By Andres Tamayo
UM News

Alex Rodriguez and Greg Norman

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (March 3, 2017)—Miami native and former Major League Baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez and Hall of Fame golfer and entrepreneur Greg Norman will be the keynote speakers at the 2nd Annual Sport Industry Conference March 23-24 at the Watsco Center.

The conference, which was started by Assistant Professor Alicia Jessop, will feature “Greg Norman’s Search for the Next Great Sports Entrepreneur” on March 24 at 10 a.m., prior to his speech.

Norman’s team of investors, who received hundreds of applications from eight countries and five continents, will choose the winner from five finalists who are vying for the chance to receive the financial backing and investment needed to jumpstart their venture.

After ending his career as one of baseball’s most decorated players, Rodriguez turned his passion and competitiveness to business entrepreneurship. A member of the University of Miami’s Board of Trustees, he is founder and CEO of A-ROD Corp., a private holding company with businesses in the U.S. and Latin America. He also serves as a special adviser to Hal Steinbrenner, owner of the New York Yankees.

Rodriguez’s 22-year career in baseball included 14 MLB All-Star Game appearances, three American League MVP Awards, and the 2009 World Series Championship with the New York Yankees. He also has used his extensive knowledge of baseball as a color commentator for FOX Sports.

At the conference, UM will announce the winners of the “Rising 25” award, presented by Front Office Sports, a sport industry website founded by current UM Sport Administration senior Adam White and TeamWork Online, on Thursday, March 23, the day Rodriguez gives his keynote address. This award will honor the 25 best sports business students and professionals who are 25 or under.

Other speakers include former NBA world champion Shane Battier; current Cleveland Browns running back and UM alumnus Duke Johnson Jr.; UM’s Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year Blake James; and Miami Heat Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Michael McCullough, among others.

For a full conference agenda and list of speakers, visit the Sport Industry Conference website.