Mark Silver (MBA ’00)

Technology has connected fans closer than they have ever been to their favorite athletes and sports teams. Now it’s changing the fan experience. Mark Silver (MBA ’00) is a part-time Marketing instructor at Schulich and President of Stadium Digital, a company that offers a SaaS fan loyalty and engagement platform that rewards fans who interact with their client’s sports properties.

One of their clients, the Toronto Argonauts, use Stadium Digital’s services to engage fans both during games and afterwards with Argos All Access, giving fans a chance to earn “yards” which can be redeemed for merchandise, contest entries and other promotions.

“Our platform engages fans through digital channels while collecting data to better understand who these people are,” Silver said. “It is a win-win for both our clients and their fans where instead of paid advertising it is organic as fans are targeted with relevant content and offers based on their profile and real-time location.”

Silver has worked in the sports digital sphere for many years. Before Stadium Digital he spearheaded the restructuring of TSN’s digital media, including the launch of the TSN GO apps, BarDown.com and the new TSN.ca. He previously led digital for the joint Bell and Rogers Media broadcast of the London 2012 Olympics and oversaw digital operations for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. Building many industry connections over the years, he uses that diverse network to enrich the student experience in the classroom.

“As a student, one of my favorite parts of class was when guests came to speak,” Silver said. “It is a big priority for me to get people from businesses like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter into my social media class who can speak on issues that are relevant and topical to make the curriculum come to life.”