About Us

Our Mission Statement

Illinois Sports Business Conference connects students with leading sports business industry professionals to build careers in the sports business industry. Through our annual conference, ISBC fosters meaningful relationships and offers deeper insight into the world of sports.

Who are we?

Illinois Sports Business Conference was started by a group of University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) students who saw an opportunity to fill the gap of knowledge and resources between the sports industry and the business world. The ISBC team works together throughout the year to put on an annual conference hosting elite leaders and professionals in the sports industry. Through various workshops, networking events, and an annual conference, ISBC fosters relationships and creates a roadmap for students to explore possible careers in the field and to find their niche in the sports industry.

educate

We at ISBC strive to provide an educational conference about the sports business industry.

Network

We at ISBC aim to develop strong networking relationships with professionals of the sport industry.

bridge the gap

We at ISBC aspire to bridge the gap between the sports and business industries in addition to the sports and business programs on campus.

our founder's story

Emily Barretta Holohan:
Business Director, Foot Locker NA @ Nike.
ISBC Founder.
Former University of Illinois Women's Tennis Student Athlete.

In 2014, Holohan founded Illinois Sports Business Conference (ISBC) and served as Organization President until she graduated in 2016. She describes the creation of ISBC as a pivotal moment in her career development as it allowed her to gain critical leadership skills, a deep understanding of the sports business industry, and a network of friends. She founded ISBC to provide a platform for industry learning, professional growth, and networking.

"Leading this organization taught me how to think strategically, solve complex problems, and manage diverse teams—skills that have proven invaluable in my career. ISBC’s focus on real-world application and industry engagement set the foundation for my success in sports business. I’m excited to see ISBC continue to grow, empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators in the sports industry."
—Emily Barretta Holohan, 2025

testimony from past member

Tristan Nelson

Corporate Partnership Sales Manager at the Oklahoma City Thunder
ISBC General Member (2016-17)
Speakers Vice President (2017-18)

1) Experiences and Takeaways:
ISBC is a great resource for students to interact with and learn from sports business professionals in a variety of specialties. The unique ability to learn from industry professionals without having to leave campus provides an opportunity that every student should take advantage of if they’re interested in the industry. In addition to the professionals speaking at the conference, it’s important to also think about the other students that are planning or attending the conference. Networking with peers can be just as important and I have countless peers that I met while in college that work in the sports industry today. We learned together, we network together, and we still learn and network together to this day.

2) How ISBC has helped in your career:
Networking and relationships lay the foundation in the sports business industry. Sports and entertainment is about relationships and being a part of an organization that values industry connections helped set a standard for my career. Relationships help the industry innovate together and lift each other up. I still stay in touch with speakers we had at the conference when I was in school that I would not have met without ISBC.