REWATCH THE espnW: WOMEN + SPORTS SUMMIT
All of our Summit conversations are available on-demand here.

The espnW: Women + Sports Summit took place October 18-20, 2021. We returned both virtually and in-person for three days of conversation and inspiration, all focused on driving change and impact in the women + sports space.

We brought together thought-leaders, professional athletes, and agents of change across sports and entertainment for an experience that left attendees inspired and ready to take action!

2021 SPEAKERS
Heidi Browning
Chief Marketing Officer, NHL
NHL
VIEW BIO
Kate Ackerman, MD
Harvard Associate Professor and Medical Director, Female Athlete Program, Division of Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital
VIEW BIO
Alix Klineman
Olympic beach volleyball gold medalist
VIEW BIO
Halle Berry
Academy Award-winning actress and Director of the upcoming film, Bruised
VIEW BIO
Tyler Tumminia
Commissioner, Premier Hockey Federation
VIEW BIO
Angela Courtin
Global Head of Brand Marketing, YouTube
Google
VIEW BIO
Sarah Spain
espnW Columnist and ESPN Reporter
VIEW BIO
Michele Steele
Studio Anchor, Reporter, ESPN
ESPN
VIEW BIO
Lynn Olszowy
Producer, ESPN and Co-Host of espnW's Laughter Permitted podcast
VIEW BIO
Sarah McLachlan
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter
VIEW BIO
Zaila Avant-garde
2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion
VIEW BIO
Allison Glock
Journalist, TV writer/producer, and filmmaker
ESPN & espnW
VIEW BIO
Saycon Sengbloh
Award-winning actress and stars in ABC's 'The Wonder Years'
VIEW BIO
Nicole Lynn
President of Football Operations, Klutch Sports Group
VIEW BIO
Carol Stiff
President Stiff Sports Media Consulting, LLC
VIEW BIO
Ginny Gilder
Co-Cwner, Seattle Storm
VIEW BIO
Shelby Rogers
Professional Tennis Player
VIEW BIO
Julie Foudy
espnW columnist and ESPN soccer commentator
VIEW BIO
Debra OConnell
President, Networks - Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, The Walt Disney Company
VIEW BIO
Mollie Marcoux Samaan
Commissioner, LPGA
VIEW BIO
Alana Nichols
Six-time Paralympic medalist, wheelchair basketball and alpine skiing
Paralympic gold medalist
VIEW BIO
Kelly Kleine
Executive Director of Football Operations, Denver Broncos
VIEW BIO
Jessica Mendoza
MLB Analyst, ESPN
VIEW BIO
Dawn Porter
Award-winning documentary filmmaker, Trilogy Films
VIEW BIO
Raina Kelley-Garfman
Vice President and Editor-in-Chief, The Undefeated
ESPN's The Undefeated
VIEW BIO
Hannah Storm
SportsCenter Anchor
VIEW BIO
Laura Gentile
Executive Vice President, Commercial Marketing, Disney Networks & ESPN and Founder, espnW
ESPN
VIEW BIO
Jon Patricof
CEO and Co-Founder Athletes Unlimited
VIEW BIO
April Ross
Olympic beach volleyball gold medalist
VIEW BIO
Nina King
Athletic Director, Duke University
Duke University
VIEW BIO
Abby McLoughlin
Marketing Director, Curran Theater & Gwen Goldman's daughter
VIEW BIO
Ramona Shelburne
ESPN NBA Insider and Senior Writer
ESPN.com
VIEW BIO
Malika Andrews
NBA Reporter and Host of 'NBA Today', ESPN
VIEW BIO
Brian Lockhart
Senior Vice President, ESPN+ Original Content and ESPN Films, ESPN
VIEW BIO
Candice Lee
Athletic Director, Vanderbilt University
VIEW BIO
Angela Ruggiero
CEO and Co-Founder, Sports Innovation Lab
Sports Innovation Lab
VIEW BIO


VIEW ALL

THE DETAILS

Date: Monday, October 18 – Wednesday, October 20, 2021

How to participate: If you want to watch any of our Summit conversations again, they are available on demand here.

2021 SUMMIT AGENDA

A few days packed with conversation, reflection, laughter and a little bit of movement with industry leaders and decision-makers.
Print Agenda:
Monday, October 18
12:00 PM
On-site Registration and Summit Welcome Suite Opens
4:00 PM
Hotel Check-in
4:30 PM
espnW Welcome Reception
5:00 PM
Summit Opening and Welcome
with Laura Gentile / Executive Vice President, Commercial Marketing, Disney Networks & ESPN and Julie Foudy
5:30 PM
espnW Keynote Conversation
Featuring Halle Berry, Academy Award-winning actress and Director of the upcoming film Bruised with Malika Andrews
6:10 PM
Global Sports Mentoring Program: Making an Impact with Julie Foudy
6:20 PM
Dinner
7:20 PM
Sarah Spain in Conversation with Debra OConnell
Debra OConnell / President, Networks - Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, The Walt Disney Company with Sarah Spain
7:30 PM
Fireside chat with ESPN Talent
Julie Foudy, Sarah Spain, Jessica Mendoza, and Ramona Shelburne
8:00 PM
espnW Opening Night Cocktail Reception
Tuesday, October 19
Wednesday, October 20

GALLERY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is your COVID-19 policy?
The health and safety of Summit attendees and participants is our primary focus. Our decisions related to in-person COVID-19 safety protocols are informed by the CDC, Disney and applicable state and local authority guidance.

