Dare to Dream Virtual Event Gives Sports Industry Chance to Connect with Next Gen Production Professionals

With the development of next-generation talent increasingly important in nearly every sports production entity, the Dare to Dream Experience, a virtual career mentoring program that is set for April 8-10, 2022 comes at an ideal time for the industry. SVG, as an industry partner, will support the event via panel discussions and more designed to give high school and college students and young professionals insights into how to develop a career in sports production.

“We are very excited to welcome SVG as an industry parter and extend an invitation to its membership to join our efforts, as we cultivate and develop the furture workforce in sports, TV/film production, crew development and broadcast media,” says Diane McGraw, the creator and producer of Dare to Dream. “Our goal is to  provide high school, college students and young professionals with critical information, advice and direction to help them find a pathway to secure future employment and careers.  SVG will play a significant role in this effort.”

Ken Kerschbaumer, SVG Co-Executive Director, says that SVG’s involvement will focus on giving students pragmatic advice on how to develop a successful career in sports production. SVG has already undertaken a number of efforts in this regard (most notably The SVG Spirit and Voices Programs) and those efforts will be featured in the event. Addressing the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and opportunities to promote more women and people of color in the industry are vital, he adds.

“Everyone is concerned about reaching the next generation of sports production professionals and we think this event is an ideal chance to get in front of a wide variety of students and young professionals who often don’t know where to begin,” he says. “And for companies in our industry it is an important opportunity to reach a generation that, honestly, has grown up with only a loose emotional connection to broadcast networks and even leagues. This event can help close that gap.”

McGraw and her company, McGraw Productions, bring a wealth of experience to the event as McGraw formerly served as the president/CEO of the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission, the Central Florida/Orlando Sports Commission, Philadelphia Sports Congress,  Louisville Sports Commission and the executive director of travel, tourism and film commissioner for Pennsylvania. She was also the first woman inducted into the National Association of Sports Commissions Hall of Fame in 2017.

At the center of the event will be a virtual platform that features main stage content and virtual pavilions. Student attendees will be able to visit the virtual stages and pavilions easily, allowing them to experience a wide range of content and connections quickly. The pavilions are an ideal platform for networks, leagues, and production companies  to set up a virtual presentation designed to connect with students. For more information about the event click here to access the The-Dare-to-Dream-Experience_GD PDF and for sponsorship opportunities click here to access The-Dare-to-Dream-Experience_Sponsorship-Opportunity PDF.

There are a number of sponsorship opportunities that can get networks, leagues, and others in front of potential new hires for today and tomorrow. Her recently released book, “Behind the Scenes and Career Resource Guide” will be made available to the students who register for the event and there is also an opportunity for industry professionals, like yourself, to participate in a variety of panels on the virtual platform.  Companies, for example, can sponsor their own virtual room to promote their brands/services,  participate in discussions and demonstrate their commitment to the future of our industry.   For more information click here The Dare to Dream Experience or contact Diane McGraw via email at [email protected].