Sports Product Industry Connections

The Sports Product Management program is a hub for connecting sports and outdoor product companies and professionals.


Globally Connected

We connect with the sports and outdoor product industry on a local and global level.

Our advisory board of senior executives continually shapes the program's content and direction to align with industry needs. Advisory board members represent the following companies:

  • Arc'teryx
  • adidas
  • Brooks
  • Camelbak
  • Columbia
  • Dakine
  • Handful
  • Hydro Flask
  • New Balance
  • Nike
  • Skechers Performance Division
  • Sorel
  • Under Armour
  • Yakima

Industry Mentors

Our sports and outdoor product industry connections mean each step of our students' journeys is rich with meaningful and vibrant opportunities.

It starts with each student being assigned their own industry mentor. Mentors are introduced to students during the first term to start building an advisory relationship. Mentors are available to ensure students feel supported in their questions about the industry and how to best reach their career goals.

Become an Industry Mentor


Industry Internships

To further enhance industry engagement, students in the Portland-based onsite program complete an internship that immerses them in a sports or outdoor product company in the United States or abroad.

Interested in Providing an Internship?


Industry Events

Join us for a networking event, panel, or speaker series.

Event: UO Portland Soaring Together Featuring Vanessa Gidden
Feb 27
UO Portland Soaring Together Featuring Vanessa Gidden 4:15 p.m.

Join us for "Elevating Women's Sports, Empowering the Next Generation," a fireside chat-style conversation with Vanessa Gidden, during our annual UO Portland Soaring...
UO Portland Soaring Together Featuring Vanessa Gidden
February 27
4:15–6:30 p.m.

Join us for "Elevating Women's Sports, Empowering the Next Generation," a fireside chat-style conversation with Vanessa Gidden, during our annual UO Portland Soaring Together event celebrating leaders impacting the sports product industry and beyond.

Vanessa Gidden is the Lead Global Merchant of Jordan Women's Sport Footwear and Apparel at Nike, a trailblazer whose journey spans from professional athlete to global leader in sports product merchandising. From the court to the boardroom, Gidden drives the future of sports product innovation while championing athlete development and industry growth.

With a career that bridges the worlds of elite competition and business innovation, Gidden has shaped the future of women's sports footwear and apparel, and she has also dedicated herself to empowering the next generation of athletes. Don't miss hearing her story of resilience, leadership, and the power of sport to create opportunities and drive change.  

Event Overview

We are offering this event both in person and virtually. The virtual session is from 4:30–5:30 p.m. PT. Virtual attendees will receive a UO Business YouTube link upon registration. The in-person event will be held at UO Portland, Library and Learning Center, 2800 NE Liberty St., Portland, OR. Please choose virtual or in-person attendance during registration.  

Schedule

4:15 p.m. - Doors open 4:30 p.m. - Vanessa's session begins, moderated by SPM student Jordan Wilmoth 5:30 p.m. - Mix and mingle, hors d'oeuvres 6:30 p.m. - Event wraps up

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