Experience past sports product management events and workshops
1:00–4:00 p.m.
The University of Oregon Master of Science in Sports Product Management Program requests the pleasure of your company at the graduation ceremony for its online program's class of 2026.
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The UO Sports Product Management program is launching a new Industry Workshop series, and we're starting with one of the strongest signals we heard from industry.
Across our conversations with product, merchandising, and innovation leaders, one theme came up repeatedly: teams today have more data, dashboards, and AI tools than ever, yet many still struggle to translate consumer insights into clear, compelling direction that informs product briefs.
That's why we built an event designed specifically to address that gap. Insights-to-Brief Excellence: The FRAME Method is a two-day hands-on workshop designed for product and merchandising teams who want to see an initial idea through to its final endpoint as a product story.
5:00–6:00 p.m.
Wondering what happens when classroom learning meets real-world opportunity?
Join us for a virtual conversation with four University of Oregon Sports Product Management students as they prepare to take on summer internships across the global sports and outdoor product industry. Hear how they're applying the industry-specific knowledge they gained during their first year in the program and are stepping into their roles ready to contribute from day one.
Meet our featured students:
- Asher Tatsumi (Lai Yih Group, Vietnam) – Immersed in the full footwear manufacturing process
- Kevin Ocha (Maxport) – Working on apparel product development
- Katia Mrdjan (Crocs) – Supporting category management and merchandising
- Sanjana Baldwa (Earth Studies) – Contributing to managing product lines
You'll gain insight into:
- How students translate classroom learning into real-world impact
- Internship experiences across footwear, apparel, product, and merchandising
- What it means to hit the ground running in the sports product industry
- Career pathways and opportunities in the industry
Whether you're considering graduate school or curious about careers in sports products, this is your chance to hear directly from students taking their next steps.
Register today—we can't wait to see you there!
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The UO Sports Product Management program is launching a new Industry Workshop series, and we're starting with one of the strongest signals we heard from industry.
Across our conversations with product, merchandising, and innovation leaders, one theme came up repeatedly: teams today have more data, dashboards, and AI tools than ever, yet many still struggle to translate consumer insights into clear, compelling direction that informs product briefs.
That's why we built an event designed specifically to address that gap. Insights-to-Brief Excellence: The FRAME Method is a two-day hands-on workshop designed for product and merchandising teams who want to see an initial idea through to its final endpoint as a product story.
5:00–8:00 p.m.
Join the University of Oregon Sports Product Management community for an evening of connection, conversation, and opportunity in Denver’s RiNo District.
This casual happy hour brings together SPM alumni, prospective students, and sports product professionals to reconnect, share career stories, and build new relationships across the industry.
Whether you’re an alum, exploring the SPM program, or curious about careers in sports and outdoor product, we’d love to meet you.
5:00–6:00 p.m.
Join the University of Oregon's Sports Product Management (SPM) program for a virtual, fireside chat-style information session featuring two alumni who are building impactful careers in the industry:
- Emma Connolly, Associate Global Merchandiser, Performance at HOKA
- Chris Karras, Category Manager, Adult Clogs at Crocs
During this session, attendees will hear firsthand about:
- The products and categories they are working on today
- How the SPM program helped prepare them for their careers
- The skills and experiences that continue to support their professional growth
- Advice for advancing a career in the sports and outdoor product industry
The SPM program combines hands-on product creation experience, industry collaboration, and strategic business education to prepare future leaders in the global sports and outdoor product industry.
Whether you are exploring careers in product management, merchandising, marketing, innovation, or brand strategy, this conversation will provide valuable industry insight and career inspiration.
Register today to reserve your spot.
4:30–6:00 p.m.
Curious about what it's really like to be part of the University of Oregon's Sports Product Management (SPM) master's program?
Join us for a special preview day designed to give you a deeper look into the SPM student experience. Meet key faculty, students, alumni, and staff who bring the program to life, and discover how you can turn your passion for sports and outdoor products into a meaningful career.
This virtual event is open to prospective students interested in our Portland-based master's program. Prior attendance at an SPM information session is encouraged.
During this interactive session, you'll explore the people, projects, and experiences that define the SPM journey:
- Faculty in action – Learn how sustainability runs as a thread throughout all of our classes and meet Scott Welch, executive director of the Loopt Foundation and the instructor of our Sustainability in Sports Products course.
- Global and experiential learning – Hear from Erika Morales, SPM's event lead, about the program's domestic and international hands-on learning trips that give students firsthand insight into global markets, manufacturing, and the broader sports product ecosystem.
- Student perspective – Connect with current students who will share what it's like to collaborate in cross-functional teams, tackle real product challenges, and grow throughout the program.
- Career pathways after graduation – Learn how graduates are launching careers across the industry, from product management and merchandising to marketing and innovation, with leading global brands.
If you're considering the next step in your career, this is your opportunity to experience the energy, community, and creativity that define the SPM program.
