FSTA Executive Director, Meg Van Petten talks about how new members can best benefit from the Summer Conference

As Executive Director of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association, Meg Van Petten oversees one of the fastest-growing industry trade associations in the U.S.  She talks about her role in the event and how new members and attendees can best benefit from the two-day event in New York City:

FSTA: What is the value of an FSTA membership?

Van Petten: Probably the most important value is the ability to share ideas. Fantasy sports grew rapidly in the past decade, but it’s still a very young industry. It’s important we all learn from one another.

FSTA: As the industry continues to grow, why is attending the FSTA Summer Conference so important?

Van Petten: Even though there are competitors in the room, everyone shows a willingness to share their experience and their successes-and even their failures. The spirit of collaboration is a very important reason why the FSTA conferences are so well attended, and why attendance has almost doubled in the past year. These events get you in touch not just with the industry’s largest players, but also will introduce you to the best information in the industry.

 FSTA: What should first-time attendees do to make this a successful conference?

Van Petten:  Dive right in. This is a group that is anxious to help new companies succeed in the fantasy space.  New perspectives and new ideas are the only way this industry is going to continue to grow. We need to foster an entrepreneurial spirit within FSTA, and our new members are essential in that process.

FSTA: What are the important topics that you are interested in hearing more about during the conference?

Van Petten: I know everyone talks about the legal aspect of the industry, but I think it’s the research. The research we’ve done in the past has helped shape our agenda, and it’s also helped as we’ve tried to address the legal and legislative issues by showing just how large a constituency fantasy sports has. The research also helps members understand trends in the industry, which helps them run their own businesses better, and that helps the fantasy sports industry continue to grow.

FSTA: When the conference is over, what do you hope members take away from the two days in New York?

Van Petten: I hope they get at least one new idea, meet one new collaborator and make one new deal to help grow their business. We have more than 400 people attending, so that means at least 400 new ideas, 400 new contacts and 400 new ways to grow fantasy sports.

The 2015 FSTA Summer Conference is June 22-23 at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Hotel in New York City. Registration for this event is still open. To register, go to www.fstaconference.com.