In The Arena: WNBA All-Star Weekend
Forget what you know about networking events…
Join the most influential leaders in sports, media & entertainment during WNBA All-Star Weekend at In The Arena, where you get the right intro at the right time.
What is this? A curated matchmaking experience for industry leaders where you’ll leave with actual relationships, not surface-level interactions - hosted by Arena.
Where is it? We're taking over one of Chicago West Loop’s hottest venues, Centre Court Productions.
Who's coming? A curated guest list of leaders in sports, media & entertainment - manager to C-Suite executives, creators, and professional athletes shaping the future of the industry in marketing, partnerships, content, community, performance, events, and beyond. Limited spots.
What kind of matchmaking is this? Professional. You're matched based on your business and career goals (partnerships, collaborations, investment, hiring, etc.).
How does it work? Share your goals in a match form after check-in, and our algorithm matches you with aligned guests in the room - no need to work the floor hoping to bump into the right person.
Schedule
2pm - Check-in, open mixer, complete match form (by 3pm)
3pm - Intention-Setting Future Self session
3:15pm - Curated matches drop
4pm - Next steps + open mixer + gifting
Subject to change.
You'll love this if you're
An industry leader looking to expand your network intentionally
Open to collaborating, sharing insights and learning from peers
Someone who values authentic relationships over transactional networking
What past attendees have to say
"This was, by far, the best networking event I've been to. The curated room of attendees made this event stand out because I had the ability to have meaningful conversations with everyone."
Past attendees included senior execs from Fortune 100 brands, WNBA, NWSL, NBA, Netflix, Nike, and Apple, Forbes/Emmy award winners, Olympians, and more.
FAQs
Q: What should I know before applying?
A: 🚨 We have a strict attendance policy. 🚨 Your application is a commitment - only apply if you're confident you will attend (if approved). Cancellations and no-shows affect your eligibility for future Arena events and take a spot from someone else in the community. Admission is by approval only, tickets are limited, and invitations are non-transferable (no +1s).
Q: What happens after I apply?
A: Arena hand-reviews every application to curate a diverse, aligned guest list. If approved, you'll get a confirmation email with the details.
Q: What do I need to do at the event?
A: Just check in, fill out your match form by 3pm, and keep your phone handy. We'll handle the rest, including the part everyone dreads: figuring out who to talk to + what to say and how to easily stay in touch afterwards.
Q: Interested in sponsorship opportunities for this event?
A: Email us at [email protected].
Meet Arena
Arena is a curated network for leaders across sports, media, and entertainment with weekly curated introductions and industry gatherings around key cultural moments.
Meet Our Partners
Discover Chicago West Loop's most dynamic venue: Centre Court Productions - an exclusive space with a basketball court, golf simulator, and interactive games for an effortless way to build connections.
Make One Day Happen™ is a human development company helping high performers align mind, body, and behavior to unlock their full potential.