The sport and recreation industry is filled with accomplished professionals eager to support the industry’s next generation. Despite this, initial communication and connection for many students is an intimidating prospect and makes planting the first seeds that grow into their professional network a daunting task. In response, UISRM provides students the perfect home-field advantage to participate in career exploration and network development: the UISRM Symposium.

Monday, September 27 marked the 6th Annual UISRM Symposium and the opportunity for all UI students to learn from and network with sport and recreation professionals in a familiar and accessible environment. After a virtual event in 2020, the UISRM Club enthusiastically welcomed professionals to the Iowa Memorial Union for panel discussions, networking, and a keynote session discussing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Sport and Recreation. UISRM MA alum, Broderick Binns, Assistant Athletics Director, Executive Director DEI with Hawkeye Athletics graciously delivered the keynote session that coincided with Dr. Mia Richter’s Diversity and Inclusion in Healthy Living course. Furthermore, the UISRM Club streamed and recorded all mainstage and breakout sessions, increasing the accessibility and inclusivity of the event to all students.

A highlight of the day for many students was hearing from recent UISRM graduates. Four of five participants completed their BS in Sport and Recreation Management in the last twelve months with the fifth participant recently completing their master’s coursework. Hannah Conlisk (Daytona International Speedway), Sam Bly (Miami F1), Michael Cope (Northwestern Recreation), Tanner Natzke (Miami Dolphins), and John Gibson (Chicago Cubs) contributed to the symposium’s recent-alumni panel via Zoom. UISRM Lecturer, Packy Moran, moderated the conversation live in the IMU 2nd Floor Ballroom with his Contemporary Issues in Sport students participating with him in the IMU or via Zoom.

In total, thirty-seven sport and recreation professionals participated in panel discussions, the morning’s networking session, or the afternoon’s field experience showcase. Professionals participating represented amateur to professional organizations with experience in areas such as revenue generation, event management, marketing, sponsorship, coaching, recreation, and more. UISRM is grateful for the passionate support of the program and the next generation of sport and recreation professionals.

Here’s what contributors and participants are saying about the 2021 UISRM Symposium:

• Jessica Fergesen (2021 Dr. Michael Teague All-Star Award Recipient): “Participating in the UISRM Symposium gives me a chance to meet with students one on one and give my organization a face. It’s a great event to share my years of experience with the up-and-coming stars of our business. The enthusiasm the students have energizes me for the future of sports!”
• Michael Ropp (BS 2015): "As an advisory board member it was so refreshing to return to campus and participate with faculty, staff, and students in person for the first time since 2019! Being able to contribute to the symposium by giving personal and professional advice during panel discussions and networking sessions was the highlight of my weekend. I love giving back to the program that helped launch my career and hope that current students were able to take away knowledge that they can apply within their own life and career."
• Nathan Escobedo (ex. BS 2023): “The 2021 UISRM Symposium was the first one I have ever participated in and the key lesson that I took away from the entire event is that the resources and help from the SRM program do not stop upon graduation. The SRM program is truly a family that is willing to go above and beyond to help their people no matter the circumstances. Whether you are a current student or alumni who graduated the first year the program came to life, the faculty and staff are always willing to lend a helping hand."

Special thanks to the UISRM Club’s Event Management Special Interest Group for planning and executing the 2021 event. The leadership team of Jenae Marshall and Ryleigh Collum with the help Tricia Even, Kate Cairney, Jake Heitman, and Kate Nelson delivered an exceptional event. In addition, thank you to UISRM Club leaders Nathan Escobedo and Emma Osborne as well as UISRM MA student Hannah Gardner for moderating panel discussions.