The morning began with a steady stream of ambitious undergraduate and graduate students filing into a conference room overlooking the Ohio river. Through the windows, Pittsburgh’s unpredictable spring weather put on a show—snowflakes dancing in the wind one moment, sunshine breaking through the clouds the next. Inside, about 50 students gathered around black-clothed tables, their padfolios and blazers marking them as eager prospective sports communication professionals.

One of the most striking observations was the demographic makeup of the room. With a remarkable 50-50 gender split—a marked improvement from “my day”—students had traveled from across the region, including Maryland, Virginia State, and the Carolinas, all united by their ambition to break into sports. Though not everyone shared this drive; my table neighbor, methodically eating her muffin with a fork, admitted she was there “just for the vibes.”

The Steelers’ communications team presented a diverse panel consisting of Burt Lauten (Senior Director of Communications), Michael Bertsch (Assistant Director of Communications), Angela Tegnelia (Communications Manager), MacKaiya Cherry (Communications Coordinator), and Spencer Krock (Communications Intern).

Throughout the day, we heard familiar yet essential advice: network relentlessly, be a sponge for knowledge, build relationships, and maintain trust. The panel emphasized the importance of tailoring resumes and embracing mentorship opportunities. When I raised a question about AI’s impact, the discussion turned to its current role in fake news detection, though I suspect transcription automation isn’t far behind.

The summit’s energy shifted when Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth arrived, fashionably late in a black quarter-zip. His candid discussion about media relations with KDKA reporter Rich Walsh, punctuated by endearing tangents and met with appreciative giggles, offered a refreshing player’s perspective on the evolving media landscape. Walsh praised the Steelers’ PR team as “the best in the city.” Hot seat – Pirates and Penguins communication staff.

As I sat there, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own journey. Having been on both sides of these events—as panelist and attendee—I found myself questioning my career choices while simultaneously appreciating the fresh perspective. The hunger in the room was palpable, reminiscent of my own early career ambitions.

While the summit largely adhered to the traditional lecture format, despite Burt’s valiant attempts to make the summit “interactive, it served its purpose well. The fundamentals of sports communications haven’t changed—relationships, trust, and hard work still form the foundation. What has evolved is the landscape: more diverse, more tech-savvy, and perhaps more competitive than ever.

As I walked home across the West End Bridge (thanks, surge pricing), I reflected on the cyclical nature of these events. The faces change, the technology evolves, but the core message remains the same: in sports, and in life, it’s all about communication and relationships. Even if some of us are just there for the vibes.