VACCINATION POLICY
We are requiring all attendees and ESPN staff to be vaccinated. Upon arrival to the event, you will be required to show proof of vaccination. Methods of proof of vaccination include:

- A photo of the vaccination card
- PDF of the vaccination card
- Physical vaccination card

While we cannot guarantee everyone you come in contact with at the hotel will be vaccinated, including particularly hotel staff, we are taking extra precautions on-site to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19. Extra precautions include hand-sanitizing stations, social distancing, masks will be required indoors when not actively eating or drinking and activities will be conducted outside when possible. If guests are feeling unwell in any way during their time at the event, we invite them to attend sessions virtually until the guest feels better. We will have rapid COVID-19 tests on hand for these scenarios. Should a guest receive a positive test while onsite our Health & Safety Officers will be prepared to enact contact tracing to mitigate spread.
What is the cancellation / refund policy?
This is an exclusive, invitation-only event. In the event that you can no longer attend, we will issue you a full refund up to 4 weeks prior to the start of the event (on or before September 20). If you cancel your registration after September 20 we cannot issue a full refund, but you may either transfer your registration to a colleague or defer your registration to next year’s event.
How much does the in-person Summit cost?
The total registration fee is $3,000. This includes resort lodging for three days/two nights, Summit-sponsored events and activities, all meals and all receptions throughout the Summit.
What does the in-person registration fee cover?

The Registration Fee for the 2021 espnW: Women + Sports Summit covers your resort lodging for three days/two nights, Summit-sponsored events and activities, all meals and all receptions throughout the Summit.

All payments are processed and charged when your credit card information is submitted. You will receive an order confirmation in your email. If you have any questions about the Summit, please contact [email protected].

What’s the weather like in La Jolla in October?
The average daytime high in the La Jolla area in October is 60 degrees. The overnight low averages 52 degrees. In short, bring a sweater - it can be a little chilly.
What is the in-person dress code?
The Summit is a casual, athletic environment. We encourage you to dress comfortably. Feel free to bring a dressy-casual outfit for dinner and cocktails, but don't forget your athletic gear for sports activities!
Which airport should I fly into?

We recommend flying in to San Diego International Airport (LINDBERGH FIELD - SAN) as it is a short 20 minute ride to Lodge at Torrey Pines. However, there are other options in the area with a longer drive:

 

  • John Wayne - Orange County Airport (SNA) – 74 miles

  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 112 miles

 

Note that you are responsible for your own transportation to/from the airport.

Will transportation be provided?
You are responsible for your own transportation to/from the airport. Transportation will be provided to all off-site activities.
When should I arrive?
Plan to arrive between 12pm and 1pm Monday, October 18. The Summit will begin at 3pm.  Please note that check-in time at the Lodge at Torrey Pines is not until 4pm so your bags will need to be stored by the hotel if your room is not yet available when you arrive.
What should I bring?
Bring your ideas, your energy and your enthusiasm! Other suggestions: sun block, moisturizer, lip balm, sunglasses, sports wear, and a sweater, jacket or wrap for cooler evenings.
Can I bring a guest? Is my invitation transferable?

The in-person Summit is by invitation only. If you have questions please contact us at [email protected].

Who is attending?
Influencers like you. Business, brand and agency executives, professional athletes, experts, and leaders in the educational and non-profit sectors.
How do I select my in-person workshop and activity preferences?
Prior to The Summit, you will receive a questionnaire that asks for additional information and allows you to choose your preferred sessions and activities.
What is the format of the summit?

The schedule will include keynote speakers and presentations, work sessions and interactive panel discussions, as well as sports activities and evening receptions. Please refer to the agenda section of the site for details. Click here »

How do I participate in the virtual Summit?
Virtual registration is open -- register now >> Participation is free. Once registered the link to view live will be sent via email on October 18.
What if I have additional questions?

Please email [email protected] (or use the link at the bottom of every page) and we'll get right back to you.

ABOUT THE RESORT

The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a AAA Five Diamond property offering views of the world renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course and the Pacific Ocean. Guests of The Lodge can take advantage of the near perfect weather while hiking the Torrey Pines State Reserve, golfing on Torrey Pines Golf Course or relaxing at the spa. The Lodge pays tribute to the California craftsman movement and is modeled after Greene and Greene’s famed Gamble and Blacker houses in Pasadena, California, two of the finest examples of early 1900s Craftsman-style architecture.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
11480 N Torrey Pines Rd,
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 453-4420
lodgetorreypines.com

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT:
[email protected]

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