Sports marketing: An industry for adept communicators
Alumni | Dec 13, 2016 | Kate Marinkovich
“The beauty of the business is the people you work with and the places you go.”
That’s how Joe Favorito, FCRH ’85, independent branding consultant, describes sports marketing.
Co-sponsored by the Fordham Marketing Association and Business of Sports Society at Fordham, a recent sports-marketing panel brought six alumni back to Rose Hill. Joining Favorito were:
- Emily Amato, FCRH ’12, senior account executive, sports, Ketchum Sports & Entertainment
- Cindy de la Rosa, GABELLI BS ’14, assistant manager, business development and strategic partnerships, New York Road Runners
- Luke Pagano, GABELLI BS ’10, account executive, Turner Sports Digital
- Drew Panaro, GABELLI BS ’06, director, brand activation, FOX Sports
- Terry Tsouratakis, GABELLI BS ’11, manager, corporate partnerships, premier partnerships
To be successful in the industry, the panelists said, students should focus on improving their writing, presentation, public-speaking, and interview skills. Favorito described this set of capabilities as the ability tell a story in every form of communication.
Two other key insights:
- Sports marketing is a small world, so it’s important to meet a lot of people and maintain positive relationships. Also, on the most basic level, “if you don’t show up, you’ll never know who you are going to meet.”
- Know the business. A passion for sports can get you in the door, but it can’t get you a job. Be prepared to go after what you want.
The panelists closed the discussion by sharing their best experiences in the industry and reminding students that although it requires significant work, sports marketing is a fun business.
