September 12-15, 2024 | San Diego, CA
ABOUT THE EVENT
AVANCE at L’ATTITUDE is a multi-day business conference focused on the intersection of sports, business, and Latino culture. The event will include panel sessions, roundtables, and networking opportunities highlighting the role of Latinos in the evolving economics of sports, career mobility in the sports industry, sports start-ups, and audience trends. It will also include a scholastic basketball tournament showcasing several top NBA prospects from Spain, Mexico, and the United States.
AVANCE at L’ATTITUDE will occur in conjunction with the L’ATTITUDE Business and Media Convention, which attracts CEOs, entrepreneurs, investors, and more than 7,000 business leaders each year. Join us for AVANCE’s inaugural event, being held September 12th -15th, 2024, in San Diego, CA., and experience the largest gathering of sports professionals, companies, athletes, agents, and investors focused on harnessing the power of Latinos in sports.
EVENT AGENDA
September 12-15, 2024 | San Diego, CA
Confirmed L’ATTITUDE Mainstage Sessions
Thursday, September 12, 2024
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Release of a Bain Consulting Report on the Economics of Sports
A new report on the new economics of sports.
- Moderator | Stuart Campbell, Partner at Bain & Company
The New Economics of Sports
Explore the dynamic intersection of sports and economics with top executives from a leading sports media giant and a significant technology powerhouse. Gain exclusive insights into the pivotal role of U.S. Latinos in shaping the future of these influential
industries.
- Moderator | Sol Trujillo, Co-Founder, L’ATTITUDE
- Panelist | Jimmy Pitaro, CEO of ESPN
- Panelist | Eddie Cue, SVP Apple
- Panelist | Rita Ferro, President of Global Advertising, Disney
A Conversation with Dominican-American Karl-Anthony Towns, NBA All-Star and Social Justice Warrior
- Moderator | Gary Acosta, Co-Founder, L’ATTITUDE
- Panelist | Karl-Anthony Towns, NBA All-Star, Minnesota Timberwolves
Women in Sports
Join a dynamic session celebrating the achievements of women in sports. Explore the impact of female athletes, coaches, and leaders on the sports industry.
- Moderator | MJ Acosta-Ruiz, ESPN Anchor, NFL Reporter and Host
- Panelist | Diana Flores, Flag Football Ambassador
- Panelist | Marissa Solis, SVP Global Brand and Consumer Marketing, NFL
Capitalizing on the New Economics of Sport
Explore the evolving landscape of sports economics with executives from prominent leagues discussing strategies for growth and innovation.
- Moderator | Gary Acosta, Founder, AVANCE Sports
- Panelist | Gersson Rosas, SVP Basketball Operations, NY Knicks
- Panelist | Jonathan Martinez, VP, Revenue Planning & Analytics, Las Vegas Raiders
- Panelist | Omar Minaya, Baseball Operations Senior Advisor, Special Assistant to the General Manager, NY Yankees
AVANCE at L’ATTITUDE Sessions
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Session 1 – Advancing Latino Talent in Sports
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM PDT | Coronado DE
Latinos in Sports Ownership
Dive into the thrilling and dynamic world of sports ownership in this roundtable discussion, exploring the intricacies of investing in and managing professional teams. Learn from industry leaders about the financial, strategic, and emotional aspects of
owning a sports franchise, and discover how ownership decisions impact team performance, community engagement, and brand development.
- Moderator | Bri Rosas, Co-founder & President of Opus Sports Partners
- Panelist | Sara Toussaint, Co-owner of NC Courage (NWSL), Managing Director at Underdog Venture Team, and Board Member/Investor in TMJ
- Panelist | Xavier Gutierrez, Chairman & CEO & Co-Founder of ImpactX Sports Group
- Panelist | Martin Cabrera, CEO of Cabrera Capital
- Panelist | Eduardo Najera, NBA Legend & Co-Owner of Dallas Sidekicks
Session 2 – Advancing Latino Talent in Sports
11:20 AM – 12:05 PM PDT | Coronado DE
Career Growth for Latinos Across the Sports Ecosystem
Join us for an exciting session dedicated to career growth and progression for Latinos in the sports industry. This panel will discuss practical strategies and insights on navigating the unique challenges and opportunities that Latino professionals face in
advancing their careers in sports. Learn from industry leaders who have paved the way, gain access to resources for professional development, and connect with mentors committed to fostering diversity in sports. This session is a must-attend for those
looking to elevate their career trajectories in this evolving field.
