SPEAKERS
Brennon D’Souza
Founder & CEO – DIBZ
Brennon D’Souza is the Founder & CEO of DIBZ. A Canadian based tech startup that provides a full-service engagement platform via text messaging, for Professional Sports, concerts, and music festivals. DIBZ works closely with MLB, the NBA, NHL, MLS, Ticketmaster, etc.
As a former producer/director of media, he understands what it means to use creativity and simplicity to connect with large audiences. Brennon has been responsible for bringing his vision for text message upgrade experiences to venues everywhere and continues to disrupt the ticketing world by having fans instantly call DIBZ on what they want.
Jenna Kurath
Vice President of Startup Partnerships & Head of Comcast NBCU SportsTech
Jenna Kurath serves as Vice President of Startup Partnerships and Head of Comcast NBCU SportsTech. An innovation program at the intersection of sports and technology, SportsTech finds, funds, and fast-tracks the most innovative startups from around the world to invest in and develop the next generation of technology to change the way we experience sports.
In this role, Jenna is responsible for leading strategy for the accelerator fund; defining the investment thesis, and managing key industry partnerships, including the SportsTech Partner Consortium, comprised of Comcast NBC Universal’s sports brands - NBC Sports, Sky Sports, Comcast Spectacor, and Golf – alongside NASCAR, PGA TOUR, WWE and three US Olympic sports organizations: US Ski & Snowboard, USA Swimming, and USA Cycling. This network of partnerships brings an early lens into innovative solutions, exclusive access to research and business insights, and differentiated value to build upon Comcast’s media rights relationships and sponsorship investments. SportsTech is part of a larger portfolio of Comcast NBCUniversal accelerator investments, including LIFT Labs in Philadelphia, focused on entrepreneurial engagement to help the next generation of technology leaders succeed.
Previously she was Executive Director of Business Development & Partnerships, having joined Comcast in 2013, working within the corporate Strategic Development team and Comcast Business. Prior to joining the company Jenna held various business development, sales strategy and communication roles at companies ranging from the startup, pre-IPO stage to Fortune 500 companies including Symantec and Concentric Networks.
Ahmed Fareed
Studio & Event Host, NBC & NBCSN
Ahmed Fareed currently serves as a host and reporter on a variety of sport events and properties across NBC and NBCSN, including Triple Crown horse racing, Premier League and rugby.
Most recently, from 2013-18, Fareed served as a host and reporter for NBC Sports Bay Area and NBC Sports California (previously Comcast SportsNet Bay Area and Comcast SportsNet California), covering Northern California’s teams: MLB’s San Francisco Giants and Oakland A’s, NBA’s Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings, NHL’s San Jose Sharks, MLS’ San Jose Earthquakes and NFL’s San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders. He has also served as a studio host for NBCUniversal’s presentations of the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.
A two-time Emmy Award-winner, he served as an anchor and reporter for the Giants Pregame Live and Giants Postgame Live, SportsNet Central and various studio shows. While at NBC Sports Bay Area, Fareed covered a Giants World Series Championship (2014) and three Warriors Championships (2015, 2017, 2018).
Fareed joined NBC Sports Bay Area in January 2013 as co-anchor of the network’s signature show SportsNet Central, alongside Dave Feldman. Previously, Fareed served as a host and reporter at MLB Network (2011-2012), appearing in studio programming, including MLB Tonight, Hot Stove, Quick Pitch and 30 Clubs in 30 Days.
Fareed, a native of Sparta, Mich., is a 2002 graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, where he majored in broadcast journalism.
Jim Allen
Senior Vice President, Corporate & Premium Partnerships, Atlanta Braves
A 27-year-veteran of the Atlanta Braves’ front office, Jim Allen was named as the club’s senior vice president of corporate and premium partnerships in October 2017.
Allen is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Braves’ corporate relationships, including all advertising, in-park signage, giveaways, retail promotions, hospitality and corporate identity throughout Truist Park. In addition, he is responsible for overseeing all Braves radio advertising with club’s radio rightsholder, Dickey Broadcasting. Allen also oversees all Braves’ suite and premium ticket partnerships.
After serving as a trainee in the ticket sales department, Allen was hired full-time in November 1993 and has worked in a variety of departments during his tenure, including community relations, ticket sales and promotions.
Allen serves on the Board of Governors for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and on the boards for Cobb County Travel and Tourism, SelectCobb and Promise 686. He is a University of Georgia Sports Management Alumni Sports Council member and serves as a deacon at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta.
A native of Porterville, Calif., Allen finished his college education by attending the University of Georgia as part of the National Student Exchange and earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management from California State University, Fresno. He has completed one ironman and eight marathons and enjoys golfing, running and outdoor activities.
Allen, 51, resides in Marietta, Ga., with his wife Molly and daughters Savannah, Emily Ann and Ella.
Scott Waid
Senior Vice President & Head of Technology, Atlanta Braves
Scott Waid currently is the Senior Vice President/Head of Technology for the World Champion Atlanta Braves. He is responsible for identifying, deploying, and supporting technology solutions for Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta that helps drive the business and delivers the best fan experience in the industry. Scott joined the Atlanta Braves in late 2020 from Equifax where he held senior leadership positions delivering innovative solutions, analytics, and technology to drive growth, deliver operational excellence and scale, and improve the customer experience. Previously, Scott worked at BellSouth and AT&T where he focused on identifying, developing, and scaling new businesses including data services, the launch of BellSouth.net and e-commerce business, and wireless. Scott has an undergraduate engineering degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology and an MBA from Georgia State.
Scott and his wife Sandy have three children and live in Peachtree Corners where they have been active in the community supporting school programs, youth sports, and Boy Scouts. Scott enjoys golf, hiking, and traveling to beautiful destinations.