLV is a key partner in this growth, and SEI-Con is the latest example of our collaborative work to reinforce Las Vegas’ reputation as the world leader in tourism, sports and entertainment.”

Analysts predict the global sports market to reach $2 trillion, which is 2% of the $100 trillion world economy, bolstered by an influx of money from new sources, emerging technologies and growing demand. Already the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas has become an emerging sports destination and is perfectly positioned to host an annual conference focused on the intersection of sports, entertainment and innovation.

“The opportunity for our students to work on this world-class event captures the essence of our experiential-based academic programs,” says , founding director and chair and Rhonda S. Falk Endowed Professor in the in Falk College. “We, along with our nationally acclaimed advisory council of industry executives, fully embrace the collaboration with UNLV’s premier programs, the creative genius of Circle, and business partners and sports entities in one of the most dynamic sports and entertainment markets in the world.”

From left to right, Shawn Garrity (Circle), Rodney Paul (���ϲ�����), Michael Veley (���ϲ�����), Sport Management alum Chris Sotiropulos ’09 (vice president of stadium operations for the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders), Jay Vickers (UNLV Sports Innovation) and Vickers’ daughter, Juliana, gather to celebrate the launch of SEI-Con starting in July 2024.

Attendees will have opportunities to meet industry executives and explore the latest innovations in sports and entertainment, esports and gaming, sports sociology and diversity, broadcast brands and media, research and development and more.

“Through collaborations with academic partners and the sports and entertainment industry, we are training the next generation of sports scientists and sports business professionals through interdisciplinary education and research,” says UNLV Sports Innovation Chief Operating Officer . “SEI-Con will produce opportunities for education and collaboration that will result in unprecedented deal-making that will undeniably have a positive impact for our universities, students and the sports and entertainment industry.”

The event will also recognize leadership in sports, entertainment and academia, and connect audiences dedicated to the future of these industries.

“We are eager to display the work being done by our faculty directly in sports, including innovative programs in sport management, sport analytics and our newest program in esports, plus other elements of the college such as sports-related research in exercise science, nutrition and other areas,” says , director of the program and a professor in the Department of Sport Management at Falk College. “We are most excited, however, to show off our greatest asset, our students, on the world stage in the great city of Las Vegas.”

The July 14 kickoff news conference was covered by several media outlets, including the and . from the SEI-Con announcement featuring Veley and Vickers.

The impressive list of SEI-Con speakers for next summer’s conference includes David Falk, Falk College benefactor and one of the sports industry’s leading figures as an NBA player agent; Brandon Steiner, Falk College Department of Sport Management Advisory Council president and a sports marketing expert; ���ϲ����� Director of Athletics John Wildhack; Sport Management Associate Professor and Undergraduate Director Gina Pauline; and Veley and Paul.

For more information about SEI-Con, including a FAQ and how to register, visit the .