Register today and see what a future in sports product management could look like.
5:30–8:30 p.m.
Join the Sports Product Management (SPM) program at the University of Oregon's Portland campus for Gather, one of our largest networking events of the year, presented in partnership with Basecamp Outdoor.
- Connect with outdoor industry leaders and brands.
- Hear real stories from SPM alumni and Basecampers.
- Enjoy free food, beverages, and great conversation.
- Discover your next job, mentor, or big opportunity.
This free, in-person event fills up fast. Don't wait to reserve your spot!
5:00–6:00 p.m.
Start the new year with momentum. If you're passionate about building the future of sports and outdoor products, this information session is where your 2026 transformation begins.
Join us to explore the University of Oregon's immersive, 18-month Sports Product Management master's program based in Portland, Oregon, one of the world's leading hubs for sports innovation. Built for early-career professionals ready to lead with purpose, the program's global mindset, hands-on experience, and mentorship from industry experts will allow you to gain the tools to stand out and the confidence to lead.
You'll learn:
- The structure and curriculum of our full-time Portland-based master's program
- How students network with leaders at global brands like Nike, adidas, On, Keen, and Columbia Sportswear
- Tips for submitting a strong application
- What hands-on learning looks like in our on-campus innovation lab
- Career opportunities in product line management, merchandising, brand strategy, supply chain, and more
- Insights from current students, with a live question and and answer session
Go behind the scenes of a program designed to launch careers in this competitive industry. Register now to secure your spot and take the first step toward a career in sports product management.
4:00–5:00 p.m.
During this exclusive virtual, fireside chat-style info session, you'll hear directly from a group of UO Sports Product Management (SPM) master's students who were brought together for their team product project. Join Team Arneau to hear how they brought a complex product challenge to life, ask questions, get inspired, and imagine what you could build.
In the University of Oregon's immersive, 18-month Sports Product Management master's program, we don't just study product creation, we practice it, and the team product project is a defining element of the SPM experience. Beginning at orientation, students are intentionally placed into diverse, multifunctional teams that reflect the global sports and outdoor product industry. Each team brings together varied undergraduate degrees, functional strengths, countries of origin, communication styles, and lived experiences. This intentional diversity fuels stronger collaboration, sharper problem-solving, and more meaningful innovation.
Team Arneau took on a bold challenge: reimagining the traditional ballet pointe shoe, a product known for breaking down within weeks, contributing to athlete pain, injury risk, material waste, and high global costs.
Meet the team:
- Kara Cranston, team lead and materials
- Nico Borromeo, developer
- Mike Smoluk, costing and sourcing
- Cade Marshall-Bowman, factory contact and prototyping
- Pilar Agudelo, designer
Together, they navigated user research, materials innovation, sourcing strategy, factory communication, and brand positioning, mirroring the cross-functional dynamics of the global sports product industry.
If you're passionate about product management, development, design, brand marketing, innovation, sustainability, or the business of sport, this event offers a behind-the-scenes look at how next-generation product leaders are developed.
You will gain insight into:
- The power of diverse, multifunctional teamwork
- How collaboration drives stronger product outcomes
- What it takes to move from concept to prototype to positioning
- How the SPM program prepares students for leadership roles in the global sports and outdoor product industry
Secure your spot today. Space is limited.
5:00–6:00 p.m.
Start the new year with momentum. If you're passionate about building the future of sports and outdoor products, this information session is where your 2026 transformation begins. Join us to explore the University of Oregon's immersive, 18-month Sports Product Management (SPM) master's program based in Portland, Oregon, one of the world's leading hubs for sports innovation.
The SPM program is built for early-career professionals ready to lead with purpose. With a global mindset, hands-on experience, and mentorship from industry experts, you'll gain the tools to stand out—and the confidence to lead.
During this information session, you'll go behind the scenes of a program designed to launch careers in this competitive industry. You'll learn:
- The structure and curriculum of our full-time Portland-based master's program
- How students network with leaders at global brands like Nike, adidas, On, Keen, and Columbia Sportswear
- Tips for submitting a strong application
- What hands-on learning looks like in our on-campus innovation lab
- Career opportunities in product line management, merchandising, brand strategy, supply chain, and more
- Insights from current students, with a live question and answer session
Register now to secure your spot and take the first step toward a career in sports product management.
5:00–6:00 p.m.
What's it really like to be a student in the University of Oregon's Sports Product Management (SPM) program? Join us for this live, fireside chat-style info session and get an inside look at the graduate student experience.
You'll hear from the team that supports our students from day one through graduation and beyond and who make the SPM experience unforgettable and career-defining. Featured speakers include:
- Tristan Norbert, Associate Director of Student Experience – builds a culture of connection, belonging, and support across student cohorts
- Lesley Hollon, Senior Associate Director of Industry Relationships and Engagement – connects with leaders across the sports and outdoor product industry to create internship opportunities, brand visits, mentorship pairings, and alumni engagement
- Angie Gassner, Internship Coursing and Career Preparation Consultant – prepares students for global internships and job placements through tailored coaching and career-readiness support
You'll learn how our program intentionally connects academic success with career readiness—through mentorship, peer networks, and strategic industry engagement—so students graduate confident, capable, and ready to lead in the sports and outdoor product industry.
