I was disappointed to read that Gettleman...

[Archimedes]

How was it?...I am really into the analytics side of all sports and would love to have gone. So is it something that is somewhat open to the public as well?

I've been the last few years, and if you're into analytics I would definitely recommend it. About half the attendees are professionals and the other half students. The professionals range anywhere from pro sports teams reps, to the press, sportsbetting industry, even some major wall street firms send people. The students are usually from elite schools, are well qualified, and looking to get into the sports analytics industry in one way or another.

The panels aren't overly exciting (there were 2-3 I really enjoy), the real value is networking. The conference usually extends past the end of the panels and into one of the local bars at the end of the day.

Registration was $590 this year (I think the student tickets are about a third of that, but you have to show a college ID), and it's sold out the last 2 years, so if you want to go next year, I'd recommend registering early.

The people who think analytics don't matter in the NFL are pretty oblivious to whats going on in the league right now. Salary cap and contract decisions, draft and trade strategy, in game decision making....the teams that are operating efficiently in these areas are excelling. And if you're looking to hire talent, this conference is the place you wanna be. To put it in perspective, New England always has a large presence (they sent 14 people this year). This was the first time the Panthers have had reps in attendance, hopefully its the sign of progression in the orgazination with a new GM.

[magnus]

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The people who think analytics don't matter in the NFL are pretty oblivious to whats going on in the league right now. Salary cap and contract decisions, draft and trade strategy, in game decision making....the teams that are operating efficiently in these areas are excelling. And if you're looking to hire talent, this conference is the place you wanna be. To put it in perspective, New England always has a large presence (they sent 14 people this year). This was the first time the Panthers have had reps in attendance, hopefully its the sign of progression in the orgazination with a new GM.

agreed, and thanks for the info on Carolina dropping a couple people in there. Wish there had been some football men there, seems like one of the bigger obstacles in sabermetric application is jiving it with how scouts have always done it.