top of page

PERFORMING ARTS SHOWCASE & NETWORKING SESSIONS Thursdays 12pm & 6pm

  • Writer: Wardell Brantley
    Wardell Brantley
  • Feb 13
  • 11 min read

Updated: Feb 14




Event Purpose

To bring together the entire Aspiring Performing Artist's Eco-System to create a continuous private funding source dedicated to their success, emphasizing training, business, finance and audience education and Business Startup and Scaling.


Working with all ages Elementary School to Adulthood (family and child friendly entertainment only). We reserve full discretionary rights to who we work-with and provide funding-to (life-style and image also - see terms and conditions here).


Each week the various business development and vender vertical segments are invited to the networking sessions to learn about the new funding source and services, their benefit, their contribution and to plan for a discussion with the groups of thirty funders who are funding the verticals with $24 Million dollars annually.


Event Information


Location

Tru Sol Studios, Seaboard Street , Myrtle Beach


Time

Noon Session

11:30am Doors open

Training and Information Sessions


Evening Pitch Session

5:00pm Doors Open

Program Starts - 6:00pm


Zoom Link


RSVP


Contact us

Wardell Brantley

(843) 465-7236


Attire/Dress/Refreshments

Casual or Work Attire

Light Food & Refreshments


Atmosphere

Light, Family, Work-centered, Passion for Community and Students.


DISCUSSION ITEMS

All Dates and Attendees

Date

Vertical Segment

Meeting-Group

Topics for Discussion

agenda * attendees * podcast

2/11

Local Sports Media

What is needed from your professional perspective

2/18

Professional Athletes

How funding will help their Charities and programs. Their local influence

2/25

Local Sponsors

& All Media

Guaranteed Contracts for their support.

3/4

All ACA Students, Staff & Teachers

Pep Rally and School Update on the progress of the program and funding f

3/11

Recreation Centers

Needs to serve their communities. Current Programs.

3/18

Athletic Directors & Coaches

Needs & Solutions at their schools.

3/25

Principals and Board of Education

How funding works with their schools. Current Needs, Programs Ticket Provider

4/1

Elementary School

Teachers, Student-athletes & Parents

Distribution of Sports Connect Cards Register. How to use. When Active.

4/8

Middle School

Teachers, Student-athletes & Parents

Distribution of Sports Connect Cards Register. How to use. When Active.

4/22

High School

Teachers, Student-athletes & Parents

Distribution of Sports Connect Cards Register. How to use. When Active.

4/29

Collegiate

Coaches, Student-athletes & Parents

Distribution of Sports Connect Cards Register. How to use. When Active.

5/6

Sports Brands, Apparel and Equipment Manufacturers

Service Provider Contracts Information

5/13

College Representatives

How funding and Connect Cards work with their schools

5/20

Local Nonprofits

Roles, Benefits and Funding

5/27

Local Churches

Roles, Benefits and Funding

6/3

Professional Sports Teams

Roles, Benefits and Funding

6/10

Sports Marketing & Management Companies

Service Provider Contracts

6/17

Companies: Media, Content Production, Technology

Service Provider Contracts

6/24

Banks and Financial Institutions

Financial options for Building Projects

Stadiums, Gymnasiums etc.

7/1

Corporate Support Brands

Auto, Fashion,

7% Contract Discussions

7/8

Sports: Health, Fitness, Insurance, Food

7% Contract Discussions

7/15

Seniors and Veterans (Communities, Nursing Homes etc.)

Student Athletes giving-back and serving the senior community

7/22

Healthcare Providers (Hospitals, Medical care and Pharmaceuticals)

Health Care Industry United to Serve Student Athletes

7/29

Horry County Chambers of Commerce (all)

The Effects of Sports Tourism Sports Industry on the Grand Strand

8/5

Myrtle Beach Economic Development Corporation

Horry County Economic Development Plans

General Discussions and documents for every session

  1. Where the two million dollars originate. How to acquire it, maintain it, circulate it, who receives it, and the reasons behind it.

