DATE CHANGE: SVG Sports Graphics Forum Arrives in NYC on Feb. 22; Full Program Announced

The Sports Video Group third-annual Sports Graphics Forum has been moved to Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017 and will be held at the Microsoft Technology Center in New York City. Mark your calendars now to attend the industry’s only conference dedicated entirely to sports graphics design and technology. NOTE: this event was previously announced to take place on Feb. 7, however, the Sports Graphics Forum will now be held on Feb. 22 in New York City. In addition, the full program has been announced, including dual afternoon tracks focused on “The Best of 2016 & What’s Ahead in 2017” and “Broadcast Graphics & Player Tracking”.

This past February, more than 200 industry professionals convened in New York City at the Sports Graphics Forum for a full day of informative discussions, innovative technology exhibits, and professional networking. Don’t miss this year’s event in a new venue, the Microsoft Technology Center in Times Square, with an expanded program that will include a pair of afternoon breakout workshops. focused on graphics creative design and graphics technology, respectively.

CLICK HERE for more information on the 2017 Sports Graphics Forum, including the full program, location, and sponsorship info. The full event program is as follows:

9:45 – 10:00 a.m.: Welcoming Remarks 

10:00 – 10:45 a.m.: State of the Arts: Sports Graphics Today and Tomorrow
The third-annual Sports Graphics Forum kicks off with a top-tier discussion featuring creative directors and top graphics production pros. What are the significant creative and technological trends? What are the industry’s greatest challenges and opportunities, and what lies ahead for the sports-graphics sector?

10:45 – 11:00 a.m.: Keynote Case Study: TBD

11:00 – 11:30 a.m.: Networking Break

11:30 a.m. – noon: In–Venue Graphics: Driving Fan Engagement at the Stadium
In-venue videoboard productions have become full-scale broadcasts in recent years, as fans demand the time and score, the latest stats on their favorite players, information for their fantasy teams, and much more. Venue-production leaders and tech vendors discuss the challenge of scaling graphics across a variety of screens, the need for automation, and how to balance entertaining the fans and informing them.

Noon – 12:15: Case Study: TBD

12:15 – 12:30 p.m.: MLB Network Spotlight: Mike Gallardo’s Story
A little over a year ago, MLB Network hired Mike Gallardo a former Cav Scout who served in Iraq with the 1st Cavalry Division. To say Mike is a warrior is an understatement. Hear his story and the impact he has made in his new career.

12:30 – 1:15: Lunch

1:15 – 1:45: Serving Multiple Screens: Graphics for Mobile and Streaming
Designing graphics for mobile devices and streaming experiences has presented a host of new challenges for creators of live sports content. Designers need to understand the complexities of working with mobile platforms and how they vary from graphics production for linear television. Digital sports execs and vendors lay out best practices in graphics creation for streaming and mobile experiences.

1:45 – 2:00: Case Study

2:00 – 2:45: Networking Break

2:45 – 4:30 WORKSHOP BREAKOUTS

WORKSHOP #1: The Best of 2016 & What’s Ahead in 2017
2:45 – 3:30 p.m.: Game-Changers: An Examination of Graphics Innovation in 2016
This can’t-miss session will examine the best of graphics innovation in 2016. Our panelists will present their picks for the most notable work from across the global broadcast landscape.

3:30 – 4:00 p.m.: The Evolving Landscape: What’s Ahead for Sports Graphics in 2017?
A deeper dive into future directions, opportunities, and challenges: How does the graphics industry’s rapidly changing landscape affect creative teams, budgets, and decision-making? Hear industry leaders’ views and their predictions for 2017 and beyond.

4:00 – 4:30 p.m.: 360 VR Motion Graphics: Creating an Immersive Experience
360 VR sports content is happening. How will motion graphics develop and thrive in this new viewing environment?

WORKSHOP #2: Broadcast Graphics & Player Tracking
2:45 – 3:15 p.m.: Inside the Truck: Trends and Challenges in Real–Time Broadcast Graphics
Graphics have never played a more integral role in the production of live sports telecasts. How can producers identify new technologies that warrant investment, and how does the impending rise of 4K and HDR affect graphics operations? Top network and tech-vendor execs discuss the latest issues and opportunities facing the industry today. 

3:15 – 3:30 p.m.: Case Study: TBD

3:30 – 4:00 p.m.: Player Tracking and Data Visualization: The Future Is Now
Player-tracking systems are all the rage right now, as pro sports leagues look to gather more data from the action on the field and broadcasters look to visualize that data for fans within their telecasts and live streams. Learn how these systems are evolving and how these technologies are changing the way fans view the game. 

4:00 – 4:30 p.m.: Broadcast Virtual Graphics and Enhancements: Seeing Is Believing
Virtual on-field graphics have become commonplace in high-profile sports telecasts and are now even being seen on smaller shows, and the use of virtual studios has never been more popular. Meanwhile, virtual 360-degree replay systems have been a game-changer for in-game and postgame analysis. Get an update on the latest developments in this cutting-edge sector.

4:30 – 5:15 p.m.: Networking Reception