LAS VEGAS - September 11, 2008 - UNLV students will have a unique opportunity to make contacts with national leaders in sports, entertainment and business management and learn about what it takes to succeed in these fields during the "Diversity Genius: How to Break into the Biz" conference Sept. 15-18 at UNLV.

The free conference brings together 30 high profile business leaders to campus for three days of focused discussions designed to inform students about careers in management and motivate them to pursue opportunities and overcome challenges that exist in the highly competitive fields of sports and entertainment.

"Beyond stressing the importance of relationship building and networking in business, this conference showcases the notion of excellence through diversity - a blend of successful business people with unique perspectives and global impact who want to interact with and motivate our students," said Christine Clark, UNLV Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion.

The conference kicks-off Sept. 15 with a keynote address by current NBA player Bruce Bowen, who will discuss his decision to go back to school and finish his bachelor's degree while playing professional ball even though it was not an economic necessity for him to do so.

Portland Trailblazers President Larry Miller, Nike Vice President Howard White and Hidden Beach Recordings Founder and CEO Steve McKeever are among conference participants that include representatives from such organizations as IMG Sports, NASCAR, Target, Microsoft, MGM-MIRAGE and American Airlines.

The conference, co-sponsored by the UNLV Office of Diversity & Inclusion and Hidden Beach Recordings, will be held at UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center and is free and open to the public, but registration is required.