Don't miss this opportunity to see what makes the SPM student experience so impactful for your education, your career, and your future. Register today.
Did you miss one of our virtual workshops, panels, or info sessions? You can view the recordings of our past events via the links below.
Global Footwear and Apparel Traceability Summit 20024
October 17–18, 2024
View an archive with summit details including guest speakers and agenda.
Sports Product Management Commencement, Online Program
June 4, 2022
Watch the ceremony honoring students from our online program's class of 2022 as they officially gain their master of science in sports product management.
Sneaker Speaker Series: Matt Halfhill, Founder and CEO, Nice Kicks
May 4, 2022
Nice Kicks founder and CEO Matt Halfhill shared a few of his career highlights during this virtual event.
Gather
April 28, 2022
The UO Sports Product Management Program and Basecamp Outdoor joined hands to present this outdoor industry networking panel.
Sneaker Speaker Series: Steve Mullholand, Cofounder, Sole Collector
April 20, 2022
Sole Collector cofounder Steve Mulholland shared his sneaker adventures and career insights during this virtual event.
UO Portland Soaring Together: Portia Blunt, Vice President of Apparel, Reebok
April 14, 2022
Portia Blunt, vice president of apparel at Reebok and an apparel industry executive and diversity and inclusion leader with more than 20 years of experience in senior leadership, provided insight into her career journey and what she's learned along the way.
Nike's Jordan Brand Panel Presented by Women in Sports Product Club
May 20, 2021
The UO Sports Product Management program's Women in Sports Product Club held a virtual panel featuring three incredible women leaders of Nike's Jordan Brand. The group discussed their experiences running the globally recognized brand.
The Creation and Culture of Sneakerheads
April 12, 2021
In partnership with University of Oregon Athletics, the Sports Product Management program hosted a PAC-12 athlete-focused virtual event that featured a panel of designers, industry professionals, and sneaker lovers who provided their behind-the-scenes view of sneaker creation and culture.
Sports Product Management 2021 Commencement
March 15, 2021
The Sports Product Management program's Portland-based cohort and our first ever online-based cohort graduated during this eventful and fully online commencement ceremony.
Unleashing the Power of Women in Sports: Sports Products for Women by Women
March 8, 2021
In the first event in a new series focused on women in sports, our student moderators led a panel of industry leaders who are creating product, managing athletes, and running (pun intended) the world of sport.
Streetwear, Fashion, and Entrepreneurship
November 12, 2020
University of Oregon Sports Product Management students welcomed local Portland entrepreneurs in the streetwear and fashion industry. Our moderators will be graduate students from the program's Sneakerz and Streetwear Club and panelists included Quaz Amir (founder of Common Brand Co.), Jordan Carter (cofounder of Produce Organics), Tanner Gimbel (founder of The Culture PDX), and Chris Yen (founder of Laundry PDX).
Ellen Schmidt-Devlin: Creating a Successful "Glocal" Brand
September 8, 2020
Sports Product Management program cofounder Ellen Schmidt-Devlin unveiled her PhD research on the factors driving success for global and local brand leaders. She shared the results and appropriate solutions for both small and large brands in the sports and outdoor product industry.
Edwin Keh: The New Normal: Trade and Business After a Pandemic
July 30, 2020
Edwin Keh provided insight into the landscape of trade and business after the pandemic. Keh is the CEO of the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel and is a faculty member of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Supply Chain Impacts around the Globe: Planning for the New Normal
May 28, 2020
What impact is the COVID-19 pandemic having on the supply chains that support businesses around the region, the nation, and the world? What's the best way to prepare your own organization for operating in the new normal? Attend this online session to hear from UO Sports Product Management and Oregon Executive MBA program alumni who are tackling these questions in real time, in a wide range of industries.
Managing Your Career in the Sports and Outdoor Industry
May 14, 2020
What impact is the COVID-19 pandemic having on the supply chains that support businesses around the region, the nation, and the world? What's the best way to prepare your own organization for operating in the new normal? UO Sports Product Management and Oregon Executive MBA program alumni who are tackling these questions in real time joined us for a discussion.
Outdoor Industry Panel: Future Vision
April 23, 2020
Sports Product Management alumni and current industry leaders discussed how their departments and companies have been adjusting to the ever-changing environment and what industry impacts they envisioned occurring in the short and long term.
Virtual Athlete Panel: Moving the Olympics to 2021 and Its Impact
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Ellen Schmidt-Devlin led a panel of athletes in a discussion about the rescheduling of the Summer 2020 Olympic Games and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on athletes, the International Olympic Committee, sponsors, and governments.