Inspiring Guest Speakers: Elevating My Sports Management Journey

Daria V. | Sports Management Journey

As a master’s student at ESEI Business School in Barcelona studying sports management, one of the most captivating aspects of my academic experience has been the course on Events and Facilities Management with Professor Julia Roca. The structure of the class was shared between the academic part and some practical touches. What makes this course truly remarkable is the incorporation of guest speakers who bring real-world expertise and invaluable insights into the classroom.

In this blog, I would like to share my impressions and reflections on these guest speakers and how they have positively influenced my journey in sports management.

Guest Speaking at ESEI | Master in Sports Management

One of the highlights of the course has been the caliber of guest speakers who have graced our lectures. From industry professionals to renowned event organizers, each speaker has offered a unique perspective, enriching our understanding of the practical aspects of managing sports events and facilities. These guest speakers have not only shared their success stories but have also shed light on the challenges and details of the sports management industry.

Their experiences have served as a bridge between theory and practice, providing us with a deeper appreciation for the complexities involved in organizing successful sporting events and managing facilities.

A Glimpse into the Sports Industry

Among the guest speakers we have had in our course are individuals from various sectors of sports management. We had the pleasure of hearing from representatives of the non-profit organization Voluntarios 2000, who provided insights into the importance of volunteer management in sporting events and invited us to participate as volunteers in the Barcelona Marathon 2023, which I did, and it was a truly remarkable experience.

The chief event organizer of Skate Love Barcelona Michelle Barrios shared her expertise on how to organize a successful sports event with a limited team and budget. Also providing us with details of event planning in Barcelona and how the event was growing so fast in recent years.

Alba Gamell, the accreditation manager of the tennis tournament Barcelona Open BS, provided us with a glimpse into the often-overlooked process of credentialing event participants.  It’s always very interesting to learn about people that have very specific and specialized roles, learn from them, and how they got to be where they are today. Also, it’s important to understand what type of attitude and discipline you need to have when working in stressful positions like the Accreditation Department.

We also had the opportunity to learn from a content creator and communication manager Pablo Bosch who specializes in creating compelling content for sporting events. During this session, I realized how important is emotional involvement and personal touch in this field. The content he creates could be really inspiring and lead to huge fan engagement in any kind of event. This practical knowledge is a priceless addition to our academic foundation.

Listening to Lorraine Moalosi, who is supporting Women in Sports with her foundation has been truly inspiring for me. Understanding the potential growth of the industry with young women professionals on board can really change the landscape.

Among the guest speakers we have had in our course, we were able to hear from Enric Oños, a representative from the Real Federacion Española de Hockey. Enric brought a wealth of knowledge and experience in organizing large-scale sporting events, such as FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup last year.

His insights provided us with a comprehensive understanding of the planning and execution involved in managing such events, including logistics, venue selection, team accommodations, and fan engagement strategies. He discussed the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders, such as local authorities, the host city, sponsors, and broadcasters, to ensure the seamless operation of world-class sporting events.

All the speakers have demonstrated the passion, dedication, and resilience required to succeed in the sports management field. Their stories have encouraged us to dream big, embrace challenges, and constantly seek innovative solutions in the face of adversity. Their achievements serve as a powerful motivation for us to pursue our own goals and aspirations in the world of sports management.

In addition to the knowledge gained, the guest speakers have provided us with unique networking opportunities. Their presence has allowed us to connect with industry professionals, potential mentors, and like-minded individuals who share a passion for sports management. These connections have the potential to open doors for internships, future collaborations, and career opportunities.

I would like to thank Julia Roca for the incorporation of guest speakers in our Events and Facilities Management course. It has been a game-changer for me as a sports management student. The first-hand experiences, valuable insights, and inspirational stories shared by these professionals have left an indelible mark on my academic journey.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from their expertise and for the motivation they have instilled in me to pursue a successful career in sports management. With their guidance, I feel empowered and well-equipped to tackle the challenges that lie ahead as I navigate the fascinating world of sports.

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