The inaugural SEICon event in 2024 featured this large contingent from the Falk College and Syracuse University. Representatives will once again play prominent roles during SEICon II July 8-10 in Las Vegas.
The highly anticipated second annual Sports, Entertainment and Innovation Conference (SEICon) is set to take place from July 8-10, 2025, at the enchanting Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. Recognized as one of the best sports business conferences of 2025 by Zoomph, SEICon promises to be a hub of knowledge and networking for industry professionals.
This collaborative effort between the UNLV Sports Innovation Institute and the David B. Falk College of Sport, alongside the Las Vegas-based experience agency Circle, aims to spotlight innovative strategies and discussions centered around the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment. The event will bring together thought leaders from various sectors, including academia, to explore the future of fan engagement, media rights, sponsorships, and entertainment technology.
Attendees can expect a range of activities, including fully catered lunchtime keynotes, engaging panel discussions, and curated networking opportunities. The agenda is designed to explore emerging trends and digital transformation shaping the industry today.
Registration for SEICon II is now open, and interested participants can visit the SEICon website for more details. Syracuse University alumni can take advantage of a special discount, receiving $200 off registration fees with the code SU ALUMNI.
Shawn Garrity, a Syracuse alumnus and CEO of Circle, emphasizes the importance of this event: “This is your chance to connect with industry leaders, share insights, and explore the latest innovations in sports and entertainment. We are thrilled to build upon last year’s momentum, bringing together thought leaders for another unforgettable experience.”
This year’s event marks a significant milestone for SEICon as it moves to the prestigious Bellagio Hotel, celebrated for its stunning fountains and top-notch amenities. The conference will focus on emerging areas within the industry, such as women’s representation in sports, motorsports, and golf.
Jay Vickers, COO of the UNLV Sports Innovation Institute, expressed enthusiasm about hosting SEICon II in Las Vegas: “Returning to such a renowned venue alongside our partners highlights SEICon’s growing influence and our commitment to providing an unparalleled experience for our guests.”
Participants can look forward to nearly 30 panel conversations and two keynote address events, featuring noteworthy speakers such as Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, and two accomplished Syracuse alumni—Chris Licht, a veteran news executive, and Sean Giancola, CEO of the New York Post. They will be joined by a representative from Gannett/USA Today, the presenting sponsor of SEICon II.
Notable faculty members from the Falk College will lead several panels, offering insightful discussions on diverse topics. Rick Burton, David B. Falk Endowed Professor of Sport Management, will discuss “The World Cup and the Rise of MLS.” Meanwhile, Assistant Teaching Professor Alexia Lopes will tackle “Women in Racing,” Sport Analytics Undergraduate Director Rodney Paul will share insights on entrepreneurship in “Get with the Program,” and Professor John Wolohan will explore the future of college athletics in “Post House.”
The Growing Partnership
The collaboration between the Falk College and the UNLV Sports Innovation Institute is flourishing well beyond the annual SEICon event. This past March, Las Vegas hosted the Australian National Rugby League (NRL) regular season opener at Allegiant Stadium, which helped set the stage for SEICon’s Business of Sport conference. This conference included signing a partnership agreement with the Australian Sports Technologies Network, showcasing the commitment to fostering international collaborations.
Falk College faculty, including Rick Burton, Alexia Lopes, and Rodney Paul, were key contributors to the event. Paul moderated a panel titled “The Tech Playbook: Innovations for Shaping the Future of Sports,” emphasizing the importance of technology in the industry.
Rodney Paul highlighted the value of these growing partnerships: “We are excited about the opportunities for our faculty to share their research, especially in a dynamic sports market like Las Vegas. Our students will benefit tremendously from this collaboration, gaining exposure to real-world experiences.”
Experts forecast the global sports market to reach a staggering $2 trillion, a fraction of the overall $100 trillion world economy. Las Vegas has become an emergent sports destination, making it a fitting location for an annual conference at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and innovation.
The inaugural SEICon in 2024 attracted 775 attendees and featured 183 speakers, including a diverse array of industry leaders such as founders, venture capitalists, and government officials. For further information about the inaugural event and future plans, readers can explore the SEICon website.
David B. Falk College of Sport
In an exciting development, Syracuse University will launch the David B. Falk College of Sport on July 1, 2025. This will be the first college at a high-research activity (R1) institution dedicated exclusively to sports-related disciplines. Named after notable benefactor and sports agent David B. Falk, the college will unite various distinguished programs, including sport management, sport analytics, exercise science, nutrition, and specialized esports courses offered alongside the renowned Newhouse School of Public Communications.