Diversity and youth-related initiatives will be a central focus for Major League Baseball at the 2017 Winter Meetings in Orlando, Fla. Activities will launch on Sunday, December 10^th, leading off with the 'Katy Feeney Leadership Symposium,' and continue with several key initiatives before wrapping up on Tuesday, December 12^th. More information below.
'Katy Feeney Leadership Symposium'
Sunday, December 10^th 7:00am-5:30pm
Women Baseball Executives will attend the first annual 'Katy Feeney Leadership Symposium' - a new, annual initiative focused on career advancement for women in baseball. The event, which will be hosted by the Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Education Program, is being held in honor of the late, longtime baseball executive Katy Feeney. The guest list includes women from all 30 MLB Clubs, MLB's Central Office, MLB Network and MLB Advanced Media who are either at least a Vice President or have been working in baseball for at least 15 years. The event is private and by invite only.
'Latinos in Baseball' & 'GM Chronicles with Al Avila'
Monday, December 11^th 10:00-11:00am, 12:00-1:00pm
In an effort to foster the support for latino leadership in baseball, MLB will host the 'Latinos in Baseball' panel on Monday, December 11^th. Participating executives include Louie Eljaua (Special Assistant to the General Manager, Chicago Cubs), Rene Francisco (Assistant General Manager, Kansas City Royals), Moises Rodriguez (Assistant General Manager, St. Louis Cardinals) and Jorge Velandia (Special Assistant to the General Manager, Philadelphia Phillies). Following the panel, MLB will host the "General Manager Chronicles with Al Avila," where Detroit Tigers Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations & General Manager Al Avila will discuss his career path, his experiences, and offer advice to attendees. ESPN's Eduardo Perez will help lead the conversation and take questions from the audience. These events are open to general Winter Meetings attendees.
Supplier Diversity Summit: Reception, Panel Discussion & Speed Rounds
The Supplier Diversity Summit will return to the Winter Meetings for the second consecutive year. With three special events, diverse suppliers will have the opportunity to showcase and network with MLB and Minor League Baseball (MiLB) Clubs. The events will include a networking Supplier Diversity Reception (5:00-7:00pm) on Monday, December 11^th, the Supplier Diversity Panel Discussion (9:00-10:30am) and Supplier Diversity Speed Rounds (9:00am-12:00pm), which will both be held on Tuesday, December 12^th. Diverse Businesses will not only have the chance to pitch their products to MLB and MiLB Clubs at the Speed Rounds, but will also have the oppportunity to hear from other figures in business. Speakers include Supplier Diversity Manager at Walt Disney Company Leonard Spencer, Vice President of Procurement at Universal Resort and Theme Park Brad Singh and Vice President of Supplier Diversity and Procurement at CBS Broadcasting Natalie Robinson. The panel discussion is open to the public while the reception and speed rounds are by invite only.
First Annual 'Breakfast with B.A.T.'
Tuesday, December 12^th 7:00-9:00am
The Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) will host its first-ever 'Breakfast with B.A.T.,' at the 2017 Winter Meetings. The MLB-affiliated, non-profit organization strives to provide financial, medical and psychological support to members of the baseball family who are in need of assistance. At the Breakfast, guests will receive more information on the program and listen to a grant recipient testimonial. The breakfast is available by invite only to members of the Baseball Family.
USA Baseball and MLB Host 'FUN AT BAT' Event
Tuesday, December 12^th 9:00-10:05am
USA Baseball and Major League Baseball will host a special 'FUN AT BAT' event for young students at Bay Meadows Elementary School. Approximately 100 third grade students will participate in a series of fun bat-and-ball activities that focus on fundamentals and character development, which will be by Orange County Public Schools Physical Educators. The effort is part of 'Fun At Bat,' a program by MLB and USA Baseball designed to offer an introductory, modified and in-school bat-and-ball activities for younger students. Additionally, each participant will receive a USA Baseball Championship Principles book, Fun At Bat t-shirt, USA Baseball hat, and bat & ball set, and signed certificate of achievement to take home. 
Orange County Public Schools adopted the Fun At Bat program to implement in-school as part of the physical education curriculum. Approximately 87,000 students in the district will engage in the program as part of their in-school physical education curriculum. The program will be available nationwide to school districts beginning with the 2018 school year.