Welcome to Soccer Tech 2012

How has social media changed the way we market the sport in the US? Are online advances the key to helping grassroots clubs and soccer non-profits realize their potential? Join us during Social Media Week for hands-on trainings, workshops, round-table conversations, and panel discussions that will enhance your knowledge of how to leverage influence online and identify new players, fans, volunteers and revenue streams.

With key innovators of the sport on hand to help educate and inspire a new wave of online action, attendees will be provided with the keys to unlocking their potential from a developmental standpoint and as a catalyst for social change.

The day culminates in the first ever soccer social media awards which is our way formally acknowledging the exceptional work of clubs, players and the fans that help develop the game through new media platforms.

In short, the awards will recognize and celebrate the most influential members of the U.S. Soccer social media community and celebrate all they have given and continue to give to the sport in the U.S.

Event Overview:

Target Audience: Soccer Administrators, Community Outreach Directors, Event Managers, Sports Marketing Students, Soccer Bloggers and interested fans.

Why Attend? How can online technologies and social media change the way soccer clubs communicate, operate and become more sustainable? What are the sport’s most innovative clubs and associations doing to evolve their reach, exposure and bottom line? Join Soccer Support’s hands-on workshops and panel discussions that will enhance your knowledge of what is available to your club and inspire a new phase of growth at the grassroots of the game.

Date: Thursday September 27, Los Angeles.

Agenda:

10-11

Engagement: Grassroots lessons from pro tier soccer – How are the pro teams engaging with local fans and their communities to help drive new levels of fan interaction? How are online advances shaping the communication between fans, players and clubs and can this be replicated down the soccer pyramid effectively?

Speakers: Lisa Bregman – LA Galaxy, Ben Philyaw – Lightmaker & Clent Alexander – SDSP Soccer Marketing

Presentation 1: The Spirit of Football (U.S. Leg) – Every FIFA World Cup year since 2002, a small team of European football lovers, have carried, kicked, flown and headed a ball, The Ball ,from the birthplace of the sport, Battersea Park in London (where a game is played half Original Rules and gear, half Modern Rules and gear), to the site of the World Cup.  Mike Bonifer discusses ‘The Ball’s’ next journey to the Brazil World Cup in 2014.

11-12

Soccer for Social Change – Social media has broken down the ability for U.S. based charities to make a difference both domestically and internationally. In this session attendees will learn how to use soccer as a catalyst for many positive changes in people’s lives, whether it be disadvantaged youth, their families and/or the community at large.

Speakers:

Lisa O’Kane – JoLi Academy & Chandrima Chatterjee – Yuwa, Street Soccer USA

12 – 1

LUNCH BREAK

1 – 2pm

Using Technology To Grow The Game – Technology needs to be embraced at the grassroots of soccer if it is to grow in the U.S. and reach the potential of the traditional world powers of the sport.

This session will discuss niche social platforms, utilizing responsive design and universal marketing.

Speakers: Jeremy Melul – Jogabo & Kristi Colvin – Mass Passion, Founder of WUFC

2 – 2:40

The State of Play: Social Media and the State of American Soccer Journalism – How to tap into social media to drive original soccer content and use these new links to build/establish new conversations about the sport.  Also discussing the origins of XI Quarterly – a print quarterly – that is, in many ways, a throwback in an era in which so much journalism is going digital.

Speaker: David Keyes – XI Quarterly

Presentation 2: Golazo Natural Beverages – Join our sponsors as they discuss how they ‘Fuel Fútbol’ with beverages that use the best All Natural ingredients, with Latin-inspired flavors and functionality designed for the pitch.

2:40 – 3:15

The Impact of Social Media & Technology on the In-Venue Supporter Experience – A discussion surrounding the impact that social media and technology has had on the in-venue stadium experience for soccer supporters and club owners. This open conversation will look to discuss the future of stadium technology integration in terms of possible new revenue opportunities, greater fan connectivity and other effects on the stadium sector of the soccer business industry.

Speaker: Joshua A. Boren – Woods Bagot

3:15 – 4:30pm

Building and Leveraging your Online Presence – A workshop for those looking to get an insight into the most effective ways to expand your influence online through social media. There will be a discussion on connecting with influencers and generating support, contacts and networking for your organization.

Speakers: Kim Tate – Kim Tate Sports & Curly – Soccer Technologist

4:30 – 5:30pm

The future of Soccer in the U.S. – Join our celebrity panel in this unique Q&A with questions from attendees and online. Ask questions via Twitter at #SMWSoccerTech2012

Speakers: Warren Barton – Fox Soccer & Special Guests.

5:30pm

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