Michael J. Speciale has over 5 years of experience in sports marketing and public relations, with a focus on talent relations and leveraging athletes through social media, specifically Twitter. He has consulted numerous brands and athletes on developing Twitter strategies and campaigns. His experience also includes managing athlete appearances at events, securing athlete endorsements and content, and negotiating talent contracts and fees.

1. Michael J. Speciale
242 11th Street San Francisco, CA 94103 (650) 218-0176 MJSpeciale@gmail.com
@Mjspeciale: Over 5 years Sports Marketing & PR experience. Direct focus on Talent Relations &
Services to leverage Athletes via relationships with agents, publicists and teams. Proven ability to develop
innovative campaigns that integrate Content, Events and Social Media -- specifically on Twitter.
Experience:
Sports Marketing/PR – Talent Services Consultant 10/2010-Present
• Wrote for The Sports PR Blog on athlete marketability and highlighted Twitter handles.
• Developed Twitter strategy for a Washington Nationals pitcher via EAG Sports Management.
• Advised brands and agents on athlete Twitter campaigns w/custom content, targets and budgets.
• Oversee Dream League Sports/Athlete Mktg which included an NBA ASG Event & Appearances
• Consulted BRAND CONNECTORS’ athlete/celeb events including Twitter talent integration.
• Manage a screenwriter, and advised on creative content for THE TWEETERS (TV pilot).
Sports & Entertainment Marketing – Edelman 07/2006-10/2010
Talent Services Overview
• Entrusted as Acting Director by Palm and consulted Dickies, HP, Best Buy, Xbox and more.
• Oversaw and added hundreds of Palm VIPs via relationships w/CAA, WMG, IMG, EAG, etc.
• Secured and ideated content including Athlete Tweets, Twitter event integration and blog posts.
• Utilized athlete assets on client Social Media and launched original Palm Twitter & FB accounts.
• Managed athletes on-site at events and led activation, creative and cause partners and negotiation.
• Created athlete plans/budget including appearances, event sponsorship, TV/film placement, etc.
Talent Content & Strategy
• Led talent TwitPic integration at Palm’s Launch Event including Jordan Farmar, NBA Finals eve.
• Secured content with Lance Armstrong, Anna Kournikova, Curtis Granderson & Kellan Lutz.
• Aligned with top-tier athletes and causes with VIP events at MLB All-Star Game & Super Bowl.
• Activated talent events and integrated Live Tweets, Celeb Messages, Video, Quotes & Contests.
• Developed VIP content (i.e. Tony/Eva Longoria Parker) via Partners Ed Hardy, AKG & Etchstar.
• Acquired talent content for Palm’s 27 Dresses contest, Claus Ad, Music Program & SXSW Show.
Talent Relations & Procurement
• Booked and staffed in-person meetings with Ndamukong Suh, Russell Simmons & Jimmy Fallon.
• Procured attendees (incl. Tyreke Evans/Jordan Farmar) & Jason Alexander to host Palm's Event.
• Interacted with talent at sport events and Grammys, Spirit Awards & MTV Movie Awards.
• Learned the official procurement process during acquisition of celebrities for the Treo Film Fest.
• Advised on celeb fees/usage for AKG/Quincy Jones, MBFW and HP/Sex and the City 2 events.
• Leveraged relationships for exposure and promotions on talk show such as Ellen & Oprah.
Business Development & Contract Negotiation
• Secured budget of $1M for Palm's VIP event and $100K from Livescribe’s sports initiatives.
• Spearheaded social media accounts leading to dedicated divisions and significant agency revenue.
• Presented new business pitches, created RFP case studies & assisted Corp Sponsorship Sales.
• Assigned assets monetary value to save Palm 20% and secure value added Twitter deliverables.
• Negotiated talent relationships/projects to structure fees, image/likeness, legal clauses, assets, etc.
• Drafted proposals and liaised between clients, talent, legal and vendors to edit/finalize contracts.
Leadership:
Consultant – @FansAV
• Advising Fans Against Violence on opportunities with Athletes and best practices on Twitter.
Graduate Student Resource – NYU
• Advised Professor John Doorley’s students on tactics for Celebrity & Athlete Social Media.
Artist Manager – The Swigs
• Manage marketing/PR needs including show bookings, social media, media relations, etc.
Education:
Santa Clara University, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Department 09/2002-06/2006
*References available upon request