- Moderator | Jesse Sanchez, Director of Talent Development & Diversity Outreach – Content for MLB
- Panelist | Henry Lescaille, Chief People and Culture Officer, United States Tennis Association (USTA)
- Panelist | Josue Napa, SVP and Head of Finance, Brooklyn Nets
- Panelist | MJ-Acosta Ruiz, ESPN Anchor, NFL Reporter and Host
- Panelist | Erika Ruiz, NBA Agent at KLUTCH Sports Group
Session 3 – Advancing Latino Talent in Sports
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM PDT | Coronado DE
Momentum in the Sports Start-up Space
Explore the exciting world of sports-related startups in this dynamic session, where innovation meets athletics. Learn from successful entrepreneurs and industry experts about the challenges and opportunities in launching a sports-focused business, from
ideation to market entry. Discover how these startups are revolutionizing the sports industry and what it takes to turn a great idea into a thriving business.
- Moderator | Sandra Lopez, Founder & Investor at Ambi Ventures, Co-Chair for Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) North America
- Panelist | Karina Martinez, CEO & Co-Founder of DRAFTED
- Panelist | Ayden Owens-Delerme, 2024 Paris Olympian, Founder & CEO at DapUp
- Panelist | Jesse Martinez, Founder & CEO of LTX STEM Sports and Latinx Startup Alliance
- Panelist | Luis Arellano, Executive at Creator Sports Network
Session 4 – Advancing Latino Talent in Sports
4:20 PM – 5:40 PM PDT | Coronado DE
AVANCE DAY 1 RECEPTION
Join us for a reception at the end of AVANCE Day 1. We will hear from Founder, Gary Acosta, and some of the AVANCE Advisory Board members. Learn more about AVANCE’s mission and connect with leaders and executives from across the sports ecosystem.
- Moderator | Gary Acosta, Founder at AVANCE
- Panelists | Advisory Board Members
Latina Athlete Panel with Special Guests:
- Hezly Rivera, USA Gold Medalist, Women’s Gymnastics, 2024 Paris Olympics
- Maria Sanchez, San Diego Wave FC Forward, Mexico Women’s National Team
- Diana Flores, Captain and Quarterback of the Mexican Flag Football team, Global Flag Football Ambassador for the NFL and IFAF & Forbes “30 Under 30” (Class of 2024)
- Moderated by:
Lorena Martin, PhD – USC Sports Analytics Professor, Former Director of Sports Performance Analytics for the LA Lakers, International Sports Performance Consultant
Friday, September 13, 2024
Session 5 – Engaging with Latino Fans and Consumers
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM PDT | Coronado DE
The International Business of Sports
Access to new markets, fans, and athletes are drawing major sports leagues to new regions. This session will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of cross-border sports ventures, highlighting key lessons for leveraging this
expansion to drive growth and engagement in new regions. We will also explore the role Latin American countries play in the increasingly globalized business of sport.
- Moderator | Alana Meraz, MLB International Partnership Activation & Founder of Latinx in Sports
- Panelist | Iris Diaz, Director of Brand & Marketing for FIFA World Cup 2026
- Panelist | Troy Justice, NBA SVP, Head of International Basketball
- Panelist | Marissa Solis, SVP Global Brand and Consumer Marketing at NFL
- Panelist | Lorena Martin, PhD, USC Sports Analytics Professor, Former Director of Sports Performance Analytics for the LA Lakers, International Sports Performance Consultant
Session 6 – Engaging with Latino Fans and Consumers
11:20 AM – 12:05 PM PDT | Coronado DE
Sports Media: Capturing the Hearts and Minds of the Fastest Growing Viewer Segment
This session will explore the evolving landscape of sports media, highlighting the significant contributions and growing influence of Latino voices in broadcasting. As the Latino audience grows, so too does the importance of meeting this consumer on their
terms. Gain insights into the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges in sports media, and learn how to effectively navigate and succeed in this dynamic field. We will also showcase the launch of the AVANCE documentary.
