Maryland Sports Business Conference

Women’s Sports Boom: From Culture to Commerce (Keynote Panel)
Ellie the Elephant is on the cover of Vogue and investors are paying attention. Women’s sports are redefining fandom, storytelling and sponsorship return on investment. This conversation dives into how organizations are turning cultural relevance into sustainable revenue, from media rights and merchandising to purpose-driven partnerships and digital fandom.

Moderator: Jummy Olabanji, Co-Anchor, News4 Today NBC

Panelists:

• Alycen McAuley, Chief Business Officer, Washington Mystics
• Kimberly Bolt, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer, Washington Spirit
• Hairat D. Babalola, Senior Director, Business Operations & Strategy, D.C. United

Workshops (Select One)

Where Careers Click: From First Message to Real Follow-Up
This high-energy, hands-on workshop equips students with the skills and confidence to spark meaningful conversations in the sports industry — and turn first connections into lasting professional relationships. Participants will craft personalized LinkedIn outreach messages, practice strategic follow-ups and refine their communication style with direct, actionable feedback from industry professionals.

Panelists:

• Steve Marino, Senior Director Sales Development, Washington Wizards
• Abigail Bohn, People & Culture Generalist, Washington Spirit
• Paige Newton, Human Resources Business Partner, Washington Nationals
• Melanie Soverinsky, Communications Coordinator, DC Power FC
• DeAna Tyler, Senior Manager, Marketing & Engagement, Washington Commanders

Sponsorship Activation Lab: Pitching Partnerships That Work
In today’s sports industry, successful sponsorships go far beyond logos and signage. This interactive workshop provides a behind-the-scenes look at how partnerships are structured and what brands look for when investing in sports properties. Participants will learn the fundamentals of sponsorship strategy, including how value is created for both brands and sports organizations, what makes an activation compelling and how partnerships are measured for success. Students will then work in small groups to develop and pitch a creative sponsorship activation concept to a mock brand, simulating a real-world sports business scenario.

• Roy Broderick Jr., Senior Vice President & Chief Business Development Officer, Baltimore Development Corporation
• Lawrence Garrett, Senior Director, Global Partnership Retention, Monumental Sports & Entertainment
• Alexandra Cruz, Senior Manager, Corporate Partnership Activation, Washington Nationals
• Caitlin Totty, Director of Sponsorships, Washington Commanders
• Chris Hudgins, Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships, Washington Spirit
• Bergen Houston, Senior Director, Partnership Activation and Strategy, D.C. United

Choice Panel (Select One)

Hot Mics & Highlight Reels: When Sports Go Viral
From locker-room mic’d ups to brand-built memes, moments now matter just as much as matches. This panel breaks down the anatomy of virality — who’s making it happen, how it drives fan loyalty and why your next marketing strategy might just be a trending sound.

Moderator: Courtney Ferguson, Digital Content Strategist

Panelists:

• Grace Debono, Senior Director, Digital Marketing, Washington Mystics
• Maggie Yanchulis, Senior Manager, Social Media, Washington Commanders
• Bryana Wise, Manager, Marketing & Communications, DC Power FC
• Matt Turer, Director Social Media, Washington Nationals
• Paige Price, Social Media Creator, Washington Spirit

Pivot to the Playing Field
Breaking into sports does not always follow a traditional path. This panel highlights professionals who built careers in sports through unconventional routes, offering practical advice and real-world lessons for those looking to make the leap into sports.

Moderator: Courtney Humphrey, Manager, Access, Impact, & Inclusion, Monumental Sports & Entertainment

Panelists:

• Kelly Skoloda, Chief People Officer, Monumental Sports & Entertainment
• Alexis Dotson, Coordinator of Player & Family Support, Washington Commanders
• Shauki Smith, Contracts Manager, Washington Spirit
• Candace McIntyre, Director of Human Resources, Washington Nationals
• Erica Lloyd, Player Care Officer, D.C. United

How Sports Shape City Identity (Panel)
From Charm City pride to DMV rivalries, teams are not just representing regions — they are defining them. This panel explores how franchises and leagues build civic identity through community investment, brand storytelling and local partnerships. Hear how sports drive tourism, transform neighborhoods and create a shared sense of belonging that lasts long after the final buzzer.

Moderator: Ashley France, Chief Executive Officer, ANF Consulting

Panelists:

• Marycate Walsh, Vice President External Affairs, Monumental Sports & Entertainment
• Ashleigh Hazley, Senior Director of Youth Programming, Washington Nationals
• RaShauna Hamilton, Vice President, Fan Growth & Community, Washington Spirit
• Shanell Mosley, Senior Director of Community Relations & Executive Director of the D.C. United Foundation, D.C. United
• Valerie Biberaj, Vice President, Community Relations & Executive Director, Washington Commanders Foundation, Washington Commanders