Sports PR Summit Announces Miami Dolphins Owner & RISE Founder Stephen M. Ross as Opening Featured Conversation

NEW YORK, NY (December 2, 2015) – The Sports PR Summit (@SportsPRSummit) announced Related Companies Chairman and majority owner of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins Stephen M. Ross as the Opening Featured Conversation for the 2016 Sports PR Summit on May 17 at The Players’ Tribune (@ThePlayersTribune) in New York City. Ross is also the founder of non-profit organization RISE (Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality) which was launched in Fall 2015.

Ross’ Featured Conversation at the 2016 Sports PR Summit will focus on “PR from the Owner’s Perspective” and his efforts with RISE. (www.RISEtoWIN.org)

Ross, who became the majority owner of the Miami Dolphins in 2009, designed RISE to harness the unifying power of sport to advance race relations and drive social progress. In addition to being one of the first organizations of its kind, RISE has formed an unprecedented alliance of sports leagues and associations, organizations, educators, thought-leaders, media networks, sports professionals, athletes, coaches and others who believe in the power of sport to build a nation of understanding, respect and equality. NBA stars LeBron James and Steph Curry and NFL star Tom Brady have joined an impressive group of athletes who have appeared in public service announcements pledging to spread the RISE message.

“Our attendees will appreciate the insight and unique perspective that Stephen Ross has as a successful business person, NFL team owner and humanitarian,” said Brian Berger, Founder and CEO of the Sports PR Summit. “Mr. Ross’ RISE initiative has captured the attention of the sports world and the conversation around using the power of sport to advance race relations will be a conversation that our attendees can use to ignite a dialogue within their own organizations.”

Launched in 2013, the Sports PR Summit is an invite-only event that brings together senior PR executives from the pro and collegiate sports ranks as well as from top sports corporations for panel discussions and valuable face to face networking opportunities. Prominent media members and athletes share candid insights about the best ways for PR executives to work most effectively with them. The event allows for all attendees to leave with a better understanding of the evolving communications issues and challenges in the sports industry.

Noteworthy panelists and featured speakers at the Sports PR Summit have included NBA Senior Vice President Communications Mike Bass, MLB VP Communications Matt Bourne, MLS Executive VP Communications Dan Courtemanche, NCAA Managing

Director of External Affairs Erik Christianson, United Entertainment Group, President, Sports and Brand Experience, Mary Scott, Hiltzik Strategies Founder and crisis PR expert Matthew Hiltzik, ESPN reporter Jeremy Schaap, Sports Illustrated Executive Editor and Senior Writer Jon Wertheim, ESPN & ABC reporter LZ Granderson, Arizona Diamondbacks President & CEO Derrick Hall, and former NFL players Tiki Barber and Derrick Mason.

In addition to the Featured Conversation with Stephen M. Ross, the 2016 Sports PR Summit will also feature a panel discussion with unique insight from The Players’ Tribune team. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with senior executives and editors from The Players’ Tribune, tour the headquarters, and get an up close look at the first-of-its-kind digital media company, founded by Derek Jeter.

About Sports PR Summit:

Learn more about the Sports PR Summit at www.sportsprsummit.com. Follow the Sports PR Summit on Twitter and Instagram @SportsPRSummit. Follow the Sports PR Summit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SportsPRSummit.

Media Contacts:

Brian Berger, Sports PR Summit – 503.701.2215 – brian@brianbergerpr.com

Joanna Rose, Related Companies – 212.801.3902 – JRose@Related.com