Interested in learning more about the economics of a major college football bowl game? What it takes to manage a successful sports arena? How a minor league hockey team becomes a successful business year in and year out?

These are three of the topics that will be addressed at the Business of Sports Newsmakers Forum held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates.

Northern Illinois University (NIU) MBA School and the Village of Hoffman Estates Economic Development Commission are the hosts and sponsors.

Headline speakers are Mike Gordon, President, Chicago Wolves; Ben Gibbs, General Manager, Sears Centre Arena; and Shelly Binegar, Associate Athletic Director, NIU, who headed up the Huskies' business logistics associated with the team playing in the Orange Bowl game on New Year's Day.

Marketing Partners include GOA Regional Business Association, Schaumburg Business Association, the Management Association of Illinois, and the chambers of commerce from Hoffman Estates, Arlington Heights, Barrington, Fox Valley and Rolling Meadows. Members of those organizations receive a 40 percent discount ($18) off the regular registration price of $45. It does include lunch. Registration information is posted at www.dhbusinessledger.com. Use the promo code "CHA" to receive the discount.

This highly informative and entertaining forum has been very well attended the past two years. Attendance is limited so don't wait to sign up.