Peter Golenbock, bestselling author and sports journalist interviews Brian Auld, President, of the Tampa Bay Rays (MLB) and Vice Chairman of the Tampa Rowdies (USL), Alex Killorn, Tampa Bay Lighting forward. With an introduction by Dr. Saskia Estupinan-Day International Public Health Expert
This year we are excited to include a panel on the vital role that professional sports play both in promoting the development of our cities and in attracting the attention of new audiences. Our recent achievements have been notable across the board, including the magnificent success of the Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, the World Series. COVID has brought new challenges to sports, along with massive economic consequences, ranging from the postponement of the World Olympics empty stadiums across the U.S., along with empty soccer stadiums around the world. It goes far beyond entertainment, as sports is part of the fabric of our culture, and an important part of our economy, without which so many upstream and downstream service providers are affected. The Tampa Bay and St Pete truly stands out in the year of COVID, having achieved the Lombardi Trophy, Stanley Cup, and World Series final. Our region has overcome as nowhere else has, and it is important for us to recognize these achievements while also giving encouragement to all as we work to get to the other side of the pandemic.
St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs
Founded in 2013, by former U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Douglas McElhaney and Professor Thomas Smith of the University of South Florida, the annual St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs (SPCWA) brings together diplomats, military, media, scientists, and experts in many fields to work collaboratively at better understanding and operating in the world.
Our Mission:
A forum for international experts to educate, engage, and empower members of our community and beyond, focusing on the fields of international relations, economics, environment, culture, humanity, and health. We believe that a well-informed citizenry is crucial to sustain a vibrant democracy, and that knowledge and understanding of the world can inspire enlightened change around the globe.