A new speaker series initiative aimed at providing NC students and prospective students with an opportunity to hear from industry professionals launched on May 5.
‘Join the Conversation’, presented by the Athletics & Recreation department and the Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film program, is a speaker series that welcomes a number of Canada’s experts on a variety of topics. The series will begin with a sports focus featuring topics including spotlights on TSN and Sportsnet, sport journalism, sport medicine, sports and charity, and the Canada Summer Games 2021, but grow to cover other themes such as social media.
The weekly series, taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, are in the format of interactive live webinars via Zoom, where participating students will have the opportunity to ask questions, having direct access to accomplished industry professionals.
Michele O’Keefe, associate director Athletics & Recreation, and Dutch VandenBerg, BRTF program coordinator, had been floating the idea around for months as a project they felt would spark interactive and engaging conversations.
“With the current work-from-home situation, we’ve been fortunate that many people’s schedules have opened up and we’ve found that our guests have graciously accepted invitations to share their expertise with our Niagara College audience,” said O’Keefe. “The idea to partner with the BRTF program on this initiative came from working together on the recent virtual athletic banquet.”
“We believe our panelists, while industry specialists, have much to share with our students about their life and career experiences,” said VandenBerg. “For example, in our first episode, we spent a lot of time talking about how young people can differentiate themselves when job searching.”
The series kicked off on May 5 with a panel of TSN experts including vice president Nathalie Cook, vice president live production Paul Graham, senior manager content strategy Tesla Beard (a Welland native) and on-air talent Kayla Grey.
Graham, a distinguished television production veteran, told stories from his 40-year career in the business and offered sage advice to students and young professionals in the industry.
“Try not to narrow your focus and keep an open mind to all opportunities that come your way,” said Graham. “The best life experiences come from smaller opportunities where you’re tasked with everything”
Grey emphasized the importance of being authentic as a key takeaway from her career to date. She encouraged students to keep the following question top of mind as a guiding principle throughout their careers: “what is your why?”
The series continues May 7 with experts from Canada’s national sport organizations:
Join the Conversation Episode 2: Hosting International Sporting Events
Thursday, May 7, 9:30 a.m.
Guest speakers: Peter Montopoli, general secretary, Canada Soccer (and Port Colborne native), Glen Grunwald, president & CEO, Canada Basketball, Chris Wilson, executive director, CBC Sports.
Advance registration is required. Register here.
Below are the two episodes being offered the week of May 11-15:
Join the Conversation Episode 3: Sport Journalism
Tuesday, May 12, 11 a.m.
Guest speakers: Lori Ewing, Canadian Press, Doug Smith, Toronto Star (and Niagara College alumnus), Rod Mawhood, Bell Media (and local resident sport guru)
Advance registration is required by May 11. Register here.
Join the Conversation Episode 4: Sportsnet Spotlight
Thursday, May 14, 11 a.m.
Guest speakers: Bart Yabsley, president, Michael Grange, writer/on-air, Christine Simpson, Canadian television personality best known as a hockey reporter, Rob Corte, vice president of production (and St. Catharines native).
Advance registration is required by May 13. Register here.
Registration is required for all webinars and anyone interested is encouraged to register quickly to ensure a spot. Each webinar will also be recorded and made accessible after it is complete, so those who are unable to attend the webinar live will still have an opportunity to watch it at their convenience.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to spread the word via email to students. O’Keefe and VandenBerg hope the speaker series will also be of interest to NC faculty, staff and alumni who are also encouraged to register for the series.
Have questions about ‘Join the Conversation’? Email Michele O’Keefe at [email protected] or Dutch Vandenberg at [email protected].
