Designed to connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities, the annual Summit has become one of RMU’s signature experiential learning events, giving students direct access to leaders shaping the sports, entertainment and live events industries.

This year’s theme, “The NFL Draft Comes to Pittsburgh,” offered a timely and exciting focus as the city prepares to host the 2026 NFL Draft, which is expected to be the largest event in Pittsburgh’s history.

The opening panel featured an impressive lineup of experts: Daniel Rooney, Vice President of Business Development & Strategy for the Pittsburgh Steelers; Steve Farago, Director of Event Operations for the NFL; Jim Britt, Vice President of Sports Events at VisitPittsburgh; and Troy Schooley, CEO of P3R. The discussion was moderated by Larry Richert, Morning Host at KDKA Radio.

Panelists discussed the multi-year planning process for the Draft, including the economic impact it will have on the city. “It’s a big number. This event will drive significant economic impact,” Jim Britt noted. The Draft is projected to bring in over 600,000 visitors and $130–$160 million in direct visitor spending, in addition to major state investments in local infrastructure.

The RMU students were eager to learn about the professional opportunities that volunteering for the draft might afford them.

“The Pittsburgh Steelers love to work with the local college community,” said Daniel Rooney. “So work hard, be respectful and be ambitious…that’s the type of people we’re looking for.”

Rooney also highlighted the region’s proud football tradition:

“There is an amazing football legacy in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Over 20 Football Hall of Famers have come from this area, from youth to high school to college football. We want to tell that story to the rest of the world.”

At midday, former Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan Shazier delivered an inspirational keynote speech, sharing lessons in resilience, leadership and community. He discussed the life-changing injury he experienced in 2017 and how that adversity led him to help others through the development of the Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Injury Rehabilitation.

The day concluded with a celebration honoring two new inductees to the RMU Sport Management Hall of Fame: Mike Marchinsky and Buffy Filippell.

Mike Marchinsky, a proud RMU alumnus and Senior Manager of Alumni Relations and Youth Football for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is in his 27th season with the organization. Since joining the Steelers as a marketing intern in 1999, he has taken on roles in sponsorship sales, player relations and youth football development. Marchinsky launched the team’s Youth Football program in 2007, helping grow the game at the youth and high school levels, and is credited with introducing “Renegade” by Styx—now a Steelers game-day staple. He also played a key role in making high school girls flag football a sanctioned sport in Pennsylvania beginning in 2025–2026. Over the years, he has mentored hundreds of RMU students, sharing his passion for sports and community engagement.

Buffy Filippell, Founder and President of TeamWork Online, has transformed how teams and leagues connect with talent across the sports and live events industries. Her company partners with major organizations, including the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL and MLS, becoming an essential resource for hiring and professional development. Before founding TeamWork Online, Filippell built a successful career in executive recruiting and has since become a recognized leader in promoting diversity, inclusion and mentorship in sports. Through her innovation and leadership, she continues to open doors for the next generation of professionals pursuing careers in the industry.

Together, Marchinsky and Filippell exemplify the influence and impact of RMU alumni in shaping the business of sports.