Team Insight

8 • Team Insight ~ July/August 2024 teaminsightmag.com TAKING THE LEAD IN SPORTING GOODS A new name and a revitalized program brought team dealers together at NSGA Leadership Conference. Above, Rawling's Mike Thompson (center) celebrates with Mike Zlaket, CEO and president of Rawlings (left), and Hall of Fame chairman Larry Aasheim. A number of Sporting Goods Hall of Fame members joined the Class of 2024 for an impressive group photo: (from left) Connie Klimenko, Bill Hunt, Glenn Barrett, Ralph Parks, Cathy Pryor, Jeff Lynn, Larry Aasheim, Mike Thompson, John Solheim (son of Karsten Solheim) and Bob Dickman. TEAM TRENDS A name change to the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) Leadership Conference was part of the con- tinuous evolution of the longest-running event of its kind in the sporting goods industry that began in 1965 — and it showed in the increased attendance and a very strong education program that featured the likes of former MLB star Steve Garvey, Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Ann Meyers Drysdale, technology specialist and futurist Crystal Washington, Bill Carter of Student Athlete Insights and a panel discussion on the importance of Artificial Intelligence in the business world. e theme of "Growing Your Business" focused on one of the core tenets of NSGA's mission at the annual event in late May at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, AZ. e Leadership Conference concluded with the annual Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony. e Class of 2024 was comprised of of Glenn Barrett (OrthoLite), Cathy Pryor (Hibbett Sports), Karsten Solheim (PING Golf ) and Mike ompson (Rawlings). e NSGA 2025 Leadership Conference will take place May 18-20 at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Photgraphy: NSGA/ROF Industries.

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