- Moderator | Alvaro Martin, Spanish Voice of the NBA and NFL
- Panelist | Eli Velazquez, EVP & Head of Sports at Telemundo Deportes
- Panelist | Nely Galan, Author and Entrepreneur at Galan Entertainment
- Panelist | Barrick Prince, Co-founder, Creator Sports Network
- Panelist | Stacie de Armas, SVP, Inclusive Insights, Intelligence & Innovation at Nielsen
Session 7 – Engaging with Latino Fans and Consumers
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM PDT | Coronado DE
How Teams Can Engage the Latino Community Locally
Discover strategies for effectively engaging the local Latino sports community in this insightful conference session. Learn from community leaders and sports professionals about tailored outreach programs, cultural events, and partnerships that resonate
with Latino fans. Gain practical tips on fostering inclusivity and building lasting connections within this vibrant and diverse community. And hear directly from the San Diego sports ecosystem leaders on how they effectively engaged Latino youth in sports
across both fandom and participation. Learn about the power and magic of a professional sports team meeting their fans where they are and serving them personally at scale.
- Moderator | Greg Merrill, CEO, Futura Fragua
- Panelist | Sergio del Prado, EVP Business Affairs, San Diego Padres
- Panelist | Joaquin Escoto, EVP San Diego FC & Right to Dream Academy
- Panelist | Ricardo Campos, EVP Club Operations, San Diego FC
- Panelist | Guillermo Zamarripa, CEO and Principal Agent at TMJ
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Session 8 – Engaging with Latino Fans and Consumers
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM PDT | Coronado DE
Latino Fandom at the Intersection of Sports, Culture, Music, & Fashion
Explore the vibrant and dynamic world of Latino sports fandom in this engaging conference session, where sports, culture, music, and fashion converge. Discover how Latino fans uniquely express their passion and pride and delve into the cultural influences
that shape their support for teams and athletes. Latinos are increasingly prominent and influential as sports fans, a trend impacted by increased viewership, diverse interest in sports, high levels of social media engagement, and elevated participation
rates. Learn from experts and enthusiasts about the powerful impact of this intersection on the sports industry and beyond.
- Moderator | Armando Tam, AVANCE Sports
- Panelist | Blanca Gonzalez, SVP and General Manager for WSS/Foot Locker
- Panelist | Paul Rodriguez Jr., Professional Skateboarder and Global Sports Star
- Panelist | Mauricio Cruz, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer for Cabra Sports
September 12-15, 2024 | San Diego, CA
Join us for AVANCE’s inaugural conference, being held September 12th -15th, 2024, in San Diego, CA., and experience the largest gathering of sports professionals, companies, athletes, agents, and investors focused on harnessing the power of Latinos in sports.
Includes access to all L’ATTITUDE sessions
Online Registration Only $499
September 13-15, 2024 | AVANCE at L’ATTITUDE Basketball Classic
Building a pipeline of talent: The AVANCE at L’ATTITUDE BASKETBALL CLASSIC
September 13th -15th, 2024 – San Diego, CA
The AVANCE at L’ATTITUDE Classic is an exciting event that honors sports legends and showcases some of the top scholastic basketball programs from North America, Mexico, and Europe. This year, the three-day tournament will take place at the Montgomery High School gym in San Diego. The event has been approved by the National Basketball Association to have NBA team personnel in attendance for this year’s event. NCAA college basketball coaches and NBA scouts are expected to attend, offering a unique platform for emerging talent. This year’s tournament will feature eight elite basketball programs and dozens of college and NBA prospects.
In 2023, the tournament honored NBA legends such as Jose Calderon, Luis Scola, Carlos Arroyo, Pepe Sanchez, JJ Barea, and Manu Ginobili.
Ticket Prices start at $10
