At the SBA: Tech ceremony Tuesday night, a lively crowd stayed engaged throughout the presentation of eight awards (and the announcement of a ninth starting in 2025). SBJ Managing Director of Sports Technology Dan Kaufman emceed the evening, playing a guessing game with attendees where he weaved dad jokes throughout the night that were written either by him or ChatGPT. The jokes elicited a mixture of groans and laughter. Conveniently — and suspiciously — all had been written by AI, according to Kaufman.
The biggest cheer came in response to David Lehanski’s victory as Technology Executive of the Year, with a mighty NHL contingent backing its EVP/business development and innovation. Lehanski’s acceptance speech immediately laid the honor and success at the feet of his staff and coworkers.
The biggest laugh came as OnePlan’s Paul Foster accepted the Venue Operations Technology of the Year award. He quipped that he was happy to be the Brit in the room, like when Ricky Gervais hosts the Golden Globes but that he was far less offensive.
John Baier, Evolv Technology’s VP/sports, shortened his award speech after Evolv Express won the Best in Fan Experience Technology, then was in the fortunate position of having to provide another for the Best in Sports Technology honor. He shared his gratitude to be part of the sports tech community that continues to push one another forward.
Among the awards, a new one was announced by SBJ Tech presenting partner Next League. Beginning in 2025, SBA: Tech will feature a ninth award called the Next in Sports Tech: Rising Female Tech Leader award, which will be given to a woman in a tech position with a sports-focused organization. It was one of three women-focused initiatives for Next League, which also shared that it would make a $10,000 donation to the Women’s Sports Foundation and made a $100,000 commitment to the LPGA Foundation with the extension of its relationship.
Becki Civello, Next League’s COO, announced the new award near the end of the evening, saying “together we look forward to recognizing and celebrating these rising female stars during Tech Week, beginning next year and for years to come.”
SBJ also recognized its 10 Most Innovative Sports Tech Companies for 2023 — Genius Sports, Infinite Athlete, Kitman Labs, OnePlan, Peak AI, Pramana Labs, Springbok Analytics, Supponor, Videocites and WSC Sports — by inviting them up on the stage for a celebratory photo session.
David Lehanski of the NHL took home Sports Tech Exec of the Year
John Baier from Evolv holding celebrating wins for Best in Fan Experience Tech and Best in Technology
The 10 Most Innovative Sports Tech Companies for 2023 were recognized on stage at SBA: Tech
