Venture Draft

The BWEDC
Present

"VENTURE DRAFT”
Hosted at Saint Louis University on August 10th and 11th

Partners: Garage.com, Google, Hatchery, LastClick, Lockerdome, NFL Players Association, NBA Players Retired Association, NFL Mothers Association, I Ten, Regional Commerce Growth Association, Cultivation Capital, Wellington Capital, Missouri Venture Forum, Golden Boy Promotion, imatchfranchise.com, Pro To Go, Imported Designs, Wines That Rock, TREX, Naturae


The Venture Draft conference is the only gathering of its kind,
bringing together thought leaders in sports and business. This two-day
event features keynote addresses from some of the most powerful
figures in sports, business, technology, finance and academia. The
event will feature presentations on pressing issues in sports and
business today.

Our purpose is to develop opportunities that further the BWEDC's
mission, "Athletes Creating Jobs Off the Field". In the wake of our
economy's recovery, educating athletes in post-career strategies,
revealing investment opportunities and connecting athletes and the
technology sector opens up opportunities to create new businesses.

FRIDAY

12:00pm - 1:00pm | Athlete Registration

1:00pm – 3:00pm | "For Athletes Only"
This workshop will be facilitated by the faculty of St. Louis
University Entrepreneurship Center and industry specialists. Athletes
will learn about the following:

St. Louis University Diplomate Program
Business Acquisitions
Athletes and Business
Athletes and Franchises
Athletes and Investments
Athletes and Endorsements
NFL Transition Program
Professional Athletes and Unions
Athletes and Injury/ Physical and Emotional
Athletes and Jobs After Sports

4:00pm - 5:00pm | "Show me the Money"
Conference Opening Panel, this panel will discuss investment trends
and where investors are seeking to invest.

Henry Wong/ Garage.com
Yao Huang/ Hatchery New York
Andy White/ Vegas Tech Fund

5:00pm - 6:00pm | VIP Cigar Happy Hour

6:00pm - 8:00pm | Friday Night Opening Reception "Never Stop Playing"
Presentation by Lockerdome.com

SATURDAY

8:00am - 9:00am | Registration

9:00am - 10:00am | “The Business of Sports & Technology”
The sports business is a $400 billion dollar industry. Many athletes
and small businesses do not understand the business behind the
business. Experts will discuss the opportunities in this sector,
including technology, branding, investments and careers. Speakers will
discuss team ownership, careers in sports management, technology in
sports, and marketing/branding of sports.

10:00am - 11:00am | “How to Pitch to an Athlete and Investor”
This workshop will discuss how to present a proposal to an
athlete/investor. It will also discuss successful business models
proven effective by athletes and investors alike. There will also be a
panel that will discuss the best ways to present your business
opportunity to investors.

11:00am - 12:00pm | Crowdfunding: Athlete Alternative Financing for
Small Business

12:00pm - 1:00pm | LUNCH/ NETWORKING

1:00pm – 3:00pm | “Pitch The Player” - Sponsored by Sterling Bank
Select companies will be able to "pitch" their business to a panel of
professional athletes and investors. There will be a 7-minute
presentation. This will show participants how they can prepare
themselves for pitches in the future and what athletes and investors
look for. The businesses will come from St. Louis University
Entrepreneurship Competition, ITEN, Capital Innovators, Founders, and
other national entrepreneurship networks.

Panelists
Henry Wong/ Garage.com
Yao Huang/ Hatchery New York
Andy White/ Vegas Tech Fund

6:00pm - TBD | “Business of Sports Awards” Reception

Silent auction featuring artwork by NFL players and sport memorabilia
donated by Golden Boy Promotions