Microsoft Corporate VP to Speak at SGMA Event

WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 23, 2006 – How can the sporting goods industry embrace video games and interactive technology to be culturally relevant? That question (and others) will be answered this fall when Microsoft VP Peter Moore (formerly with Reebok) steps to the podium at SGMA’s Sports + Technology Convergence (October 24-26; Estancia Resort & Spa; La Jolla, California) to deliver a keynote luncheon speech on Thursday, October 26.
Moore – who represents Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division — will focus on how computer and video game technology can complement physical activity and ultimately transform the overall sports experience. Moore will discuss the latest trends and penetration of interactive entertainment. He will also give the audience a glimpse into the future role of video games and electronic devices.
Moore is responsible for leading both the Xbox and Games for Windows businesses. Moore’s team also owns driving games development at Microsoft Game Studios, as well as cultivating relationships with third-party game publishers and developers around the world. Moore is responsible for establishing industry-shaking alliances with industry giant Square Enix and legendary developers Hironobu Sakaguchi (Mistwalker), Yoshiki Okamoto (Game Republic) and Tetsuya Mizuguchi (Q Entertainment), and bringing publishing powerhouse Electronic Arts, Inc. onto the Xbox Live global video games online service.
Prior to joining Microsoft in January 2003, Moore was the president and COO of SEGA of America. Before his stint with SEGA, he was a senior vice president of marketing at Reebok International Ltd. and president of Patrick USA. At Reebok, he oversaw a staff of 450, in addition to the global budget. At Patrick, he managed the company’s operations – marketing, sales, finance, and distribution.
“The phenomenal growth of the interactive entertainment lifestyle of the young consumer has been fueled in no small part by the sports genre,” said Moore. “Projected to be a $40 billion industry world-wide by 2008, interactive entertainment will continue to have growing influence on this consumer’s spending habits, and the sports industry needs to fully understand both the opportunities and challenges this presents”

“We’re delighted to have a former sporting goods industry executive and active industry participant share the opportunities from the perspective of a globally respected technology brand,” said SGMA President Tom Cove.

The other main keynote speakers at SGMA’s Sports + Technology Convergence will be:

Scott Martin: Senior Director of Global Marketing for Motorola’s Mobile ME products
Jim Carroll: This futurist is “One of the 50 International Names to Know.” — Online Journalism Review
Ray Kurzweil: This inventor is “the restless genius” — the Wall Street Journal……and “He’s the ultimate thinking machine.” — Forbes

For additional information on SGMA’s Sports + Technology Convergence, contact Kalinda Mathis, SGMA’s director of marketing, at kmathis@sgma.com or 202-558-5692. To save $500 on your registration fee, sign up by Thursday, August 24. The special SGMA Sports + Technology Convergence all-inclusive packages include three nights accommodation at the resort (including taxes and fees), all conference activities, and most meals — $1,995 for SGMA members and $2,495 for non-members. To register, contact SGMA at 202-775-1762 or go online at http://stc.sgma.com.

The major themes of the presentations, panel discussions, and breakout groups will be:
Technology + Marketing Sports and Fitness Products
Technology + Sports and Fitness Product Development
Technology + Sports and Fitness Product Sales and Distribution
Technology + Sports and Fitness Participation

Besides Moore, there will be nearly 30 speakers/presenters from inside and outside the sporting goods and fitness industries who will present 18 breakout sessions on October 24-26.

In addition to the list of speeches and discussions by thought leaders/experts, there will be an Interactive Lab. There, attendees will be able to have hands-on experiences with products that exemplify how technology has impacted the sports and fitness industries.

For complete details on SGMA’s Sports + Technology Convergence, they can be found on the home page of http://stc.sgma.com.

The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, owner of the Sports Research Partnership, is the global business trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products industry. SGMA enhances industry vitality and fosters sports, fitness, and active lifestyle participation. More information about SGMA can be found at www.sgma.com.