Join this month's live podcast featuring Nate VanderWal, Director of Corporate Partnerships at the Colorado Rockies. Nate has been with the team for 13 years and is responsible for all corporate partnership development and supporting activations. He is also in charge of activating neighboring McGregor Square mixed-use facility adjacent to Coors Field.  He attended Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI for golf and majored in marketing.

Podcast: Nate VanderWal - Director, Corporate Partnerships, Colorado Rockies

To kick-off our 2024 Live Podcast Series, Brandy Thigpen, Vice President, Events Marketing for City National Bank will join James Giglio, CEO and Founder of MVP Interactive. Brandy brings more than 20 years of experience in hospitality focusing on sports and entertainment. In her previous role as Director, Client Services for the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Brandy specialized in managing logistics for conventions and mega sporting events like the 2017 NHL All-Star Game, 2022 Super Bowl, 2022 MLB All-Star Game, and much more. Brandy was also instrumental in the bid process for Los Angeles to secure the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Podcast: Brandy Thigpen, VP Events Marketing of City National Bank

In this episode of the MVP Interactive Podcast, host James Giglio engages in a compelling conversation with Jay Vickers, the Chief Operating Officer of the Sports and Innovation Institute at UNLV. The episode delves into Jay's remarkable journey, tracing his steps from a student athlete at Notre Dame to his current role as a professional in athletic administration. Throughout the discussion, the pivotal role of education and hands-on experience in shaping Jay's career becomes evident.

A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to exploring the inception and mission of UNLV's Sports Innovation Institute, which was established in 2018 with crucial support from the Governor's Office of Economic Development. The institute's vision is to seamlessly integrate sports research, education, innovation, and economic development. Jay emphasizes the institute's commitment to showcasing the intrinsic connection between sports, society, and personal health.

Listeners gain insights into the institute's noteworthy contributions to workforce development and its role in enhancing the impact of sports teams on the Las Vegas community. Jay sheds light on the unique opportunities that arise from being situated in a city that hosts large-scale sports and entertainment events. Additionally, he provides a glimpse into the institute's future projects, including the omni-channel sports, entertainment, and innovation conference (CECON).

The podcast concludes with Jay reflecting on Las Vegas's evolution into a global sports city. The episode not only offers a captivating account of Jay Vickers' personal and professional journey but also provides a comprehensive overview of the Sports Innovation Institute's mission, initiatives, and future endeavors.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:04 Special Guest Introduction: Jay Vickers
02:13 Jay Vickers' Journey from Notre Dame to UNLV
04:09 Career Transition into College Athletics
05:42 The Impact of Sports on Personal and Professional Development
06:37 Choosing Notre Dame over Florida State
08:48 The Birth of the Sports Innovation Institute at UNLV
10:10 The Role and Impact of the Sports Innovation Institute
13:13 The Future of the Sports Innovation Institute
22:47 The Impact of Sports Teams on Las Vegas
29:25 The Success of the Super Bowl in Las Vegas
34:52 The Potential of Major League Baseball in Las Vegas
37:48 Conclusion and Contact Information

Podcast: Exploring Sports Innovation with Jay Vickers at UNLV

Podcast: The Art of Fan Engagement with Seattle Sounders FC's Joe Legaz

This episode of the MVP Interactive podcast, hosted by James Giglio, CEO of MVP Interactive, features a comprehensive interview with Joe Legaz, the Director of Game Presentation and Live Experience at Seattle Sounders FC. Joe discusses his extensive career spanning over 15 years in the sports industry, starting from his teenage years with the Seattle Mariners and leading to significant roles with major sports brands, including the LA Clippers, Adidas, the San Francisco Giants, and the 49ers. 

Legaz shares his insights on fan engagement, experiential marketing, and the integration of technology in sports. He emphasizes the importance of creating memorable experiences for fans and discusses the challenges and opportunities of marketing across different sports. The episode also explores Joe's strategic moves throughout his career to diversify his skills, his approach to brand partnerships, and the impactful role of communities around sports teams. Additionally, Joe offers his perspective on adapting to industry changes, leveraging technology to enhance fan experiences, and the evolving landscape of sports marketing.

