September 2000

Entertainment and Sports Conference Surfs the Net

This year’s entertainment and sports conference, held on May 18 at the newly renovated Hotel Roosevelt, focused on various aspects of the Internet and its impact on entertainment and sports. Keynote speaker Alan Blaustein, president of corporate development at About.com, addressed the issue of convergence, and the morning session involved a tax update from Mark S. Klein. Luncheon speaker Ken Smith, from the Munder NetNet fund, discussed online investing and fundamental analysis and revenue models that work. Afternoon highlights included a discussion on the influence of e-commerce on licensing agreements, sales tax, and income and estate taxesand a session presented by committee Chair Andrew Blackman and member Scott Guber focusing on issues affecting emerging stars. Jon Fish, Ray Schaetzle, Thomas A. Sullivan, and Craig Wolman led a panel discussion review of current sports accounting issues such as the NBA salary cap, the structure and organization of multisport and nonprofit sports organizations, and NFL merchandise royalty audits.

New to the conference this year was the addition of sponsors. Robert Half International, Datafaction, and Museums New York Magazine provided free pens, salary surveys, and magazines.

The conference is sponsored by the Entertainment and Sports Committee, which is composed of accountants and business managers from public accounting and industry. The committee welcomes new members from all forms of entertainment, including the visual and performing arts, motion pictures, broadcasting, and amateur and professional sports. Individuals interested in joining the committee should contact Committee Relations Manager Nereida Gomez at (212) 719-8358, (800) NYSSCPA (697-7272), or ngomez@nysscpa.org.