Cam Bastian
Associate AD of Marketing & Fan Engagement
North Dakota State University Athletics
Connect with Cam:
LinkedIn Bio
QUICK FACTS:
Events: NCAA
Years in Sports: 9
Fueled by: A Caribou Coffee energy drink & lumberjack bagel sandwich (a game day tradition!)
Energized by: The next game day. He is always looking ahead at the next event and what is to come, but also enjoys the moment of seeing how it all comes together.
FINDING CREATIVE WAYS TO ENHANCE THE EXPERIENCE…
Cam's journey began at Brigham Young University with a student internship in the athletics department, followed by roles at Western Illinois, Georgia Southern, and the University of Oregon, where he honed his marketing skills and creativity. Now at NDSU, he enjoys working with the football program and continuing to elevate the fan experience.
Cam appreciates the unique traditions of each collegiate athletic team and enjoys finding ways to refine or refresh them to keep them engaging and current. He takes pride in the success that follows and values the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on both the industry and his department.
He enjoys the unique opportunities that theme nights provide, allowing him to bring creative elements to life throughout an event. One of his favorites was SpongeBob Night with Georgia Southern Baseball, where the team fully embraced the theme—from transforming the mascot into a sponge for a special giveaway to integrating SpongeBob branding throughout the entire experience.
Cam believes the greatest challenge currently facing the industry in creating exceptional event experiences is the ongoing recovery from COVID. With the rise of streaming platforms, fans have grown accustomed to watching games from the comfort of their homes, avoiding common in-person inconveniences such as weather, parking, and crowds. Overcoming this shift in behavior and re-establishing the unique value of live events remains a critical focus for him.
BEYOND THE EVENTS:
Cam emphasizes that the most valuable lesson he has learned throughout his journey is the enduring significance of relationships. While games, coaches, sports seasons, etc. come and go, the connections built along the way remain. These relationships serve not only as a vital support system but also as the foundation that extends beyond any single event or project, leaving a lasting impact.
Outside of work, Cam’s personality contrasts with his professional persona. Rather than being an extrovert, he is a homebody who deeply values his time at home with his family where he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and son.
His favorite event memory is the NDSU National Championship game in Frisco. It was his first time experiencing an NDSU Championship in person, enjoying the energy of their passionate fan base, and truly feeling like he played a role in the team’s journey. The way everything came together perfectly made it an unforgettable experience.