Sponsored Network Events

Shaan and Sam discuss creating sponsored private events that combine networking, activities, and content creation. The specific example discussed is a basketball fantasy camp with business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Key Points:

• Event Structure:

  • Combine professional networking with basketball training
  • Get a professional trainer who works with NBA stars to run the camp
  • Keep it intimate (20-25 people)
  • 2-3 day event format

• Participant Strategy:

  • Target successful business people who love basketball
  • Get one "whale" (mainstream famous person) to attract others
  • Mix of CEOs, founders, and business leaders
  • Focus on quality of attendees as the main draw

• Content Creation:

  • Record podcast episodes during the event
  • Set up recording area on the side of basketball court
  • Have rotating guests come through for short segments
  • Capture content while games are happening in background

• Monetization:

  • Have participants split costs
  • Potential corporate sponsorship (like Hubspot) to cover expenses
  • Create content that sponsors can use
  • Not focused on profit, just covering costs

• Key Advantage:

  • Better alternative to traditional conferences
  • More authentic networking through shared activity
  • Creates unique content opportunities
  • Positions organizer as connector/hub