More From Innovate and Celebrate

By Bayle Emlein

Sports Innovation

The October 9-11 INNOVATE and CELEBRATE event in San Francisco, co sponsored by the Consumer Technology Association and TechCo, highlighted trends and trajectories as well as the new and emerging initiatives that are just starting to see the light of day. Sports is a major passion world wide. Tech is changing how sports are  played and marketed.

Panel member Portia Blunt, Senior Digital Sport and Wearables Innovation Manager for New Balance pointed out that the New Balance brand is built on the notion of innovation and helping athletes meet their goals. Embedded technology and data analysis are now key to targeted, individualized modifications.

Mounir Zok, Director of Technology & Innovation for the U.S. Olympic Committee added that technology is helping put US Olympic competitors in a position to win. Most of the time it’s the difference between Silver and Gold but sometimes it's the difference between Gold and 12th place. Technology is a part of each athlete’s life. Technology captures body data and personalized use of technology helps each achieve individual goals. Technology that starts with elite athletes becomes available to the general public to enhance performance and life-long general health. One size does not fit all, and different users will employ a single device differently and make different uses of the data.

Investment options are also looking at improving the fan experience. How can technology enhance it?  The fan experience in stadiums might be enhanced by being able to reserve your space in line at the snack bar. Reserve parking before the event.  Just as the current tech landscape couldn’t be envisioned 10 years ago, it’s hard to imagine what tech will offer us in 10 years. (If any builders of the future are reading, how about an app that will GPS me to the shortest restroom line in a stadium or theater? And another one that provides just-in-time paper supplies.)