Cigar Kickoff 2027

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of Athletes, Investors, and Technology - Networking Event for Startups, Athletes, Fans, & Investors Join us for an exclusive networking event where startup companies have the opportunity to connect with accredited investors. Each attendee will receive a swag bag with premium cigars and more. This event provides a platform for fostering valuable connections and exploring investment opportunities. Limited capacity, please register early. This event is an exclusive event for professional athletes, accredited investors, innovators, and founders. Learn from highly successful business professionals and network in exclusive surroundings. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and learn from experts and thought leaders. Connect with others who are serious. We hold these types of private gatherings in Beverly Hills and charge, so get in the room. During Super Bowl Week, this will be one of the places to elevate yourself and your business. Professional Athletes and investors are FREE with pre-registration. Only one guest is allowed free, and there is extremely limited on-site registration. Space is very limited. NOTE* Los Angeles Information, [email protected] . 323 503 5675 Event Highlights: • Networking Opportunities • Investor Meetups • Educational Sessions The 7th Annual Business of Sports & Tech Innovation Conference in Los Angeles prior to Cigar Kickoff 2027 10 am - 2 pm Registration for the conference is separate. Conference Information Speakers / Panelists / Presenters to be confirmed 2026 Speakers PANEL 1: Raising Capital Alan Stone - WallStreet Research Barbara Bickham - TrailynVC. Venture Capitalist Larry Steinberg, - Financial Architects Reginald Grant - Business Strategist Capital Raise Presentations FitSpider Sedwitz Dumont, CEO, & Founder, AI-powered Fitness Network App Liberator Illinois, LLC, Lathan Hodge, Partner, Real Estate & Cannabis Retail Komoto Sports Vest Fraser, D'Oyen Fraser, Sr. CEO, & Founder, Innovative Sports Apparel Hemp For Life Wellness (OP6CBD), Craig Zaffe, CEO, & Founder, CBD Pain & Sports Creams Nuenerchi, Bruce Nash, Co-Founder PANEL 2: Brand Management, NIL, Endorsements and Tax Implications Trae Smith - Certified NFL Agent, Powerhaus Sports Agency Calvin Lim, CEO, Goal Post 247 Larry Steingberg, - Financial Architects Presenting Companies Malik Jackson (Super Bowl Champion & NFL Alumni), CEO, & Founder, The Care League Jaylen Coleman, CEO, & Founder, ATP Data, Biomechanical Athlete Analysis PANEL 3: The Cannabis Industry Liberator Illinois, LLC, Lathan Hodge, Partner, Real Estate & Cannabis Retail Hemp For Life Wellness (OP6CBD), Craig Zaffe, CEO, & Founder, CBD Pain & Sports Creams RePhil Hempire, Kayvon Reid, CEO and founder PANEL 4: Athletes, Community, and Charities Rev. Dr. Joseph Bryant Jr., ProSpeak Roy Kessel, Sports Philanthropy Network J. Everette Pearsall, NAAAA, Watkins Award Neketta Dean, NFL Mom, Speaker, and Consultant Dave DesRochers, Former NFL, Founder & CEO - The 1st & Goal Project; Open 1:30 – 2:00 NETWORKING Potential SPEAKER BIO's - More added daily Roy Kessel is the Founder of Sports Philanthropy Network, an initiative to educate, highlight, and connect sports-centric nonprofits to cultivate stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities via sports. Roy envisions a united front of sports nonprofits, athlete foundations, teams, leagues, and other governing bodies, converging with a singular goal: to leverage sports as a catalyst for social good, justice, and change. With over a quarter-century in the sports business and entrepreneurial sector, Roy’s multifaceted experience uniquely positions him to cater to the nuanced needs of nonprofits, athletes, and sports enterprises during their growth trajectories. As a sought-after voice in the industry, Roy frequently shares his expertise on sports philanthropy, business, social justice, and entrepreneurship. Rev. Dr. Joseph Bryant Jr.,ProSpeak, Since 1999, Dr. Joseph Bryant Jr has been a trusted advisor, life coach, and consultant to professional sports organizations, teams, athletes, and their families. Known as “The Players Pastor”, Dr. Bryant specializes in preparing players for career transitions through strategic planning, business development, network expansion, and sports/technology platforms to create a GAME PLAN for success. Dr. Bryant is the founder of PROSPEAK, a network of current and former athletes committed to influencing the lives of others through motivational speaking, mentoring, personal development, and social impact, providing strategic planning, Community Engagement, and Organization with the tech industry to integrate pipelines and implement programs through sports, education and the faith community Dr. Bryant formerly served for 10 years as the National Sports Director for Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, serving as liaison to the sports industry and organizing sports events and engagements with the current and former players from the NFL, NBA and Major League Baseball. Dr. Bryant has been the Senior Pastor of Calvary Hill Church of SF since 1996, as well as President of Calvary Hill Social Services. Everette Pearsall, As the founder and executive director of the National Alliance of African American Athletes, Everette’s legacy of success speaks volumes. His pioneering nonprofit programs, such as the Watkins Award, have left an indescribable mark on the lives of countless individuals across the nation. Reflecting on his organization’s impact, Everette beamed with pride, stating, “The Watkins Award honors scholar-athletes who exemplify excellence on and off the field… Seeing these individuals thrive is a testament to our mission.” Through his efforts, Everette has transformed the lives of thousands of scholar-athletes, leaving a legacy of hope and opportunity. Dave DesRochers, Former NFL, Founder & CEO - The 1st & Goal Project; and President of Orange County Chapter at NFL Players Association; Keynote Speaker. He also serves on the national NFLPA Advisory Board. 1St & Goal Project is a 501 (c) 3 that helps former players, veterans, those formerly incarcerated and others to successfully transition or improve their social economic situation. Dave has been honored with recognitions from Congress and the Senate for his work in the veteran community. He has served as the VP for the Orange County Chapter for 5 years before being elected as the President in '23. Dave played collegiately for San Diego State University and was a dual letterman playing a season of basketball for the Aztecs in '85. Dave was selected to p-lay in the '88 Hula Bowl collegiate all-star game. He was a 12th round pick of the Seattle Seahawks in '88. After one season with the team, he went into acting appearing in commercials, tv series & movies. In '91 he decided to give football another shot and then spent 2 seasons in the World League of Amercian Football before retiring to a successful 20-year career in the financial services industry. Calvin Lim, Co-founder, Goal Post 247, We founded the company because I want to make a change in the sports industry and that change is an opportunity for all student-athletes to be seen and recognized for their talent in sports. I want to keep kids motivated to stay in sports and make their talents a dream come true. Goal Post 247 is the ULTIMATE resource for elementary/middle school student-athletes, parents, and coaches. We provide information/tools to help athletes, families, and coaches achieve their goals, building a foundation for long-term success. Bryan Lawson, Co-founder Goal Post 247, We founded the company to help and provide resources for student-athletes to achieve their goals. Goal Post 247 is the ULTIMATE resource for elementary/middle school student-athletes, parents, and coaches.