  2. The impact of vertical-segment communication and purchasing on a single platform.

  3. The Purpose of This Industry's Meeting Groups

  4. Creating a public list of the top 25 issues in the area that need to be addressed and prioritized.

  5. The Cue

  6. The Student Production Teams and Media Arts Centers.

  7. What resources are currently accessible to student-athletes in building the (SRRN).

  8. The Meeting with the 30 Corporate Funders over 30 Days.

  9. The discussions and collaboration with this group continue after the meeting.

Attendees Invited

ATTENDEES

  1. Sports Media

  2. Retired and Current Professional Athletes

  3. Local Event Sponsors

  4. Local Teams, Coaches, Athletic Directors and Sports Program Leaders.

  5. Sports Reporters and local, regional and national media outlets.

  6. Local School Teachers, Educators, Mentors and Counselors.

  7. Representatives from area: Colleges, Professional Teams and Associations

  8. Major Sports Brands



Weekly Agendas


2/25 SMITH GRUPPE

FEBRUARY 25, 2026  (12:00pm - 6:30pm)



AGENDA

5:00 Welcome Dr. Cheryl McKinley,

Sean Piestrop Introduce Production & Tech Students

Mrs. Introduce Journalism Students

5:05 Introductions of all Attendees (2 minute summary each)

5:15 Purpose of the Gathering of this specific group of Sports Media

Panel Introduced


Wardell Brantley How discussions will be conducted

5:20 Wardell Brantley - Topics for Discussion (summaries)


follow along online for details on all processes and flows here


OUR GROUP'S GOAL:

To develop a comprehensive list of projects and programs that are needed to be funded. Present the number to the top 30 companies who will get the contracts for the services and products needed. The companies who will pay 7% for the contracts.


  1. To Provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the source, acquisition process, management, distribution, and intended recipients of the $24 million.

  2. To Assess the impact of sports reporters communicating, collaborating and conducting transactions on a unified platform as it relates to funding student athletes and their careers.

  3. To Clearly articulate the objectives of this "Sports-Reporters-Vertical" Meeting Group and how this group can greatly influence the 30 corporate funders.

  4. The Cue: To make sure everyone is in the queue, which facilitates quick acquisition of funds and ensures recipients are ready and prepared when the funds are distributed to them.

  5. To Enumerate and prioritize the group’s top 25 issues to guide the distribution of funds; establish criteria and processes for determining priorities.

  6. To Identify current resources available to student-athletes based on individual expertise and networks, and work towards building the Local Sports Resource & Referral Network.

  7. To Define the purpose and operational framework of the Student production teams, media arts centers and the work portal (workforce development programs), including how deliverables are achieved.

    1. The Sports reporters serving as mentors to the student sports reporters seeking careers in sports media (determine a mentoring day and time each month).

    2. Potential work with the reporters (covering games etc.).

  8. To Schedule a meeting in 30 days with the identified corporate funders to present our value proposition to the 30 targeted corporations, each expected to provide $80,000 per million dollars in sales for dedicated spending within the Vertical.

    1. Develop subsequent steps for group collaboration, ongoing initiatives, and preparations related to funding opportunities post-meeting.

    2. To Ensure that members, their organizations, and affiliates are appropriately positioned to be prioritized when funds become accessible.

    3. Clarify the distribution of individual and organizational resources or compensation for contributions to this vertical, which is essential for securing funding.

    4. Specify individual compensation for service to the group.

  9. Detail support for associated organizations serving the community or student-



After this Meeting: Our weekly Zoom meetings, newsletter, blog, and podcast will facilitate ongoing communication with stakeholders, funders, and constituents. Please ensure your subscription to these channels is up to date.


WORK-PLATFORMS & WORK DOCUMENTS:

Smartsheet - Group Workflow Sheet -


  1. 30-60-90 Plan: HERE

  2. To Do List: HERE

  3. Student Athlete Issues & Solutions: Worksheet Here

  4. Sports Programs Issues and Solutions: Worksheet Here


30-60-90 DAY ACTIVITIES, GOALS, WORK FLOWS

30 Day

60 Day

90 Day


INVITED


  1. WPDE

  2. WBTW

  3. WMBF

  4. Fox

  5. Cumulus

  6. I-Heart Radio



3/9 MEDIA PERSONALITIES - TEACH PITCH

AGENDA - MARCH 11, 2026  (5:00pm - 6:30pm)

5:00 Welcome Dr. Cheryl McKinley, Students & Staff

5:05 Introductions of all Attendees (2 minute summary)

5:15 Purpose of the Gathering of this specific group of Sports Media


5:20 to 6:30pm Topics for Discussion (summaries)

  1. To Provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the source, acquisition process, management, distribution, and intended recipients of the $24 million.

  2. To Assess the impact of pro-athlete charities communicating, collaborating and conducting transactions on a unified platform.

  3. To Clearly articulate the objectives of this Pro-Athlete Vertical Meeting Group.

  4. To Outline each pro-athlete's charitable initiatives, programs, or goals, and examine the rationale, timing, and funding allocations for these projects.

  5. To Enumerate and prioritize the group’s top 25 issues to guide the distribution of funds; establish criteria and processes for determining priorities.

  6. To Identify current resources available to student-athletes based on individual expertise and networks, and work towards building the Local Sports Resource & Referral Network.

