In 2000, I went to Tampa to make an advertising speech.  I knew my material, I had the presentation ready.  But being a sports geek, I knew the forthcoming Sunday was the big game.

The game was to be January 28, 2001. The hotel the meeting was scheduled for the the Super Bowl media. The same hotel also was hosting the advertising session.  Very cool.

Remember, this was the last Super Bowl before Sept 11 Tragedies, so security was very lax and passive. 

On the flight from New Orleans to Tampa I was playing on my Palm Pilot.  These organizers were very popular at the time.  I had become a specialist  on these toys at CompUSA.  Once a week, I would go in and give a speech to pepole who needed training.  Yes, I was doing two jobs during this pre-MS time.

I was reading newpaper clipping downloaded to my palm over 90 minute flight.  No big deal, just reading silently.  The person sitting next to me went into his carry on, pulled out his Palm and said very directly, "Teach me.  I am here for the game as the exclusive Clothing distributor, and I will hook you up."

I did not tell him what i did professionally, he just wanted to know what he had bought.

Immediately, I became the trainer and gave him a 50 minute class.  Gave him progams and everything.  He was very happy to understand what he had just spent $300 on, but nobody had bothered to show him how to use it for his advantages.

"OK, follow me to baggage claim," he said as the flight landed.  I did as told, and after his bag came out, a huge box followed.  We went outside and he handed me a perfect NFL polo shirt.  Looked awesome.  

That night, I went to dinner with our clients.  I knew everyone at the table, and one of them loved to pick on me.  

The debut of my Super Bowl shirt had to occur at dinner.  

Twelve people met for dinner, and I became the center of attention quickly.  The boss asked if my boss was paying me for my work.  He noticed the fresh shirt and hoped I had proper attire for tomorrow's speech.  I assured him that I was doing fine.  His second in command, who loved to annoy me, said that I must have spilled lunch on my clothes.  

When I told the assembled masses how I earned the shirt, everyone grinned and nodded.  After dinner, four of the assembled asked for for a quick drink at the bar.  At the bar, the four men took out their organizers and asked for a lesson.  I taught them over Jack Daniels.

The hotel was full of every ESPN personality.  And the bar was hangout time for that television crew.  I am living every ESPN fan experience just by being there.  

The next morning, I watched the ESPN national morning show.  I brought the larger host breakfast, fearing he would eat his much smaller co-host.  "Thank you," the smaller gentleman smiled and nodded in agreement. 

Today, that would never happen.  Random person brings food to on-air personalities.  We are all concerned and security first mentality.  Little moments like that just can't occur.

The speech went great and got applause.  The bosses frm dinner the prevous night were thrilled the advertising firm had such a good new person.

For a trip less than 24 hours, I had more fun than a professional sports geek could possibly enjoy.