In this episode of Bright Ideas, host Jessica Duemig dives deep with Scott Glaser, Executive Director of ESPN Events' Gasparilla Bowl, on how his journey from a student-athlete at USF to running major national events has shaped his leadership and operational style. Glaser shares how his early days playing baseball laid the groundwork for a career focused on perseverance, logistics, and building lasting relationships. Through humorous and heartfelt anecdotes, he highlights how key mentors and moments guided him into the world of sports event management.

Listeners will gain a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into producing the Gasparilla Bowl—from team hospitality and fan experience to managing corporate partnerships and executing creative game-day activations. Glaser also discusses how ESPN encourages local engagement to make each event community-focused and nationally relevant, and he shares what it’s like building something unique in a crowded landscape of bowl games.

The conversation wraps with an exploration of the Clearwater Invitational, ESPN’s premier women’s college softball tournament. Glaser explains how this event exemplifies growth in women’s sports, regional economic impact, and the importance of elevating female athletes on a national platform. Throughout the episode, one theme stands out: relationships are everything. For anyone looking to work in sports or move up in the business, this episode is an inspiring playbook on how to do it right.