01:35 Joe's Journey in the Sports Industry
02:29 Breaking into the Sports Industry: Challenges and Opportunities
05:49 Joe's Career Highlights and Achievements
07:18 Transitioning to Different Roles and Industries
08:25 Returning to Sports: Joining Seattle Sounders FC
09:05 Reflections on Early Career and Internship Opportunities
23:05 The Role of Strategic Brand Partnerships in Marketing
26:07 Creating Memorable Experiences for Sports Fans
29:42 The Power of Connection and Information Exchange
30:00 The Nuances of Different Sports Properties
33:02 The Impact of Sports Culture on Business Operations
36:54 The Evolution of Game Day Presentation and Marketing
44:02 The Role of Community in Sports Teams
49:09 The Future of Sports Marketing and Entertainment
51:02 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Podcast: The Art of Fan Engagement with Seattle Sounders FC's Joe Legaz

Join us for an intriguing episode of the MVP Interactive Podcast featuring Christian Lau, Chief Technology Officer of LAFC and BMO Stadium. With over 20 years of experience across various industries, Christian shares his career journey from the U.S. Navy to tech roles in publishing, imagery, and consulting, leading to his current role at LAFC. He delves into the challenges and rewards of building and managing a state-of-the-art stadium, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology to enhance the fan experience. From seamless ticketing systems to next-gen Wi-Fi networks and biometrics, Christian explains how LAFC is staying ahead in the sports and entertainment industry. Tune in to discover how LAFC is redefining the fan experience through innovative technological solutions.

00:59 Christian Lau's Career Journey
03:23 Transition to LAFC
07:04 Building the Stadium
08:34 Technological Innovations and Challenges
10:54 Community Focus and Club Ethos

Podcast: Innovation at the Pitch - A Conversation with Christian Lau, LAFC's CTO

In the latest episode of the MVP Interactive Podcast, host James Giglio interviews David Nussbaum, the visionary behind Proto hologram technology. David shares his journey from broadcasting to pioneering holographic technology and discusses the evolution of Proto, which allows lifelike holograms to beam people and objects anywhere in the world. He highlights the impact of Proto in various industries, including entertainment, education, and healthcare, and offers a glimpse into future innovations. Special guest Howie Mandel makes a surprise appearance, showcasing Proto’s cutting-edge capabilities.

Podcast: David Nussbaum, Founder and CEO of Proto Hologram Technology

In this episode of the MVP Interactive podcast, our CEO, James Giglio, sits down with Will Misselbrook, the creative powerhouse behind the LA Galaxy, to explore the cutting-edge world of sports marketing and branding in the MLS. Will dives into his unconventional journey into the industry, revealing how the MLS’ innovative landscape fuels creativity and bold fan engagement strategies.

He breaks down how the LA Galaxy creates an entertainment experience that goes beyond the pitch—think immersive visuals, killer music, and interactive elements that keep fans hooked. Will also shares how data and analytics are transforming marketing efforts, helping the Galaxy differentiate themselves from other MLS teams, such as LAFC, requires strategic storytelling, unique experiences, and a focus on the local community.

If you’re into how next-level storytelling and smart, data-driven decisions are shaping the future of fan experiences, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Podcast: Will Misselbrook, Chief Creative Officer, LA Galaxy

Join us on the latest episode of the MVP Interactive Podcast, where host James Giglio sits down with Jillian Frichette, CMO of the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center. Dive into Jillian’s insights on the team’s 'Made in Jersey' campaign, the evolving fan experience, and how the Devils are forging deep community ties through innovative sports marketing. From digital engagement strategies to corporate responsibility, this episode offers an in-depth look at how the Devils stand out in a crowded sports landscape. A must-listen for fans of sports, tech, and marketing!

Podcast: Jillian Frechette

In this episode of the MVP Interactive Podcast, host James Giglio speaks with Malcolm Lemmons, a former professional athlete and founder of Vetted Sports, a media and research platform focused on sports tech. They discuss Malcolm's transition from athlete to entrepreneur, the cultural experiences he gained while playing in Japan, and the vision behind Vetted Sports. The conversation highlights the importance of relationships in business, the evolving landscape of sports technology, and the future of fan engagement.

Podcast: Malcolm Lemmons, Founder, Vetted Sports

MVP Interactive is a consumer engagement technology company that enhances brand experiences through custom software, product design and social media.

Podcast: David Nussbaum, Founder and CEO of Proto Hologram Technology

MVP Interactive

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