What does it take to turn a passion for sports into a profession? Many of us dream of making sports our career—whether it's shaping the future of analytics, marketing the next big event, or managing a team. But how do we get there? Behind every game-winning shot, championship parade, and viral sports moment is an intricate business ecosystem—one that students at the Ivey Sports Leadership Conference (ISLC) get to explore up close.
Hosted annually at the Ivey Business School, ISLC is a student-led event that brings together top executives, athletes, journalists, and entrepreneurs to dive deep into the evolving world of sports management. Covering everything from marketing and finance to entrepreneurship and global expansion, the conference provides invaluable insights into one of the most exciting industries in the world. With networking opportunities, case competitions, and expert panels, ISLC has become a must-attend event for students looking to break into the field. The conference attracts attendees from a variety of schools, including the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, Brock University, Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Guelph, and the University of Ottawa, making it a truly diverse and expansive networking opportunity.
For me, attending this year’s ISLC wasn’t just about gaining knowledge—it was about immersing myself in the world I dream of joining. Sitting in a room filled with professionals from companies I’ve long admired, I got a behind-the-scenes look at how the sports industry truly operates. And no session embodied that feeling more than the conversation featuring Meghan Chayka and Laurence Applebaum.
As the co-founder of Stathletes, Chayka has made a name for herself in the data-driven revolution of sports analytics. Hearing her speak in person gave me a whole new appreciation for how data influences player performance and front-office decisions. But beyond analytics, the panel discussion with Applebaum, the CEO of Golf Canada, emphasized the broader business landscape of sports. They spoke about the importance of building relationships, navigating industry dynamics, and positioning oneself within key decision-making circles. The session underscored that success in sports isn’t just about numbers or talent on the field—it’s about strategy, connections, and understanding the business side of the game.
Of course, putting on a conference of this scale is no small feat. ISLC Co-Chairs Natalia Brkic and Cole Parsons took on the challenge of not just continuing the tradition but elevating the experience. Natalia’s journey started in an unconventional way—sneaking into the event as a first-year student just to meet Adam Burchill, a sports executive she admired. That determination led her to return year after year until she found herself at the helm of the conference. Cole, on the other hand, discovered ISLC through a Western AEO group chat and steadily worked his way up from a Sponsorship Associate to Sponsorships Director before stepping into the Co-Chair role. Their combined leadership resulted in the largest ISLC to date, with a 60% increase in attendance and a new Ambassador Program that expanded outreach to students across Ontario.
This year’s conference introduced a host of new elements designed to enhance engagement. Delegates took part in interactive experiences like the Hockey Stick Taping Challenge powered by Canadian Tire and the London Lightning Trivia Challenge. One of the standout additions was the Formula 1 simulator experience, which was introduced for the first time this year. Located in Chrominska Hall, the F1 sim wasn’t just a fun add-on—it was part of a broader initiative to make ISLC more interactive and immersive. Delegates had the chance to test their skills on a professional-grade simulator, experiencing firsthand the precision and strategy required in motorsports. The F1 panel discussion tied into this experience, offering insights into how technology, data, and performance analytics are transforming the world of racing. The addition of this feature added a major “wow” factor to the conference and was a hit among attendees, reinforcing ISLC’s commitment to innovation and hands-on learning. The conference wouldn't have been possible without the continued support of industry sponsors, whose contributions played a vital role in elevating the experience for attendees.
But beyond the panels, networking sessions, and activations, what made ISLC truly special was the sense of community. A dedicated team of 20 students worked tirelessly behind the scenes to organize the event, ensuring every detail contributed to an unforgettable experience. As Cole reflected, one of the most rewarding aspects was watching how every member of the organizing team took pride in their work, knowing that their contributions had a real impact. Natalia shared a similar sentiment, emphasizing the importance of passing the torch to the next generation of leaders who will continue to shape ISLC’s future.
For students looking to get involved, applications for next year’s organizing team will be released soon. Whether you’re interested in sponsorships, logistics, or programming, this is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in event planning and connect with some of the biggest names in the sports business world.
Co-Chair Applications: Released in early March
Executive Applications: Released in April
As ISLC 2025 proved, the sports industry isn’t just about what happens on the field—it’s about the visionaries working behind the scenes to make it all happen. For students eager to turn their love for sports into a career, ISLC isn’t just an event—it’s a launchpad for the future of sports leadership.