University College Cork (UCC) and Marketing Institute Ireland, Cork Branch is excited to announce its annual collaboration which will take place on February 6th at 6pm in the iconic Aula Maxima, UCC.
The “game-changer” event, titled “The Business of Sport” will be a panel discussion that will delve into the multifaceted aspects of sports marketing and administration, exploring its commercial and strategic dimensions, societal impact, and economic contributions.
The event will underscore the profound significance of sports in society, highlighting its role in community building, promoting health and wellbeing, and making substantial economic contributions. Attendees, including students and industry professionals, are poised to gain valuable insights from the panellists’ extensive experiences.
Following networking time, the panel discussion, chaired by Dr. Conor Drummond of UCC, will feature three distinguished experts: Dermot Usher, Owner, Cork City FC; Ian Flanagan, CEO, Munster Rugby; and Mary O'Connor, CEO, Federation of Irish Sport.
Dr. Dave Alton, Business School Lecturer at UCC, expressed his excitement for the partnership, emphasizing the event's focus on the broader impact of sports. "This year, we are focusing on 'The Business of Sport,' and it's great to have such an expert lineup of panellists. Attendees will gain insights into the commercial and strategic aspects of sports administration, as well as its vital role in the community, impact on societal health and wellbeing, and its substantial contribution to the economy."
Ezara Ahern, MII Cork Branch Chair, continued: “MII Cork is thrilled to partner with UCC for our annual event. The Business of Sports is an incredible topic. The sports industry is at the forefront of connecting the community and presents ample marketing opportunities that connect directly with consumers and have ample influence on society. I look forward to a front row seat to listen to this incredible line up of speakers.”
The event takes place in the Aula Maxima, UCC on Tuesday the 6th of February at 6:00pm. Registration is essential, and tickets are €15 for Marketing Institute Ireland members, and €25 for non-members, however, all students and staff can attend the event free of charge.
Event Registration Link (UCC Students): https://forms.gle/arhoBU35pwX1fK5c9
Event Registration Link (UCC Staff): https://forms.gle/6JnsHFfV8JBxtPK26
Registration Link (Non-UCC Personnel): https://mii.ie/marketing-events/the-business-of-sport-2/
Panelists Bios:
Dermot Usher, Owner, Cork City FC:
Dermot purchased Cork City Football Club, from the then supporter trust, FORAS, just before the beginning of 2023 League of Ireland football season, investing significant sums in the football clubs professional and sporting divisions over the past 12-months. Albeit the 2023 season did not go as planned on the pitch, Dermot holds a long-term view in terms of what it will take for Cork City FC to be regularly competing at the top end of Irish football again, acknowledging the financial commitment and strategic changes that will make CCFC a success. Dermot is a successful businessman, where he previously owned and led the Irish market-leading bathroom brand, SONAS Bathrooms, over a 30-year period, growing the business to in excess of €50 million in revenues per annum, with over 90-employees. Dermot exited his company in 2021 and remains on the Board of Directors as Non-Executive Director, as well as being involved in a number of other companies as an investor.
Ian Flanagan, CEO, Munster Rugby:
For over 20 years, Ian has worked in senior executive roles across all the major commercial sports on behalf of brands, sponsors, rights-holders, owners, governments and sportspeople, where he specialises in commercial strategy, contract negotiation, partnership packaging, sports marketing and sales. Originally an academic, Ian was a tutor at Christ Church, Oxford. He joined leading talent agency CSS Stellar in 2000 and oversaw the commercial strategy for several Formula 1 teams, Ryder Cup golfers and Olympians, including the Team GB Rowing. As Head of Marketing, he worked with both the England Football and England Rugby squads through the “Team England” commercial rights programme (2001-2006). At CSS he also pioneered brand partnerships on behalf of Keira Knightley, Ewan McGregor and Kate Winslet and with the James Bond franchise. Subsequently, Ian was managing
director of Treble Sports, a joint venture in Abu Dhabi between Treble Group and HH Sheikh Saif Al Nahyan, focused on sports infrastructure and sports strategy. Treble Sports consulted to the Abu Dhabi government as part of its Vision 2030 strategy and worked on landmark projects including the construction of Yas Island Racetrack and the acquisition of Manchester City FC. He also worked on major sports events in his time in Abu Dhabi, including its inaugural Formula 1 race as well as the FIFA Club World Cup. He has been a senior sports consultant to DHL, creating the company’s global sports strategy and advising on their Rugby World Cup, Lions Rugby and Formula 1 sponsorships. He created and negotiated the first ever stand-alone training kit partnership in the Premier League, between DHL and Manchester United in 2011. Prior to becoming CEO of Munster Rugby, he was commercial director at Leicester City FC, during which time the club won the Premier League title, and he was also a member of the Premier League commercial rights advisory board.
Mary O'Connor, CEO, Federation of Irish Sport:
Mary O Connor is CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport. She is a native of Cork and has worked in sport all her professional life and is an avid sports fan. In 2016 Mary graduated from University College Cork with a Masters in Voluntary and Community Sector Management. Before joining the Federation of Irish Sport, Mary worked with the Camogie Association as Director of Technical Development and Participation. She excelled in this role and led the association in to an unprecedented era of growth. Under her direction as Acting CEO of the Camogie Association in 2013, she successfully guided the association through change in the form of the new affiliation model for individual members, which saw camogie ensure a more equitable membership structure for all clubs. Mary has represented her native Cork in both Camogie and Ladies football amassing a total of 12 Senior All Ireland medals over a 16-year dual intercounty career. She has won All Stars in both codes, national leagues and provincial titles and more recently was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate from University College Cork (2012) in recognition of her amazing contribution to sport in Ireland.