Vince Thompson is the founder, chairman, and CEO of MELT, a full-service agency focused on sports, events, experiential, culinary, and sponsorship marketing. He is based in Atlanta.
How we got here: “I worked as a student assistant in the sports information department at Auburn University during the time of Bo Jackson and Charles Barkley. While there, I fell in love with the business of events and sports marketing.”
Biggest career accomplishment: “My biggest career accomplishment was establishing our intern program, MELT University. We have trained hundreds of young event producers and sports marketing professionals across the country and helped them jump-start their careers. I was inspired to start MELTU because of an experience I had as a student.”Perhaps the next closest was creating the music and entertainment for the Final Four in 2003, now known as March Madness Music. is known as and enjoyed by the thousands of fans who attended the Final Four. Swift, Ryan Seacrest, Rihanna and more. ”
Things I wish I knew when I started my career: “Don’t be afraid to take risks!”
I’ve seen how the fan experience evolves. “The sophistication of the fan experience and their expectations for it has been amazing to witness, and when you factor in technology, wireless and AI, it’s only going to increase.”
Favorite sports activity to do in your free time: “I love walking through Chastain Park, a beautiful public park in Atlanta, every day. I also love watching college football.”
Favorite moment in sports history: “It has to be a ‘kick-six’ touchdown.” [from] Auburn vs. Alabama in 2013 (our biggest rival). I was there with my son! ”
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