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Painless Pals:Who says you can’t shelter in place and network at the same time? Brought to you by the same people that gave you Painless March Madness and Painless Holiday Extravaganza…Painless Networking Virtual Happy Hour! “Much harder to explain–it’s self-explanatory.” – Michael Myers Now that everyone’s commute has been eliminated, please join Michael Myers and me TONIGHT the minute your “workday” is “over” — 5:01pm CT! We’ll all meet up via our new best buddy, Zoom, and see where it takes us. Use this link: https://zoom.us/j/2312912734 (Meeting ID: 231 291 2734) We’ll set up rooms for smaller sessions; some for general chats, some with specific topics of interest. Commiserate on COVID-19, find a mentor, kick around ideas for virtual events and sponsorships…or just grab a beer and join us for some good old-fashioned human interaction. Please hop on tonight from 5:01 – 6:01pm. Presented by Team Marketing Report, BirdieBox, The Sports Marketer and the Chicago Smash of World Team Tennis (Chicago’s newest pro sports franchise). Onward! Chris Hartweg |
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Painless Pals:
I cannot believe it’s been a year since we last gathered! But we are back, baby!
Hope you can join us for the annual Painless March Madness Watch Party, on the opening night of the NCAA Tourney, Thurs, Mar 19 starting at 4p.
We will return to the site of the best Madness Watch in Painless history: Ironside Bar & Grill (546 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654), where the lower level will be 100% ours.
Painless forefather Michael Myers is our host and we have two partners helping make the event happen: Team Marketing Report, Birdiebox and The Sports Marketer.
More details to come, but SAVE. THE. DATE. And see you on Mar 19!
Onward!
Chris Hartweg
Founder, Painless Networking
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Painless Pals:
Hope your summer is off to a fantastic start. Get some vacation time locked in before it’s November – time for yourself needs to happen!
Our mental health tip — Don’t forget about the Painless Job Board! Whether your job is driving you to the edge, or you’re short of help and need to hire someone Painlessly, there are always great opportunities to be found. Several PR jobs are up right now, in fact.
We also have two special offers, just for you. One has some sweet savings on the relaunched Team Marketing Report. The other is for the Illini RST Golf Outing. Scroll down for both of those.
And despite how it may appear, we have not forgotten about hosting a Painless Networking event! We’re working with the gang from Philanthropy Playmakers on a get together. After initial plans didn’t materialize for an event this month, it now looks like we’ll have a terrific event in September.
Stay tuned for details.
Onward!
Chris Hartweg
Founder, Painless Networking
| PAINLESS MEMBER BENEFIT – TMR |
| Join the growing TMR Community with a Painless Discount! Have you visited the all new Team Marketing Report? Why the heck not?!? The TMR Insider helps you maximize revenue with sports business insights and the SportsSponsor FactBook connects you with decision makers at teams, brands and agencies. Use code “PAINLESS” for 50% off a membership today. Head HERE to join thousands of other sports biz pros in the TMR Community today! |
| PAINLESS MEMBER BENEFIT – Illini RST Golf Outing |
| SPECIAL Illini RST Golf Outing PAINLESS OFFER The Illini RST Celeb-Am Golf Outing needs your help filling just 5 more foursomes to meet their event fundraising goal! As a result, they’re offering Painless Members a special rate of $475/foursome (normally $600) PLUS 10 free raffle tickets per person…AND a mini Bluetooth speaker* if you commit by this Friday, July 19! The event is Saturday, July 27, at Deerfield Golf Club in Riverwoods, with a 1p shotgun start. INCLUDES: lunch and dinner, complimentary beverages and fantastic swag bag! Raffle and silent auction items include fantastic stay-n-plays that include Innisbrook Resort, French Lick, TPC Silvis, The Abbey Resort, Geneva National and MORE!Contact Painless member Nik Lapin at niklapin@aol.com or 847.971.0718 and simply mention the “Painless Offer.” More information is available at www.IlliniRSTgolfouting.com. Remember that ALL proceeds benefit U of I RST students! *Note: Bluetooth speakers limited to first 20 Painless golfers. |
How the HECK have you been friends?
It’s definitely time to catch up, re-connect and grow the network. There’s no better time to make that happen than our annual Painless March Madness Gathering!
Thought we’d make it easy and have it at the same spot that worked so great last year. Please join us Thurs, March 21, from 5:30 – 8:30p at Joe’s on Weed to connect with fellow sports and event marketing pros.

We’re partnering with the good folks at Philanthropy Playmakers. They bring together people who believe in sports for social good. A perfect fit with Painless.
So, block the evening and come meet mentors, mentees and lots of people doing social good.
Onward!
