The inaugural SEICon event in 2024 featured this large contingent from the Falk College and Syracuse University. Representatives will once again play prominent roles during SEICon II July 8-10 in Las Vegas.
The second annual Sports, Entertainment and Innovation Conference (SEICon)—named by Zoomph as one of the best sports business conferences of 2025—will be held from July 8-10 at MGM’s iconic Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
SEICon is a partnership between UNLV Sports Innovation Institute and the David B. Falk College of Sport, in collaboration with the Las Vegas-based guest experience agency Circle, and it serves as a platform for professionals to discuss strategies and innovations shaping the future of the sports and entertainment industries.
SEICon II will bring together industry leaders from the public and private sectors and academia and feature fully catered lunchtime keynotes, insightful panel discussions and curated networking opportunities focused on emerging trends, digital transformation, and the future of fan engagement, media rights, sponsorships and entertainment technology.
All-inclusive registration for SEICon II is now open. Visit the SEICon website to register and to find more information about SEICon II and satellite 2025-26 SEICon events in Houston, London and Atlanta. Syracuse University alumni will receive $200 off the cost of registration by using the code SU ALUMNI.
“This is your chance to connect with industry leaders, share insights and explore the latest innovations in sports and entertainment,” says alumnus and Circle CEO Shawn Garrity ’86. “We’re thrilled to build upon last year’s momentum, bringing together thought leaders for another unforgettable experience. Expect compelling content, intimate connections and top-notch hospitality that only Vegas can offer.”
Building on the success of its inaugural year, SEICon is moving to the legendary Bellagio Hotel, which is known for its fountains and world-class amenities. This year’s event will focus on key emerging areas within the industry, including women in sports and entertainment, motorsports and golf.
“We are incredibly proud and excited to host SEICon II at the prestigious Bellagio,” says Jay Vickers, COO of UNLV Sports Innovation Institute. “Returning to Las Vegas and partnering with such an esteemed venue, alongside the invaluable support of our partners, underscores SEICon’s growing influence and our commitment to providing an unparalleled experience for our invited guests.”
SEICon will include nearly 30 panel conversations and two keynote speaker events. One keynote is with Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, who in June will become president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The second keynote features two Syracuse alumni, veteran news and media executive Chris Licht ’93 and New York Post CEO Sean Giancola ’90, along with a representative from Gannett/USA Today, the presenting sponsor of SEICon II.
Several faculty members will lead panels, including David B. Falk Endowed Professor of Sport Management Rick Burton (The World Cup and the Rise of MLS: A New Era for Soccer); Assistant Teaching Professor of Sport Management Alexia Lopes (Women in Racing); Sport Analytics Undergraduate Director and Professor Rodney Paul (Get with the Program: Entreprenuership); and Professor of Sports Law John Wolohan (Post House–The Future of College Athletics).
The connections between the Falk College and UNLV Sports Innovation Institute continue to grow beyond the annual SEICon event.
SEICon’s Business of Sport conference for the Australian National Rugby League featured Falk College faculty members Rodney Paul (middle row, left), Rick Burton (middle row, right) and Alexia Lopes (first row, second from right).
This past March, the National Rugby League (NRL) from Australia opened its regular season with men’s and women’s games at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. In advance of those games, SEICon hosted a Business of Sport conference for the NRL at the UNLV Sports Innovation Institute that included the signing of a partnership between SEICon and the Australian Sports Technologies Network. Burton, Lopes and Paul attended the conference, and Paul served as the moderator for a discussion on The Tech Playbook: Innovations for Shaping the Future of Sports.
“We are excited about the growing collaborations with UNLV Sports Innovation Institute and Circle for SEICon and the opportunities for our faculty to share their work and research from the programs in the new College of Sport: sport management, sport analytics, esports, exercise science, and nutrition,” says Paul. “We are most excited, however, to show off our greatest asset, our students, and provide them with an unparalleled experience in one of the most dynamic sports and entertainment markets in the world.”
Analysts predict the global sports market to reach $2 trillion, which is 2% of the $100 trillion world economy, bolstered by an influx of money from new sources, emerging technologies and growing demand. Already the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas has become an emerging sports destination and is perfectly positioned to host an annual conference focused on the intersection of sports, entertainment and innovation.
The inaugural SEICon in 2024 included 775 attendees and 183 speakers ranging from presidents and founders to venture capitalists and government officials. Visit the SEICon website to learn more about the inaugural 2024 event and what’s planned for 2025 and beyond.
On July 1, 2025, Syracuse University will make history by launching the David B. Falk College of Sport—the first college on a high-research activity (R1) campus dedicated exclusively to sport-related disciplines. Named after visionary benefactor and legendary sports agent David B. Falk, this new college stands at the intersection of academic excellence and industry innovation. The college will unite our distinguished programs in sport management, sport analytics, exercise science, nutrition and esports (offered jointly with the prestigious Newhouse School of Public Communications) under one dynamic academic umbrella.
