NSGA announced that baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., will be the featured speaker on Monday, May 4 at the 51st Annual Management Conference & 17th Annual Team Dealer Summit in Austin, TX.
Ripken became a national icon with his incredible streak of 2,632 consecutive baseball games played for the Baltimore Orioles. When he surpassed the record of 2,130 consecutive games by Lou Gehrig in 1995, Ripken’s perseverance, endurance, work ethic, grace and humility helped baseball recapture the interest of fans who were disillusioned by a labor dispute that led to the cancellation of the World Series a year earlier.
It is fitting to have baseball’s “Iron Man” share his inspirational stories of leadership, commitment and excellence from his Hall of Fame career, and how these keys to success apply to the business world, at the longest-running event of its kind in the sporting goods industry.
“Cal Ripken, Jr. is one of the greatest names in all of sports and we are thrilled to have him be a part of the 2015 event,” said NSGA President and CEO Matt Carlson. “The story behind his amazing streak of consecutive games played will resonate well with the attendees at our conference who succeed because of the daily work ethic and dedication they bring to their businesses.
“His involvement in youth baseball and philanthropic activities will also be an important message. We are always looking for speakers who can deliver impactful messages at our conference and we believe we knocked one out of the park with Cal Ripken, Jr.”
During his storied 21-year career, Ripken redefined the shortstop position. He was a two-time winner of American League and All-Star Game Most Valuable Player awards, was a 19-time All-Star and led the Orioles to victory in the 1983 World Series.
Ripken also helps inspire and teach young athletes. Ripken Baseball, which was founded in 2001, owns multiple Minor League Baseball teams and hosts numerous youth tournaments, camps and clinics at The Ripken Experience baseball complexes in Maryland and South Carolina. He is the author of numerous books on sports and parenting, is currently writing a children’s book series with ESPN Radio personality Colin Cowherd. His autobiography, “The Only Way I Know,” is a New York Times bestseller.
In 2011, Ripken was named as a special envoy for the U.S. State Department, promoting teamwork and cross-cultural communication with Japan. Working with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to fulfill her mission of diplomacy and unity through sports, Ripken’s responsibilities include visiting tsunami- and earthquake-ravaged towns and running baseball camps.
Ripken also showcases how individuals can give back through his philanthropy with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. He illustrates his dedication to helping kids through the Boys & Girls Clubs, The Y, and other noted youth organizations.
The NSGA Management Conference and Team Dealer Summit will feature general education sessions and sessions geared specifically toward the team dealer side of the business. The event will include a tennis clinic, golf tournament, “Mr. Newsome’s Neighborhood Walk” with Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Famer Mickey Newsome, and new opportunities to connect in a social setting.
The inaugural NSGA INNOVATIONS ARENA will be May 4-5 and will give a maximum of 10 companies in both New Sporting Goods Products and New Retail Technology sections the chance to showcase their products. For more details go to www.nsga.org.
The 60th Annual Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony will be Tuesday evening, May 5. Bill Jackson of Bill Jackson’s Shop for Adventure and David Beckerman of Starter make up the Class of 2015 and will join more than 150 leaders, innovators and industry icons who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
On Monday afternoon, May 4, companies that have made significant contributions to the industry will be recognized at the fourth annual NSGA All-Star Awards Luncheon.
More details on other speakers and the educational programs will be announced soon and registration is scheduled to begin in January 2015.
