SGMA’s Sports + Technology Convergence: This Fall

WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 13, 2006 – Motorola, Yahoo, Intel, Google, Dow Corning, MIT, Digital Orchid, Fantasy Sports Association, US Telecom, AOL Sports, Polar Electro, Rocketfish, and HOPSports. Those are just a few of the organizations that will help explain how the latest technology is changing the game in the business of sport during SGMA’s Sport + Technology Convergence (October 24-26; Estancia Resort & Spa; La Jolla, California). This event is a business to business experience for leaders in the sporting goods industry and leading technology companies to learn how technology will impact all aspects of the sporting goods business.

“Our speakers will, among other things, focus on how technology will impact and provide new opportunities to create, distribute, sell, and market sports products,” said SGMA President Tom Cove. “Those in attendance will also learn how technology can enhance access to and frequency of sports participation. From a product perspective, technological improvements have impacted the entire industry – from archery bows to fitness equipment to walking shoes.”

“There are a number of key tech trends affecting the sporting goods and fitness industries such as RFID, nanotechnology, CAD development, mobile/wireless marketing, and interactive playing,” continued Cove. “These topics and more will be on the agenda at our Sport + Technology Convergence.”

Question: Who should attend SGMA’s Sport + Technology Convergence?
Answer: CEOs, marketers, product developers, product line managers, research and development executives, and brand managers would benefit by attending.

The keynote speeches will be:
Scott Martin — Convergence with Technology to Enhance Sports Products
Global Director of Marketing, Mobile ME Products – Motorola

Jim Carroll – The Velocity of Change
Author, Futurist, Trends and Innovation Expert
Ray Kurzweil – The Acceleration of Technology and Its Impact on the Economy, Culture, and Society
Inventor and Futurist

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

In all, 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 25-26.

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 Sport + Technology Convergence, they can be found on the home page of http://stc.sgma.com.

The early registration deadline is 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 — $1,995.00 for SGMA members and $2,495 for non-members. To register, contact SGMA at 202-775-1762 or go online at www.sgma.com and click on the Sports + Technology Convergence section.

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.