Sponsored by MSU's School of Business, the conference will examine the evolution of sports into big business and the ramifications resulting from that change:
**What are the costs and benefits of using public funds to finance and operate sports facilities?
**Should sports celebrities be held to a different standard of public and private behavior than private citizens?
**What are the implications for personal rights when an athlete become a highly paid public figure?
**As the cost of sports events tickets rise, so does the prevalence of ticket brokers and scalpers. Should these practices continue to be legal?
The conference will open with welcoming remarks by Dr. Alan Oppenheim, acting dean of MSU's School of Business; Hall of Famer and Montclair resident Lawrence "Yogi" Berra, for whom the museum is named; Dave Kaplan, executive director of the Museum; and Dr. Jack Samuels of MSU's Department of Health Studies, Physical Education, Recreation and Leisure Studies.
Sessions include "Sports in the 21st Century," featuring Dr. John McMullen, in his 16th year as chairman of the New Jersey Devils. McMullen's foresight enabled the Devils to lead the way in bringing Soviet talent into the National Hockey League. A former owner of the Houston Astros, McMullen is a strong believer in the family concept of developing fan support.
"Marketing in the Sports Business" follows, featuring Howard Dolgon, a partner in Alan Taylor Communications, the leading independent sports public relations agency in the United States. Dolgon, an 18-year veteran in the PR/marketing field, has created numerous award winning programs for corporations, including General Mills and MasterCard. He is a founding member of the National Lacrosse League.
"Women and Minorities in Sports Management" features Dr. Joan Mahoney, professor of management at MSU. She has researched and written on career decision making and is currently involved in exploring diversity issues. Her work has been highlighted in the Wall Street Journal.
"The Art of Negotiating and Athletes' Responsibilities" features Craig Fenech. An attorney for 25 years, French has represented athletes and media figures since 1980. Among his clients are New Jersey Nets' Coach John Calipari and WFAN broadcaster Mike Franesca.
"College Sports: Fairness and Finances," features Holy Gera, MSU's acting athletic director. She is actively involved with many NCAA committees, including her nationally recognized work with softball.
The conference will close with an 11:30 a.m. panel discussion on "The Business of Sports."
Conference fee is $50, which includes registration, coffee and snacks. To register, or for additional information, call (973) 655-5401/4280.
The New Jersey Center for Regional Business fosters partnerships between MSU, business leaders and public policy makers in the larger community interest. Its mission is to address major business and related public policy issues which have a direct impact on Northern New Jersey. For additional information on the Center, call Dr. Edward Bewayo, director, at (973) 655-7419 or email him at Bewayoe@mail.montclair.edu.
The Yogi Berra Museum is dedicated to celebrating the life and career of Yogi Berra and his lifelong commitment to young people through culturally diverse and inclusive educational programming, conferences, research and scholarship. As an educational center, the Museum will continue to add perspective and a deeper public understanding about sports and its place in society. For additional information, contact Dave Kaplan, executive director, at (973) 783-1031 or email him at Dnelkaplan@aol.com.
MSU is located at the intersection of Valley Road and Normal Avenue in Upper Montclair. The campus is one mile south of the junction of routes 3 and 46, 14 miles west of New York City.
More information on the University is available on its website: www.montclair.edu.
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