Playbook - Spring 2023

WELCOME TO

Kansas City is in the midst of a major winning streak. Home to championship teams, diehard fans, top-tier venues and an impressive roster of athletic events, the Heart of America has everything you need for a standout sports event. Experience it all firsthand during the Sports ETA Symposium, May 8 -11. VISITKC.COM

MIDWEST MOMENTUM

Preview the upcoming milestones making headlines and elevating KC’s sports experience to the next level

• March 2023: New single terminal at Kansas City International Airport opens

• April 2023: Kansas City hosts the 2023 NFL Draft

• 2024: NWSL’s Kansas City Current opens 11,500-seat stadium

• 2025: KC Streetcar expansion begins service to additional area venues

• 2026: Kansas City hosts matches during FIFA World Cup 2026

National Headquarters

9624 Cincinnati Columbus Road, Suite 209

Cincinnati, OH 45241

Telephone

(513) 281-3888

www.SportsETA.org

Staff

Alan (Al) R. Kidd, President & CEO

Janis Breedlove, CMP, STS, VP Events & Experiences

Meagan Grau, Director of Marketing and Communications

Michelle Wessels, Business Services Director

Rebecca Myles, Sponsorship and Advertising

Jennifer Stoll, Ph.D., STS, Research and Education

Carol Courtney, Special Projects Coordinator

Board of Directors

Officers

Chair: Don Dukemineer, CHSP, Director of Sports

Development, Decatur Morgan County Tourism

Vice Chair/Chair-Elect: Ray Palmer, President/CEO, Pensacola Sports

Treasurer: Frank Lett, Senior Associate Executive Director/Director of Sports Marketing, Visit Kingsport

Secretary: John David, COO, USA BMX

Immediate Past Chair: Michael Price, STS, CTA, Chief Sales and Operations Officer, Ann Arbor

Sports Commission

Directors

Ashleigh Bachert, VP of Tourism Operations, Tulsa S ports Commission

Cindy Cowart, STS, President, Coward Sports Events

Chad Culver, Senior Director of Sports Commission, Visit Knoxville Sports Commission

Jason Gewirtz, Editor and Publisher/SportsTravel, SportsTravel Magazine

Pete Harvey, Director of Sports, Visit Sarasota County

Jerrine Lee, STS, Vice President of Sales, Richmond

Region Tourism

Matt Libber, Executive Director, Maryland SoccerPlex

Angel Natal, Senior Director, Perfect Game USA

Johnathan Paris, Executive Director of Sports Tourism, Myrtle Beach Area CVB

Clay Partain, STS, Executive Director, Sports Salt Lake

Hank Pivarnik, STS, Global Accounts Director - Sports, Sonesta International

Scott Powers, STS, Executive Director, Experience Columbia SC Sports

Melissa Thompson, Chief Community Officer, Indiana Sports Corp

Marissa Werner, STS, Director of Sports Milwaukee, Sports Milwaukee, Championed by VISIT Milwaukee

To include your news in our weekly Get in the Game eNews, send press releases and articles to info@sportseta.org

Distribution Date: Thursdays. Deadline for content: Wednesday at Noon ET before distribution date.

Letter from the President and CEO

We’re Back…or nearly. Our team is really pleased to see the revival in all our events this year. Both the Chief Executive Summit and Women’s Summits were up over 25% from last year. And registrations for the upcoming Symposium in Kansas City are already up over 21% from our Fort Worth event in 2022. Over 840 sports and tourism professionals are currently signed up. Historically, we have a couple of dozen sign-ups near the deadline. But the bottom line is we are very excited to get back to this level of attendance. The general session speakers are very engaging and thought-provoking, and community-based education programs are wrapped up.

Our national Awards program is back in full force this year. We had 75+ entries for our newly designed categories. The review team headed up by Jason Gewirtz had difficulty selecting winners in all categories as the entries were outstanding.

Currently, we have 255 first-timers – a record but predictable with the numerous changes that occurred because of COVID. As a seasoned symposium veteran, you have an opportunity to welcome the next regime of sports tourism professionals. We will be inducting 4 well-deserved honorees into our Hall of Fame – thank you to Hill Carrow and his team for their great work.

Finally, we will launch the tourism industry’s first member engagement recognition badging program. This program, years in the making, is one program that will be installed under my tenure that I am most excited about. More on this soon!

Our friends and partners at the U.S. Center for Safesport just released their April newsletter. You’ll find tools and tips to help teams and families make sport settings safer -- check it out!

If you or your team is not yet safesport trained, join the U.S. Center for Safesport on their mission to deliver more than 5 million trainings by the end of the year. Training is all online and will teach you the skills you need to put an end to abuse and misconduct in sport.

Sports ETA considers safety in sport and abuse awareness and prevention a priority for all our member organizations and everyone who plays a role in sport. Our members enjoy a 10% discount on SafeSportTM Trained online course. Learn more HERE

I’m looking forward to seeing you all next week in Kansas City!

THINK BIG!

Al Kidd President and CEO

Letter From Board Chair

Welcome to Kansas City!

We are thrilled that you chose to join us for the 31st Annual Sports ETA Symposium. My hope is that next week is filled with excitement for you as over 800 members will be in attendance. I encourage you to take it all in and immerse yourself in every single offering we have assembled for the membership.

I’m also happy to welcome the 255 first-time attendees/new members that have joined us this year. We welcome you into our amazing Association and hope that your first experience is memorable and valuable. Our goal is that you take home new ideas to implement into your daily practices to help make your destinations a better community.

If you haven’t already, make sure to check out the schedule of all of the planned activities throughout the week. We have a jam-packed schedule of education sessions, appointments, community discussions, and opportunities to mingle with fellow members. Be sure to download the app so that you stay up-to-date, and also on schedule for your appointments.

It’s been an honor and privilege to serve as your Chair this year, and I’m thankful to the membership for the opportunity to lead this Association I love so much! I look forward to making more memories this year here at Symposium and hope you do the same. Please do not hesitate to come up and speak, or pull me aside to chat at any point next week. “Sports ETA will only be as good as we make it,” so I encourage you to find a way to get involved.

So get those comfortable shoes ready, grab plenty of business cards to hand out and make a new friend while you’re in Kansas City. I wish you a successful Symposium week.

And I can’t leave you without saying it (because you expect nothing less and wouldn’t let me get away without saying it) …Roll Tide!!

Don B. Dukemineer, CHSP Sports ETA Board Chair

Member Services News & Updates

Help us welcome the organizations who have joined Sports ETA in 2023:

Destinations

• Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland / TEAM Maryland

• Bill Noble Park

• Chesterfield County Administration

• City of Florence Athletics/ Sports Tourism

• Colorado Springs Sports Corp

• Columbus, IN Parks and Recreation

• County of Prince George Explore Newnan-Coweta, Inc.

• Iowa Travel Industry Partners

• NRG Park Houston

• Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources

• Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill

• Visit Overland Park

• Visit Pueblo

• Wayne County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Rights Holder

• AAU Baseball

• ETC Sport Group

• Golf Coaches Association of America

• International Teqball Federation

• International University Sports/ World University Games

• Maccabi USA

• National Cycling League, INc

• Official Strongman Games

• Players Way, LLC

• