From a sell-out crowd of loyal fans waiting for the opening kickoff to a high-profile entertainer eager to take the stage for an encore presentation, sports and entertainment marketing provides a rush for those interested in these career areas. When it comes to learning from the professionals in these popular industries, DECA’s Sports and Entertainment Marketing Conference cannot be rivaled.
DECA’s Sports and Entertainment Marketing Conference returns to Orlando from January 31 to February 4, 2024.
Known as one of the world’s premier locations for family entertainment and home to world-class professional and college sports, Orlando provides the perfect backdrop for this dynamic conference experience. Each day, DECA members will learn from four executives – two from the sports marketing industry and two from the entertainment industry – who are part of well-recognized brands.
Here’s a look at the speakers headlining this year's event.
Meet the Speakers
Lauren Hoffman
Senior Manager, Brand & Marketing Strategy | Universal Orlando Resort
Lauren Hoffman is responsible for leading the product strategy of new attractions and entertainment offerings coming to Universal Studios Florida™ and Universal Islands of Adventure™—including the recent addition of Minion Land and a new DreamWorks-themed land coming in 2024.
Sarah Hollis
Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer | USA Track & Field
As the Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer for USA Track & Field, Sarah Hollis leads all integrated marketing and sponsorship for the organization. As the world’s number one track and field team and the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running, and race walk in the United States, Sarah and her team are also responsible for overseeing branding, membership and fan engagement programs.
Katie Klimowich
Lifecycle Lead Sports | Electronic Arts
Katie Klimowich is the Lifecycle Lead for Sports at Electronic Arts (EA). She is responsible for planning, developing and delivering annual, seasonal and evergreen strategies across e-mail and in-game communications for world-renowned titles such as the Madden NFL series, NHL, UFC, F1 Racing and more.
Stephen Kubiak
Senior Manager of Social Strategy & Content | Universal Parks & Resorts
Stephen Kubiak is the Senior Manager of Social Strategy and Content for Universal Parks & Resorts. In his role, he manages the social teams for Universal Orlando Resort™ and Universal Studios Hollywood™ and owns social media strategy for North America.
Erin Lasser
Assistant Director, Communications Planning | Universal Orlando Resort
What started as a role to lead Universal Orlando Resort™ and Universal Studios Hollywood™ through omnichannel communications planning for Halloween Horror Nights and Holidays at Universal quickly evolved into leading omnichannel communications planning for all marquee events at both parks as well as all new land and attraction launches at Universal Orlando Resort™.
Haley Meier
Senior Director of Tourism & Group Sales | Orlando Magic
Haley Meier is currently in her 17th season with the Orlando Magic and has held the role of Director of Tourism and Group Sales since 2017. Under Meier’s leadership, the Orlando Magic sales team has led the NBA in group ticket sales since 2016. She has been instrumental in the growth and development of the organization’s tourism initiatives, taking the experience of the NBA in Orlando to multiple international markets.
Kido Okeleke
Global Special Projects | Jordan Brand
A Collegiate DECA alumn, Kido Okeleke has held roles at TD Securities and the NBA’s Toronto Raptors ownership group. He has also fostered relationships with global brands such as OVO, Google, Axe, Red Bull and Drew House. Today, Kido serves as a Global Product Line Manager II in Special Projects for Jordan Brand at Nike World Headquarters in Oregon.
Kristen Smith
Director, Public Relations | Universal Orlando Resort
Kristen Smith has led high-profile PR campaigns to launch new products and marquee events across the destination, including Jurassic World™ VelociCoaster, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™, Halloween Horror Nights, Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park and more. In her current role, she is responsible for leading the development and execution of PR campaigns, strategies and tactics to promote all that Universal Orlando Resort™ has to offer.
Alyson Sologaistoa
Vice President, Public Relations | Universal Orlando Resort
Alyson Sologaistoa, APR, CPRC, has worked on the Universal Orlando Resort™ communications team for more than 15 years. As Vice President, Public Relations, she leads her team in setting global public relations strategy, tactical planning and execution, corporate issues and crisis management.
