SkullSparks25 FAQ
JUNE 23 – 25, 2025
MAYO HOTEL / DOWNTOWN TULSA
SkullSparks25 is the premier national conference dedicated to college sports creatives. This is your opportunity to meet and be inspired by design, digital, video and photo staff from across the country. If you work in college sports, join us to focus on creative strategy in college sports. | Main
SkullSparks25 Info / Registration
Why SkullSparks25?
For many design, digital, video and photo staff, the only people who fully understand the scope and demands of their work are peers in similar jobs at other schools. SkullSparks25 is an opportunity to meet and learn from creatives from teams across the country in person and share valuable experience.
Who will be presenting?
We’ll feature creatives from at least eight teams, big and small, from across college athletics. You’ll learn a ton from each perspective. Last year we featured Colorado, Nebraska, North Texas, Arkansas, Illinois, Alabama, BYU and Texas. Watch for the SkullSparks25 roster to be announced soon.
What will conference sessions be like?
Visual, lively and conversational. 100% college sports creative and applicable to your career. SkullSparks25 will be focused on strategic thinking as college sports creatives from programs across the country share experience navigating the unique challenges and opportunities in this industry.
How do I maximize my experience?
This is an opportunity to get to know your fellow college sports creatives in person. Very rarely will you be with so many who personally understand your work experience in college sports. We’ll have plenty of formal and informal opportunities to mix.
What are the costs?
We’ve kept our registration fee low — just $495 — to make SkullSparks25 accessible to creatives from every size athletics department. Tulsa is centrally located to minimize travel costs plus offers reasonable hotel rates. We’ve done our homework, SkullSparks25 is your best return on a conference investment. Register now
Can I attend as a GA, intern or student?
SkullSparks25 is dedicated to full-time college sports creative staff but we recognize the essential contributions of GAs, interns and students. In an effort to further the learning and networking opportunities for up-and-coming creatives, SkullSparks offers a number of scholarship slots.
Why Tulsa?
Centrally located and easily accessible by teams across the country, Tulsa is college sports-focused with five D1 programs within a two-hour drive. Surrounded by a metro of one million, downtown Tulsa boasts Art Deco skyscrapers, a lively entertainment scene and sports venues including the BOK Center and ONEOK Field. Plus it’s our HQ!
Why the Mayo Hotel?
We might have hosted SkullSparks25 at any generic hotel but the Mayo is special. Opening exactly 100 years ago during Tulsa’s oil boom, the hotel has hosted presidents, sports celebrities and movie stars. Renovated to former glory, the historic Penthouse and Crystal Ballroom are inspirational settings for creatives.
When should I arrive?
SkullSparks staff will be available in the lobby of the Mayo Hotel in downtown Tulsa on Monday, June 23, from 10 AM to 7 PM. We’ll have your conference badge ready and will assist with any questions. We’ll also be set up on the morning of Tuesday, June 24, in the Crystal Ballroom. Press “16” on the Mayo elevators to access.
What should I wear?
This is an informal event. Dress for comfort. Team gear is perfect. It’s also Tulsa in late June. It will be toasty outside. The AC will probably be cranked inside so if you get cold easily, bring something to throw on.
How can I reserve accommodations?
Downtown Tulsa and the metro offer an abundance of hotel and Airbnb options. Properties below are within walking distance of our host venue at the Mayo Hotel. Ride sharing options are available for those opting to stay beyond downtown. Hotel rates are competitive utilizing Google Maps.
Downtown Hotels | Airbnb
How do I get there from the airport?
If flying into Tulsa International, Uber and Lyft pickup is located on the curb immediately outside the baggage carousels in the arrivals hall. Follow the signs. Tulsa’s airport is just 12 minutes by car from downtown.
What if I’m driving?
The Mayo Hotel is located at 115 W 5th Street in downtown Tulsa. Utilize complimentary daytime valet parking at the Mayo. Approach on 5th Street and identify as a SkullSparks25 attendee. Multiple paid parking garages are also within walking distance of the Mayo while downtown street parking is paid via app (follow sign directions).
What is the welcome reception?
Monday evening from 7-11 PM at the Mayo Hotel Penthouse Rooftop. Press “P” in the elevators to access. We will provide light snacks, water and soda. Drinks are available for purchase at the bar. You must wear your SkullSparks25 badge for entry.
What are the evening mixers?
Downtown Tulsa provides plenty of dining and entertainment options. We’ll announce where we’re headed during the conference. Join us for dinner, drinks and more opportunities to get to know college sports creatives from across the country.
What are food/drink options during the conference?
Breakfast items will be available 9-11 AM on Tuesday and Wednesday with water and soda available all day. Starbucks coffee is available in the Mark cafe in the Mayo Hotel lobby before you head up the elevators. There are numerous lunch options in the immediate downtown area where you can mix with fellow attendees during our lunch breaks (we’ll detail options at the conference).
What is the conference space?
The historic Crystal Ballroom in the Mayo Hotel will serve as host for SkullSparks25. Since the oil boom of the 1920s, the ballroom has hosted Tulsa society in a lavish setting. Press “16” on the Mayo elevators to access. We’ll have tables set up so you can bring your laptops if needed. We’ll have full A/V setup.
Can I work during the conference?
We scheduled SkullSparks25 during the few days of the year without college athletics events. But we understand, the show must go on. There will be plenty of space to set up your laptop with power and Wifi available. Plenty of our attendees stayed in touch with the team back home and still soaked up all our conference has to offer.
I still have questions!
We’re here to answer them. Email us