As the basketball world took over Indianapolis for the NBA All-Star Weekend from Feb. 16-18, a unique event took place that blended the worlds of sports and technology in an unprecedented manner.
Former NBA star Baron Davis, known for his stellar basketball IQ and entrepreneurial savvy, hosted a technology summit under his company Business Inside the Game (BIG).
On Saturday, Feb. 17, the BIG Summit served as a platform for local and small business owners from both the sports and tech industries to come together and engage in influential panel discussions. With panelists such as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi providing insight, attendees experienced networking events covering a wide array of topics including leadership, technology, investing and the future of sports.
Davis, who founded BIG almost six years ago, beginning with a studio in Los Angeles that has since found a large amount of success, was excited about the opportunity to bring together individuals who share a passion for innovation and forward-thinking.
“What we built in L.A. for the entrepreneurs, it was about giving them [entrepreneurs] game,” Davis said about BIG’s humble beginnings.
Davis said that the tech summit aimed to break down barriers while fostering partnerships between athletes, entrepreneurs, investors and many others.
Last year, BIG put on a similar summit during WNBA All-Star, which was ultimately a success.
More than just a networking platform, BIG is a community-driven endeavor that aims to empower its members with access to networking events, investment opportunities and connections with like-minded professionals, including NBA Africa.
“To have NBA Africa a part of this event was a huge part of what BIG wanted to do,” Davis said regarding bridging the game between BIG and NBA Africa. Davis believes that NBA Africa’s involvement will provide its attendees with a unique insight into the realm of sports, business and technology.
With a focus on driving innovation in sports, business and technology, BIG represents a new way of conducting business by bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and create opportunities.
As Indianapolis plays host to some of the world’s biggest stars, it is also set to become a hub for discussions on the intersection of sports, business and technology, thanks to events such as Davis’ BIG Tech Summit.
“A lot of people get left out during NBA All-Star Weekend,” Davis said regarding the lack of exposure for smaller businesses. The two-time NBA all-star went on to provide some advice for entrepreneurs: “Stay focused on what you are building. Learn to use your superpowers so you can meet others with superpowers.”
Contact senior sports writer Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on Twitter @3Noral. This story was originally published in the Indianapolis Recorder. For more news courtesy of the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
