Maryland Sports Business Conference
The Maryland Sports Business Conference (MarylandSBC) is a premier event designed to connect students with leaders and professionals from across the sports industry. Founded in 2020 by two visionary students, Bradley Polkowitz and Rachel Levitt, the conference aims to increase awareness around sports business, educate students about career possibilities, and foster a diverse, inclusive sports community.
This year marks the 5th Annual Maryland Sports Business Conference, and we are excited to bring you an even more impactful experience. The conference will feature a diverse range of speakers, panelists, and sponsors from all sectors of the sports industry. Students will have the opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals, hear firsthand insights, and explore various career paths in sports management, marketing, media, operations, and more.
Save the Date! The Maryland Sports Business Conference will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025!
Conference Co-Founders
Co-founding the Maryland Sports Business Conference with Rachel is one of my proudest achievements at UMD. What started as an opportunity to connect students with industry professionals has grown into an impactful event that continues to inspire and shape the next generation of sports leaders. It’s exciting to return every year and see how the conference evolves, while hearing the success stories of students who have reached their career goals. I’m proud of the legacy we’ve created and the impact it’s made on campus.
Bradley Polkowitz ‘23
International Analyst, National Football League
When I arrived at UMD in 2018, I loved everything about the school, but something was missing. That changed when I joined the UMD Sports Business Society and heard Laura Humphreys speak about her work with the Baltimore Ravens. Inspired by her, I realized my passion for the intersection of sports, business, and community. Bradley and I co-founded the Maryland Sports Business Conference to connect students with the booming sports market nearby, and the positive feedback has made it all worth it. Just as I found my spark in sports business through Laura, I’m confident the Maryland Sports Business Conference will be someone else’s “Laura.”
Rachel Levitt ‘22
Manager, Marketing and Communications at Nucleus Advisors
Leadership and Planning Team
The success of the Maryland Sports Business Conference is built on the dedication and passion of our student leaders. The Leadership and Planning Team behind MarylandSBC consists of motivated undergraduate students in the Sports Business Society and Sports Management Program at the University of Maryland. These students work year-round to curate an engaging experience for all attendees, ensuring the conference remains relevant, dynamic, and impactful. Their efforts help make the Maryland Sports Business Conference a valuable opportunity for students to gain insights, develop connections, and explore potential career pathways.
Leadership Team
Valentyna Breslawec
2025 Maryland Sports Business Conference Executive Director
Undergraduate Program Assistant
Sports Business Society Vice President of Events
Jack Manchester
2025 Maryland Sports Business Conference Executive Director
Sports Business Society President
Ava Meyer
2025 Maryland Sports Business Conference Executive Director
Sports Business Society Vice President of Communications
SMP Cohort 2
Planning Team
- Ari Abramovitz
Director of Sponsorship - Ally Bloom
Director of Corporate Partnerships - Emma Calcutt
Director of Speaker Relations - Noah Gantt
Creative Director - Sydney Geringer
Director of Ticket Sales and External Affairs - Eric Lavin
Creative Director - Aashni Patel
Director of Corporate Partnerships - Zach Rusnock
Director of Ticket Sales and External Affairs
Join Us in 2025!
As we look ahead to 2025, we invite you to check back for more information about the 5th Annual Maryland Sports Business Conference. This conference will continue to expand its scope, with new speakers, exciting career-building opportunities, and even more ways for students to get involved. Stay tuned for registration details, speaker announcements, and exciting updates as we continue to empower the next generation of sports business leaders.