Chris Hartweg
Founder, Painless Networking
Hello friends! Before you log off to enjoy the long weekend, don’t forget to mark your calendar for NEXT Wednesday’s event AND grab a ticket to reserve your spot. Here’s the key info…
TEDx Presentation: The Power of Bicycles | F.K. Day
We’ve teamed up with World Bicycle Relieffor an evening of painless networking, inspiring discussion and giving back NEXT Wednesday, Sept 5.
Together with our friends at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, World Bicycle Relief presents “Entrepreneurs Creating Impact: Networking with Purpose.”
Not only will we “network with purpose” but we’ll hear how the “Power of Bicycles” changes lives and the marathon impacts locally, nationally and globally.
Enjoy an interactive panel discussion with power players in the world of endurance sport as they share their experiences, featuring:
Tickets are just $20 and ALL proceeds benefit World Bicycle Relief. Beverages and light snacks will be included.
FadeAway with Deon Thomas & Eric Schmidt
Arguably the most decorated softball player ever, Monica Abbott just added another accomplishment to her resume. She and her Team USA teammates recently won a thrilling World Championship game against Japan. The win secures Team USA a spot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics — ending a 12-year absence of softball from the Olympics.
Monica joins Deon and Eric to discuss her role in women’s sports, how she approaches her craft and having the “Million Dollar Arm.”

Pictured: Monica Abbott playing for Team USA
Latest from the Painless Podcast
Catch four terrific chats from Northwestern University’s Masters of Sports Administration”Facilities of the Future” symposium held a few weeks back:
Ep 49: Solly Fulp (EVP, Learfield Campus+)
Ep 50: John Neimuth (Director, Sports America, AECOM)
Ep 51: Andy Totten (VP, McHugh Construction)
Ep 52: Jane Obringer (Manager, Partnership Solutions, Learfield) and Julia Millon (Program Coordinator, Principal Gifts at Northwestern University) (Posting tomorrow, August 30)
ALL 52 Painless Pod episodes are available on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or wherever you listen to podcasts. Find them on the Painless site HERE.
Onward!
Chris Hartweg
Founder, Painless Networking
Hope you’re enjoying summer! Apply another coat of SPF 50, then check out the latest Painless news below. Don’t forget to scroll down for podcast info and job listings!
Join fellow Painless Networkers as we’ve teamed up with World Bicycle Relief for an evening of networking and discussion!
In partnership with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, World Bicycle Relief presents “Entrepreneurs Creating Impact: Networking with Purpose.”
We’ll not only “network with purpose” but discuss what it takes to start a business, how to grow a brand while remaining true to its mission and values, and building a shared sense of community that’s ingrained into the company’s mission. Learn how the “Power of Bicycles” has changed lives and the impact marathon runners have had on a local and global stage.
Enjoy an interactive panel discussion hosted by yours truly with power players in the world of endurance sport as they share their experiences, featuring:
Tickets are $20 and all event proceeds benefit World Bicycle Relief. Beverages and light snacks will be provided.
CLICK HERE to purchase your ticket. Please NOTE space is limited.
Events and Offers
Painless member Nik Lapin is close to filling out his 4th Annual Illini RST Celeb-Am Golf Outing. To help close it out, he’s offering Painless Members $100 off a foursome! Call (847.971.0718) or email (niklapin@aol.com) Nik to lock in your spot today!
Committed players include The FadeAway podcast hosts Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt along with other Illini greats including Steve Bardo, Kurt Kittner, Robert Archibald, Jim Grabowski, Walter Young and CBS 2’s Ryan Baker.
Enjoy complimentary beers from Two Brothers and Solemn Oath, Wildfire gift cards and more in your swag bag.
Head to the Painless Calendar for more member-added events!
Painless Podcast
Had the privilege to attend the “Facilities of the Future” symposium held by Northwestern University’s Masters of Sports Administration program a few weeks back.
Sat down with panelists Solly Fulp(EVP, Learfield Campus+), John Neimuth(Director, Sports America, AECOM) and Andy Totten(VP, McHugh Construction) about finding their career passion and advice to others looking to do the same. Then I spoke with Jane Obringer (Manager, Partnership Solutions, Learfield), a recent grad and Julia Millon (President of the MSA Leadership Council, and Program Coordinator, Principal Gifts at Northwestern University), a current student, about finding and then maximizing a master’s program.
Fulp – Ep 49 HERE
Niemuth – Ep 50 HERE
Totten – Ep 51 Posting Aug 14
Obringer & Milton – Ep 52 Aug 15
Painless Pod host Chris Hartweg pictured with: Solly Fulp (top), Jon Niemuth (middle) and Andy Totten (bottom). Not pictured: Julia Millon and Jane Obringer.
