From a sell-out crowd of loyal fans waiting for the opening kickoff to a high-profile entertainer eager to take the stage for an encore presentation, sports and entertainment marketing provides a rush for those interested in these career areas. When it comes to learning from the professionals in these popular industries, DECA’s Sports and Entertainment Marketing Conference cannot be rivaled.
DECA’s Sports and Entertainment Marketing Conference returns to Orlando from January 29 to February 2, 2025.
Known as one of the world’s premier locations for family entertainment and home to world-class professional and college sports, Orlando provides the perfect backdrop for this dynamic conference experience. Each day, DECA members will learn from four executives – two from the sports marketing industry and two from the entertainment industry – who are part of well-recognized brands.
Here’s a look at the speakers headlining this year's event.
Meet the Speakers
Gary Mata
Director of Season and Plan Sales | Orlando Magic
Gary Mata is currently in his 9th season with the Orlando Magic. In his role, he manages the inventory and strategy on how the Magic sell season tickets and multi-game plans. He is also responsible for the recruiting, hiring and onboarding of new sales team members.
Ethan Khlor
Corporate Partnerships Coordinator | Florida Citrus Sports
Ethan Klohr was born and raised in the Central Florida area, growing up in Clermont and going to school in Gainesville at the University of Florida. Graduating in 2019 with a degree in Sport Management, he did a few internships in college and post-grad in hospitality and sports. Currently, he works full-time at Florida Citrus Sports as the Corporate Partnerships Coordinator where he has played a vital role in several world-class events held at Camping World Stadium and around the country, including the annual Pop-Tarts Bowl and Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, Florida Blue Florida Classic, Camping World Kickoff and FC Series.
Jennifer Avery
SVP Strategy and Insights | Universal Destinations and Experiences
Jennifer Avery is a cultural anthropologist and insights leader who has tackled impossible projects and complex sociological questions in market research for over twenty years. In her current role as Senior Vice President, Strategic Insights at Universal Destinations and Experiences, Jennifer leads global strategic and insights work that informs the next evolution of immersive theme park entertainment.
Stephen Kubiak
Senior Manager of Social Strategy & Content | Universal Parks & Resorts
Stephen Kubiak is the Assistant Director of Social Strategy and Content for Universal Destinations and Experience North America. In his role, he manages the social media teams for Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Horror Unleashed, and Universal Kids Resort.
Kate Thomas
Senior Director, Hotel Marketing | Universal Orlando Resort
Kate Thomas is the Senior Director of Marketing at Universal Orlando Resort, where she is responsible for developing brand strategy and marketing programs designed to increase hotel demand and ensure guests have an elevated and seamless experience while visiting the world-class entertainment destination.
Mike Czenszak
Manager, Trade Marketing | Universal Orlando Resort
Mike Czenszak is a Marketing Manager at Universal Orlando Resort, with a focus on Meetings & Events and Youth Programs. He leads the creation and management of strategic marketing plans, incorporating integrated initiatives aimed at expanding the Meetings & Events and Youth/Group Sales markets. Additionally, he acts as the Brand Manager for these specific business areas at Universal Orlando Resort.
Alan Gooch
Chief Executive Officer | Orlando Sports Foundation
Currently, Alan Gooch is the CEO of the Orlando Sports Foundation and the Executive Director and founding board member of the Cure Bowl. The foundation’s primary goal is to support cancer research through an NCAA Bowl game. In Six bowl games, the Cure Bowl has raised $3.8 million. Mr. Gooch continues as the managing partner/broker of Tizon Commercial and has served as an adjunct professor at UCF teaching Coaching Methods.
Hubert Payne
Mental Performance Coach | Lake Nona Performance Center
Hubert is an accomplished professional with a unique background combining elite athletic, artistic and leadership experiences. Currently, Hubert is the Director of Human Performance at Negentex Human Performance, leading innovative strategies to elevate physical, mental and emotional performance. Hubert brings a holistic approach to human potential, combining insights from sports, music and cutting-edge performance science.