  7. To Define the purpose and operational framework of the Student production teams, media arts centers and the work portal (workforce development programs), including how deliverables are achieved.

  8. To Schedule a meeting in 30 days with the identified corporate funders to present our value proposition to the 30 targeted corporations, each expected to provide $80,000 per million dollars in sales for dedicated spending within the Vertical.

  9. Ensure that members, their organizations, and affiliates are appropriately positioned to be prioritized when funds become accessible.

  10. Develop subsequent steps for group collaboration, ongoing initiatives, and preparations related to funding opportunities post-meeting.

  11. Clarify the distribution of individual and organizational resources or compensation for contributions to this vertical, which is essential for securing funding.

  12. Specify individual compensation for service to the group.

  13. Detail support for associated organizations serving the community or student-athletes.

  14. Acknowledge the primary organization of employment.


After this Meeting: Our weekly Zoom meetings, newsletter, blog, and podcast will facilitate ongoing communication with stakeholders, funders, and constituents. Please ensure your subscription to these channels is up to date.

3/16 BANK REPRESENTATIVES - How to Get their Money


3/23 COPORATE BUSINESS ACCOUNTS - Building Your Winning Team of Advisors, Vendors, Contractors and Suppliers

BUILDING YOUR LONG-TERM WINNING TEAM


Presenting their Business Services to our Groups of 500

Banks

Attorneys

Accountants

Insurance

Media

Branding

Office Depot

Best Buy

Costco

Sam's

Chevrolet

3/30 COPORATE BUSINESS ACCOUNTS - Building Your Winning Team of Advisors, Vendors, Contractors and Suppliers


4/5 COPORATE BUSINESS ACCOUNTS - Building Your Winning Team of Advisors, Vendors, Contractors and Suppliers


4/12 COPORATE BUSINESS ACCOUNTS - Building Your Winning Team of Advisors, Vendors, Contractors and Suppliers


4/29 COLLEGES & CURRENT COLLEGE ATHLETES

Start a Podcast - Interviewing

all current college athletes

College Athletes out of college 1-5 years (what are you doing)?




5/6 SPORTS BRANDS


5/20 NONPROFITS


5/27 CHURCHES


6/3 PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAMS





Get In the Cue

Be among the first to receive your funding once it becomes available in your area.

The goal of this process is to ensure everyone is in line, enabling swift fund acquisition and ensuring recipients are prepared when the funds are distributed to them.

Get in the Cue Here

  • Small Businesses & Nonprofits here

  • Students here

  • Individuals here



See More Here

$10,000 Business Case Presentation

Developing our Local Business Owner's Presentation Skills and securing needed funds for startup and scaling.




Speakers and Panelists

All persons, schools, organizations and industries that makes-up the student athlete's eco system is invited separetly each week to determine each area's specific role in the funding and service process that ensures a lasting funding and services and scaling nationwide. To establish a team and effective work-flow to serve or represent each community, school and sports vertical to ensure funds are effectively serving students.





Attendee Dates and Time

The Student Athlete Success Eco-System and Sports Vertical Segments (their Pathway to Success). Discussions and planning within each vertical segment continues after each week.

Date

Vertical Segment Meeting Groups

Topics for Discussion

agenda * attendees * podcast

30-60-90 Day Sprint

compile info & submit into automated system & funders

2/11

Local Sports Media

What is needed from your professional perspective

list of 50 Priority projects problem areas & issues

2/18

Professional Athletes

How funding will help their Charities and programs. Their local influence

List of yout top 10 needs & Professional Athlete's charities, projects, events and program.

2/25

Local Sponsors

& All Media

Guaranteed Contracts for their support.

Supplying a gift for attendees, panelists & pro-athletes or service for the event.

3/4

ACA Students, Staff & Teachers

Pep Rally and School Update on the progress of the program and funding

Lead the charge for enrolling student-athletes in the Cue. Documentary on Stadium & Communication's Dept.

3/11

Recreation Centers

After-school programs

Needs to serve their communities. Current Programs.

Complete list of your current and desired programs or projects.

3/18

Athletic Directors & Coaches

Needs & Solutions at their schools.

Complete list of critical needs and a list of wants. Grouping services & products so that they can be presented to the funders. Video of needs.

3/25

Principals and Board of Education

How funding works with their schools. Current Needs, Programs Ticket Provider


4/1

Elementary School

Teachers, Student-athletes & Parents

Distribution of Sports Connect Cards Register. How to use. When Active.

(process of getting all student-athletes and families in the cue).

Needs from students perspective - sports need and mental health need. what are they saying..compile list from each school. Students are apart of the presentation to funders.