There have been so many great guests, make sure you check them ALL out. Here are the 15 most recent episodes to get you started:
Ep 47 & 48: A. Potter (BMO Harris/WISE) & J. Haferkamp (Mosaic/WISE)
Ep 45: Sean Callahan (Jack Morton)
Ep 44: Chris Hastings (Chicago Sport & Social)
Ep 43: Dave Knickerbocker (Banner Collective)
Ep 42: *LIVE* at ISBC w/ A. Krzyzak & J. Ronovsky (Wolves & White Sox)
Ep 41: Jim Andrews (IEG Sponsorship Conference & ESP Properties)
Ep 40: J. Goldstein & S. Kirkpatrick (Chi Sports + Entertainment Partners)
Ep 39: Steve Buzby (Revel Marketing)
Ep 38: Skinny Sheahan & Jen Kramer (Special Olympics Chi/Polar Plunge)
Ep 37: Tony Schiller (Paragon)
Ep 36: Justin Breen (BrEpic Communications)
Ep 35: John Murray (Arena Partners + World Sport Chi + Chi Sports Comm)
Ep 34: Rob Cressy (Bacon Sports & Cress Media)
Ep 33: Jason Coyle (Stadium & 120 Sports)
And for fellow Illini alums, don’t miss the latest The FadeAway with Deon and Eric, where the guys talk to Dan Hartleb, head coach of the Illini baseball team.
Onward!
Chris Hartweg
Founder, Painless Networking
Before you head out for the 4th of July, some Painless Reminders — double up the SPF, remember your insect repellant and no matter how tempting, don’t shoot that bottle rocket out of that beer bottle in your hand…
Painless Podcast
There’s a fantastic new MEGAPOD — had so much good stuff to talk about and stories to share and lessons learned with Amy Potter and Julie Haferkamp that we needed TWO episodes! Hear from them on finding the right job, mentoring, listening, curiosity and of course, WISE Chicago, on awesome new Eps 47 & 48 HERE.
Painless Privileges: $5 OFF Volleywood

Chicago Sport & Social Clubs has important news: Volleywood is BACK! The biggest beach volleyball tournament paired with Summer’s best one-day music festival returns to Chicago’s North Avenue Beach on Saturday, July 14. This hybrid tournament-festival features the best DJs, delicious food and stocked bars, tons of volleyball all while surrounded by Chicago’s incredible skyline and lakefront. Use code CHICAGO5 to get $5.00 off GA or VIP tickets at volleywoodchicago.com.
AND…for a chance to win your office a FREE CSSC team in an upcoming league enter here!
Events on the way
Head to the Painless Calendar for more on events such as esports 101: An Interactive Professional Workshop, Special Olympics’ 50th Anniversary celebrations and the 4th Annual Illini RST Celeb-Am Golf Outing. And stay tuned for a Painless gathering in August we have in the works.
Onward!
Chris Hartweg
Founder, Painless Networking
Been a little while!
Between graduations, recitals, spring sports, client events, new business, BBQs and cramming in a run because of over-eating at said BBQs, this is certainly a crazy time of year. Hope you’re having as much fun as I am juggling it all!
Without further ado, a few quick notes so we can all get back to knocking items off that long To Do list…
Painless Podcast
Just Posted a great new Ep 46 with Sean Callahan. Read more about Sean, our chat and take a listen HERE.
Help with a Painless Get Together
I’d love to throw an event some evening in July or Aug. We need to take advantage of Chicago’s Summer on a rooftop or in a beer garden! Now I need one of you to lend a hand and help make it happen.
Can you or someone you know host on a Tues, Wed or Thurs evening?
Expect 75+ members. From 6-8p. Near public transportation. Cash bar. No cover. But we do buy a lot of drinks and food when we’re there! Let me know if you have the perfect spot ready to go…
Painless Privileges: LAST CHANCE SAVINGS
Don’t get major FOMO this Summer because you forgot to sign up! Chicago Sport & Social Club’s leagues and tournaments are getting underway!!
Both team and individual registration options are available. Learn more at www.chicagosocial.com. Use the code PAINLESS to save up to $75 on a team!
AND…for a chance to win a FREE team for your office, enter here.
Get Connected at Painless.Network
Make sure your FREE Painless profile is updated and Get Connected with the latest news. Check out fellow member posts at Member Posts & Discussions. View DOZENS of full-time jobs, projects and internships! Head to our Jobs, Projects & Internships Board and get a jump start on hiring, partnering or landing a great new job.
Event Calendar
Head to the Painless Calendar for more on events such as Facilities of the Future, Special Olympics 50th Anniversary celebrations and the 4th Annual Illini RST Celeb-Am Golf Outing!
Onward!
Chris Hartweg
Founder, Painless Networking
Hear from some of the industry’s best and brightest, speakers include:
Jon Niemuth, Director, Sports America, AECOM
Solly Fulp, Executive Vice President, Campus+, Learfield
Travis Goff, Deputy Athletics Director, Development, Northwestern University
Fred Smith, Associate Athletics Director, Major Gifts, Northwestern University
Andy Totten, Vice President, McHugh Construction
Moderated by J.A. Adande, Director Sports Journalism, Medill, Northwestern University