Kobe Bryant Case Underscores Importance of Reputation Management.

The troubles of Kobe Bryant-illustrating the importance of reputation management when marketing and branding through
sports-will be among a range of issues explored at the 9th Annual Sports Sponsorship Forum to be held September 15-16 in NYC.

The conference will be chaired by Dick Schultz, Chairman of MAI Sports and former executive director for the U.S. Olympic Committee and the NCAA, who will focus on how sports personalities and properties — from Yao Ming to LeBron James — impact marketing and business strategies on a global stage.

The importance of reputation management and sports sponsorship will be addressed by Michael Paul, president and senior counselor of MGP & Associates PR, whose clients have included the New York Jets’ Mark Gastineau and legendary boxing champ Smokin’ Joe Frazier.

Mr. Paul — who also teaches a course at New York University called Reputation Management: The Professional Athlete in Crisis, the only college course of its kind in the country — is a frequent analyst on Fox News, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, National Public Radio and ESPN. He will discuss issues as:

— Top PR rules for helping pro athletes in crisis
— The difference between the court of law and the court of public opinion
— The importance of building, maintaining, and repairing an athlete’s reputation for both short-term and long-term success

For more information at http://www.srinstitute.com/cm414