4/8

Middle School

Teachers, Student-athletes & Parents

Distribution of Sports Connect Cards Register. How to use. When Active.

(process of getting all student-athletes and families in the cue).

Needs from students perspective - sports need and mental health need. what are they saying..compile list from each school.

4/22

High School

Teachers, Student-athletes & Parents

Distribution of Sports Connect Cards Register. How to use. When Active.

(process of getting all student-athletes and families in the cue).

Needs from students perspective - sports need and mental health need. what are they saying..compile list from each school. Students are apart of the presentation to funders.

4/29

Collegiate

Coaches, Student-athletes & Parents

Distribution of Sports Connect Cards Register. How to use. When Active.

(process of getting all student-athletes and families in the cue).

Needs from students perspective - sports need and mental health need. what are they saying..compile list from each school. Students are apart of the presentation to funders.

5/6

Sports Brands, Apparel and Equipment Manufacturers

Service Provider Contracts Information

Products they provide that fits our list

5/13

College Representatives

How funding and Connect Cards work with their schools

Colleges working together to put together their list of needs to be presented in 30 to 60 days.

5/20

Local Nonprofits

Mental Health

Human Services

Roles, Benefits and Funding

Role in the lives of student athletes comprehensive list of all services, ministries available and the cost.

5/27

Local Churches

Mental & Spiritual Health programs and Services

Roles, Benefits and Funding

Mental Health Solutions list and cost.

Role in the lives of student athletes comprehensive list of all services, ministries available and the cost.

6/3

Professional Sports Teams

Roles, Benefits and Funding

Their current method for marketing to students and their measurable investments in the local communities. Our Value Proposition for their 7%

6/10

Sports Marketing & Management Companies

Service Provider Contracts

Opportunities for students in Sports Media to train or intern.

6/17

Companies: Media, Content Production, Technology

Service Provider Contracts

Opportunities for students in Sports Media to train or intern.

6/24

Banks and Financial Institutions

Financial options for Building Projects

Stadiums, Gymnasiums etc.

Sponsor and Judge the Sports Pitch

7/1

Corporate Support Brands

Auto, Fashion,

7% Contract Discussions

Career and Job opportunities

7/8

Sports: Health, Fitness, Insurance, Food

7% Contract Discussions

Career and Job opportunities

7/15

Seniors and Veterans (Communities, Nursing Homes etc.)

Student Athletes giving-back and serving the senior community


7/22

Healthcare Providers (Hospitals, Medical care and Pharmaceuticals)

Health Care Industry United to Serve Student Athletes


7/29

Horry County Chambers of Commerce (all)

The Effects of Sports Tourism Sports Industry on the Grand Strand


8/5

Myrtle Beach Economic Development Corporation

Myrtle




SPORTS VERTICAL

The PC Network will Leverage all spending with all Sports-related companies and service providers. With the amount of money our area spend with these companies 7% is a small-ask to ensure our programs and future leaders are effectively funded.

 

The sports vertical is a diverse, multi-billion dollar ecosystem comprising professional leagues, equipment manufacturers, apparel brands, marketing agencies, media broadcasters, and facility management firms. It spans consumer products, fitness, live entertainment, and data analytics, often integrating production, marketing, and distribution. 


Key Businesses and Segments in the Sports Vertical:

  • Health Care

  • Education

  • Food, Restaurant and Hospitality Industries

  • Transportation

  • Professional Leagues and Teams: Organizations managing sports leagues (e.g., NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL).

  • Apparel and Equipment Manufacturing: Companies like Nike, Adidas, Puma, Lululemon, Under Armour, and ASICS.

  • Fitness and Health Clubs: Gyms, specialized training studios, and leisure centers.

  • Sports Infrastructure and Real Estate: Firms involved in developing and financing stadiums, arenas, and mixed-use entertainment zones.

  • Sports Marketing and Management: Agencies, sponsorship management, and athlete representation.

  • Media and Content Production: Broadcast networks and digital platforms that manage rights, streaming, and broadcasting of sports events.

  • Technology and Analytics: Companies providing data, software for ticketing, or fan engagement tools. 

This vertical is increasingly defined by "vertical integration," where companies might own teams, the stadiums they play in, and the media networks that broadcast the games.



ATTENDEES

  1. Sports Media

  2. Retired and Current Professional Athletes

  3. Local Event Sponsors

  4. Local Teams, Coaches, Athletic Directors and Sports Program Leaders.

  5. Sports Reporters and local, regional and national media outlets.

  6. Local School Teachers, Educators, Mentors and Counselors.

  7. Representatives from area: Colleges, Professional Teams and Associations

  8. Major Sports Brands







 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page