The sports business data analytics conversation with Bobby Whitson goes next level. Whitson has been in the sports business field for some time, and understands it from the ticket vendor platform point of view, as a former director of sales at Veritix. Now a partner with SSB Consulting, Whitson's job is really trying to help create further avenues of conversation with franchise executives in order to showcase the importance of not only collecting data, but using it effectively. Whitson does depart from the idea of social media holding a direct R.O.I., but understands how his criticism isn't the gospel either, and instead focuses on what he feels helps build and garner data collective and utilization principles that work for the sports industry as a whole in order to generate revenue. Twitter: @TexasRig26
Neil Horowitz understands how the digital world is encroaching on the traditional marketing and branding campaigns of sports teams. Horowitz has worked for two NHL franchises, developing their social media accounts on multiple platforms, and now utilizes his experiences for Wilshire Axon Sports. Horowitz's main driver is helping smaller franchises compete in the mobile app space, something that can actually cost a mighty budget if performed in-house with limited success. Horowitz discusses the pros and cons to social media, how to really ensure that engagement is coming from both fans and teams, as well as how connection points matter at all times in the digital space. Twitter: @njh287
Josh Manley's company ReplyBuy offers a simple solution to a complex problem: how to fill seats in the easiest way possible for customers. Manley explains why ReplyBuy has started to take off, first with NBA teams, now with MLB, NHL and NFL teams following close behind. Manley covers why a text message is the simplest form of sophistication, and how it avoids the problem of smartphone "app fatigue" by the general customer, as well as creates an easy way to move tickets. Manley creates word of mouth by industry leaders, over standard marketing forms, as to the success of the company in such a short time span. Twitter: @ReplyBuy