From Idea to Impact: Building Visibility on the Today Show Plaza

In this episode of NATA-Cast, hosts Mollie Pillman, MS, MBA, CAE, and Katie Scott, MS, ATC, CAE, are joined by Lauren Stephenson, MA, ATC, Michael Goldenberg, MS, ATC, CES, and Dave Csillan, MS, LAT, ATC, to explore how an annual National Athletic Training Month trip to New York City’s Today Show Plaza has become a powerful platform for visibility and advocacy. What began as a simple idea—sparked by seeing other professions featured on national television—has grown into a decade-plus tradition. The group reflects on the early days of pre-dawn travel, long hours in the cold, and the intentional strategy behind showing up consistently with creative messaging to help broadcasters and the public better understand the role of athletic trainers. At its core, the conversation centers on advocacy, visibility, and community building. The guests highlight the importance of bringing students into the experience from the beginning, creating opportunities for networking, mentorship, and real-world engagement that make advocacy both meaningful and memorable. They also discuss how the initiative has matured over time, with stronger coordination, leadership structure, and alignment with NATA’s broader communications efforts. Throughout the episode, the group underscores how consistency, creativity, and collective effort can elevate a profession’s voice and create lasting impact.

NATA-Cast is produced by Association Briefings.

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