Of course social media often proves itself to be an effective tool to boost fan interaction so how is it being utilized in an industry that thrives the most w
hen its fans are at the very peak of passion? Social media is not only helping players, teams and leagues forge relationships with fans; we often get to enjoy team-to-team or even sport-to-sport interactions.
But as with any industry, there remains nothing close to a one-size-fits-all approach for effectively leveraging social media. Join a diverse team of seasoned sports pros for a discussion about how to leverage social media for the big win.
The Panelists:
ANDREW SICILIANO
Andrew Siciliano can be seen on the NFL Network’s Total Access providing the latest news and headlines from around the NFL as well as DIRECTV’s Red Zone and recently, the NBC Olympic’s Gold Zone. From 2002-2011, Siciliano held hosting duties at FOX Sports Net for various FSN programming including FSN’s Final Score for five years. He has also called Arena Football League (AFL) games on FSN, co-hosted The Ultimate Fantasy Football Show, Totally Football and has filed feature reports for the Best Damn Sports Show Period. After four years of covering the Bears as a radio reporter at Chicago’s WMAQ, Siciliano spent eight years as a nationally syndicated talk show host for FOX Sports Radio. He also was the co-host of the mid-day radio show on 710 ESPN in Los Angeles with Lakers radio analyst Mychal Thompson. Siciliano is also a frequent guest host for The Jim Rome Show, The Dan Patrick Show and is a frequent contributor to ESPN’s Jim Rome is Burning. A native of Reston, Virginia, Siciliano earned a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from Syracuse University where he also served as the voice of the Orangemen football and men’s basketball teams.
SCOTT CARLIS
Scott Carlis joined the AEG Global Partnerships team in June 2011. In his role as VP, Digital and Social Media, Scott is responsible for developing multiplatform interactive sales programs and solutions for AEG properties and AEG’s Global Partners that include more than 90 venues, 20 sports teams (including the most recent Stanley Cup champions, the Los Angeles Kings) and 30 music festivals, tours and events. Previously Scott was Executive Director of Marketing and Brand Development for GQ, where he was responsible for implementing strategic marketing programs, creating innovative solutions for advertising partners, and was the driving force behind GQ’s foray into new media and branded entertainment. Prior to joining GQ, Scott was the Advertising Sales Development Director at VIBE/SPIN Ventures. In this position, he was responsible for the brand marketing for VIBE and SPIN magazines and oversaw the promotional activity of the company’s new media properties, including spin.com, vibe.com, mobile VIBE and mobile SPIN. Scott is a graduate of Tulane University.
LAUREN RENSCHLER
Lauren’s work as a publicist for elite celebrity athletes and personalities, handling their media placement and strategy, marketing, promotion, social media, and event management has earned her a reputation as one of the strongest players in sports and entertainment media. A star within the industry, Lauren has represented sports’ biggest names, including athletes and commentators in the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, action sports and professional boxing. Having worked closely with the NFL Players Association, Lauren assisted with promotion at the 2011 NFLPA rookie premiere party in conjunction with NFLPA sponsors. She also has worked in professional hockey, starting her professional career in the ECHL with the Las Vegas Wranglers. Always thinking of long- term vision and goals, Lauren works closely with her clients to develop strategic campaigns in everything from social media to crisis communications. Passionate about highlighting the philanthropic efforts of her clients, Lauren has worked with several national organizations, including United Way, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Let’s Move! and Traffick 911, a campaign aimed at ending underage sex trafficking, during the Super Bowl. Past event planning and public relations campaigns for non-profits include work with Will Smith’s Where There’s A Will There’s A Way foundation, Calais Campbell’s CRC Foundation, The Asomugha Foundation, and the Heath Evans Foundation.
KIRK MORRISON
Kirk Morrison joined Centurion Strategies after an eight year NFL career. After a successful on-the-field career with the Oakland Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills, Kirk brings the experience and knowledge of an active professional athlete to the business development role. His familiarity with the sports industry and media comes from a long-standing relationship with local and national media as a working sports analyst. Kirk is co-host of the “Reiter and Morrison” which airs nationally on Fox Sports Radio show every Sunday and also works as a regular an analyst on Fox Football Daily and Fox Sports Live on FS1. In 2013 Kirk completed his first season as the radio voice of San Diego State Aztec Football, his alma mater. He is also one of the most active sports personalities on Twitter, garnering more than 340,000 followers after successfully expanding his sports analysis to social media. In addition, Kirk often mentors young, up-and-coming athletes on navigation social media. Kirk understands that achievement in your sport and success in brand-building go hand in hand. At Centurion Strategies, Kirk will help lead the effort to bring the same national attention to athletes and brands.
JUSTIN SIMON
Justin Simon has more than 20 years experience in sports journalism, media relations and social media. He served as a writer/columnist for FoxSports.com, and has written for the Detroit Free Press, Pistons.com and written about professional and amateur athletes for numerous magazines. Simon currently is a social media consultant for Evolve Capital and the President of Strive Communications. Prior to his recent appointment at Evolve, he was the Chief Social Strategist for Bender/Helper Impact, working on a wide array of sports, media and gaming clients. Previously, Simon served as Executive Director of Media Relations for Fox Sports Net, helping craft their social media strategy and leading PR campaigns for four Emmy-Award winning programs. A sports junkie, Simon’s Twitter feed is packed with the latest NFL, NBA and MLB and poker news. Follow him on Twitter @justinsimon.