The International Sports Convention (ISC) is proud to announce the second cohort of the ISC 30 Under Thirty Awards — a celebration of the next generation of leaders driving innovation, creativity, and excellence across the sports, media, and entertainment industries.
These outstanding individuals have showcased remarkable achievements, fresh thinking, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of the industry.
We are honoured to recognise the following rising stars as part of the ISC 30 Under Thirty:
Sandra Omoniyi – Nilayo Sports Management Limited
Sandra Omoniyi is a sports business professional with a cross-functional background in brand strategy, project operations, and youth sports development, and has been involved in the sports industry for over a decade. Sandra’s work combines strategic impact with grassroots innovation. She is not only building systems for Africa’s sports business landscape but also investing in the next generation of sports professionals.
Ross Robertson – 54
Ross is the marketing lead for the PIF Global Series of international team tournaments on the Ladies European Tour and has led 12 events, driving year-on-year growth in all areas. Since joining the business two years ago as an Account Manager, he has progressed to Senior Account Manager and then Account Director, the youngest in that role across 54.
Megan Smith – Hark
In 2025, Megan began an exciting new chapter as Business Development Manager at Hark, leading the company’s fast-growing Hark Sport offer. Her arrival marks a major step in helping Hark shape purpose-led, youth-powered partnerships. With a track record of innovation, insight and energy, Megan is already playing a pivotal role in building programmes that connect sport, education and long-term impact.
Frank Sale – HBA Media Limited
Frank Sale joined HBA in 2017 and has worked his way up from Account Manager to CEO. In addition to this he now sits on the HBA Board, manages a team of 10 staff, as well as managing and directing multiple freelance production staff. Frank has enhanced HBA’s client portfolio of Federations from three to ten (now every major horse racing Federation). This includes servicing multiple clients involving their entire racing portfolio from broadcast and programming output (domestic and global), distribution of their premium rights, as well as their content strategy.
Tabea Wagner – DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga GmbH
Tabea is an exceptional professional whose contributions to the field of sports broadcasting and innovation have been nothing short of remarkable. Her work with the DFL Audiovisual Rights & Media Product department has set new standards in live TV production and product innovation. Tabea’s role in the development and enhancement of the Bundesliga Worldfeed has been pivotal. She has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to innovate and improve live sports broadcasting, ensuring that audiences worldwide receive the highest quality viewing experience. Her efforts have contributed to the global presence of Bundesliga’s media product and have set a benchmark for sports broadcasting excellence
Chess Gray – SailGP
In her role as Senior Commercial Development Manager, Chess has been pivotal in driving revenue growth for the business. She leads the end-to-end commercial process across key categories, overseeing market analysis, proposition development, and the creation of compelling sales pitches for the league. In the past year, SailGP has secured major global partnerships with Rolex, DP World, Emirates and Accor – Chess made a significant contribution to each of deals, understanding the brands and their objectives, developing the propositions and developing business cases – a testament to her ability to combine creativity with commercial rigour.
Lizzie Shaw – Wasserman
A key component of Wasserman’s best-in-class research and insights team, one of Lizzie’s core competencies is prospecting new and exciting leads for our sponsorship sales team to sell Wasserman’s sports inventory to, including writing in-depth and insightful reports on qualified sales leads. Last year Lizzie developed and launched a new tracker, detailing the comings and goings of key C-Suite executives across any sector that could be of interest to Wasserman’s sales division. What began as a tracker solely for their sponsorship sales reps has now grown into an invaluable business development tool employed by business leaders outside of the Rights Sales division at Wasserman.
Jessica Biggs – First Wealth
Jess Biggs is a trailblazer in the financial services space, driving meaningful change at the intersection of sports, media, and entertainment. As Head of Growth at First Wealth, Jess leads the newly launched Sports & Entertainment Office—an initiative she created to address the unique financial challenges faced by individuals in high-pressure, often unpredictable careers. Jess is not only delivering for high-profile clients but also building industry capability—coaching financial planners to better understand and serve those with unpredictable incomes and non-traditional career paths.
Shandi Strong – 54/VOXA
Shandi, Senior Manager of Player & Talent at VOXA, has built a strong reputation over the past 10 years working with golf professionals globally, while being based in Malaysia, Singapore, and now the UK. She has played a pivotal role in the successful launch and early growth of VOXA — an innovative athlete-first ecosystem designed to amplify the voices of elite female athletes worldwide. Known for her professionalism, down-to-earth nature, and deep knowledge of the golf industry, Shandi has earned the respect of athletes, colleagues, and industry partners alike. She leads with passion and integrity, delivering consistent results while fostering a supportive and empowering environment. In an industry where female leaders remain few and far between, Shandi stands out as a confident and capable force.
These emerging leaders have made remarkable contributions to their fields, exemplifying the vision, drive, and impact that will shape the future of the sports industry.