Wichita State University Sport Management Alumni Megan Morgan ('06) Director of Group Sales, Dallas Stars Hockey Club
What is one thing that gave you an advantage to break into the professional sports industry?
Building a network of professionals in your industry. I actually made two attempts to get my resume in front of the Oklahoma City Thunder before getting an interview. It wasn’t until a former colleague of mine who was also a WSU Sport Management Alum started working there was able to put a good word in on my behalf for an open position.
What differences have you noticed between working in the NBA and the NHL?
The biggest difference has really been the market. There is more of a challenge selling NHL in the Dallas area with entertainment competition. With the NHL, we’re always working hard to get individuals to experience the game in person first since it isn’t often a game that they would follow through media.
What similarities exist between NBA and NHL operations?
Both operations typically have about the same building capacity and sometimes share venues. Best practices for events and ticket sales are shared throughout the two leagues primarily due to the professionals that frequently move throughout the industry so often.
Were there any difficulties associated with changing organizations and working in a new sport?
Professionally, no. The work and season schedules are very similar. Personally, I had a lot to learn about professional hockey.
Is there anybody you consider to be a mentor or positive influence on your career? Yes, my boss Matt Bowman. Matt is the Vice President Ticket Sales and Service with the Dallas Stars and prior to the Stars he was Director of Ticket Sales with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Network, again…