Nico Herbst

Freelance Sports Industry Professional | Strategy, Events, Marketing, Revenue | Helping Sports Organizations Drive Purposeful Innovation, Impact & Commercial Growth | Ex. UEFA, FIVB, Volleyball World & UA

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

About

I believe the best work happens when people feel seen, trusted, and inspired. My professional journey is guided by five core values: Positivity • Serenity • Reliability • Perspective • Generosity 📘 Writing a Book at the Intersection of Sport, Humanity, and AI A project focused on the power of human connection in an AI-shaped world. Blending stories, tools, and lessons from my international journey in sport, it explores why connection is becoming our most valuable advantage. 🧭 Building the DCA Networking Framework: I developed a system from a decade in the field to turn networking from a transaction into a life skill. It is designed to help people creating their dream life by surrounding themselves with the people who make it possible. It is a one-stop shop to expand, maintain, and deepen your network in a fun and engaging way. Next step: an app that puts it in your pocket. 🎯 Current Projects - Brand Implementation Lead for the Beach Pro Tour and part of the Volleyball Nations League - Consultant at Nexlevel Agency, shaping and delivering high-impact projects across the sports industry - Mentoring emerging talent and helping professionals navigate their next step in the industry - Developing my upcoming book and using this exploration to shape my next creative and professional direction 🌍 My Journey - Lived and worked in 5 countries - Experience with Brands, Agencies, International Federations, Clubs, and Major Events - Expertise in Revenue Generation, Event Operations, Brand Strategy, Promotion, Activations, and Storytelling - 360° Sports Marketing, with a focus on elevating Volleyball around the globe - Venue Management for Men’s EURO 2024 (Germany) 🤝 What You’ll Get by Connecting - Sports industry insights and networking guidance - A 360° perspective across marketing, brand, and operations - Meaningful, human connection and authentic conversations - Creative, disruptive, and strategic thinking I’m always excited to connect with like-minded professionals and explore new opportunities. Let’s make a positive impact on the world of sports together. 📩 Get in touch: [email protected]

Experience

  • Sports Strategy Consultant at The NexLevel Agency
    Aug 2025 - Present · 11 mos

    Partnering with Nexlevel Agency as a consultant and contractor, delivering strategic support across brand, events, property development and revenue generation

  • Brand Manager at Volleyball World
    Mar 2025 - Present · 1 yr 4 mos

    Leading branding and event presentation for the Beach Pro Tour and selected Volleyball Nations League events, ensuring a consistent and impactful global brand experience

  • Freelance Consultant at Freelance
    Dec 2024 - Present · 1 yr 7 mos

    • Strategy • Event Management • Marketing Consulting • Coaching • Revenue Growth

  • Deputy Venue Manager at EURO 2024 GmbH
    Jan 2024 - Oct 2024 · 10 mos

    • Operating and managing the Euro 2024 venue in Dortmund • Overseeing and executing the setup and dismantling of the venue • Supervising and coordinating the timely implementation and roadmap • Creating outstanding spectator experience while delivering matches in a safe and festive environment • Planning and delivering the best services to teams, public, media, partners, staff and guests for matches played in Dortmund

  • Volleyball World (Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland)
    • Marketing Communications Manager
      Mar 2023 - Dec 2023 · 10 mos

      • Building and managing brand identity and bespoke branding kits across digital-, in-venue assets and TV Graphics • Creating Marketing concepts and cross-functional data led global promotional, media and advertisement campaigns • Stakeholder and communications management and end-to-end execution of brand activations • Conceptualizing and managing content creation including athletes management • Leading the ESG Pillar developing purposeful awareness and engagement initiatives to serve the Volleyball community • Responsible for the ideation, resourcing and implementation of onsite event activations • Strategizing and executing the E-Com and Merchandising plan • Accountable for the department and onsite event activation budget

    • Marketing Communications Project Manager
      Mar 2022 - Mar 2023 · 1 yr 1 mo

    • Junior Project Manager Marketing
      Mar 2021 - Feb 2022 · 1 yr