NMS sent its first staff member to the inaugural Blogs With Balls conference three years ago. The following year, Patrick Wixted joined as a panelist speaking on social media access and how sporting events are covered, and this year came my turn.
On September 23, I finally had the chance to step into New York City and experience Blogs With Balls, all thanks to the gracious hosts, Don Povia (HHR Media), Kyle Bunch (RGA) and Chris Lucas (HHR Media). Blogs With Balls is designed for digital sports figures to be able to update the industry on the changing landscape of social media and how content distribution tools are used to reach fans, listeners, readers and more.
As soon as I found myself in Times Square, I knew the weekend was about to get started when I saw a massive sign featuring NFL legends Jerry Rice, Steve Young, and our Van Heusen Institute of Style guest for the evening, Deion Sanders, aka Prime Time.
Van Heusen presented four sports bloggers that were given fashion tips and a new make-over to then show off the results to all the attendees. Josh Zerkle (Bleacher Report) is seen here after his make-over with Deion Sanders asking, “Are you the greatest defensive back of all-time?” Deion quickly responded, “Ever!”
As things got underway, the BWB team announced that they would present the first ever Untitled Sports Media Awards Project (USMAP). Many panels tackled demographics, genres, and everything in between over the next several hours, including hearing from impactful women in the sports industry like Amanda Rykoff, Jemele Hill, and Maggie Hendricks. Discussion also focused on what kind of content generates new readers outside the big three of football, basketball and baseball.
I was also at the event alongside an NMS client, the NFL Players Association, represented by the Executive Director of External Affairs, George Atallah, seen to the right. The panel was moderated by Kevin Blackistone (ESPN’s Around the Horn), and also consisted of WFAN radio host for the New York Giants, Anita Marks, and former NFL player John Thornton. They discussed the impact of the NFL Lockout in the media and how it was perceived by the media, fans, and how players getting involved via Twitter and other resources impacted how news was being heard.
Overall, it was a great event and I’m hoping to be able to attend next year as well. It’s always a pleasure to finally get to meet face-to-face with those that you only speak to via Twitter, Facebook, e-mail, and phone. It’s also hard to top Times Square at midnight. Take a look.
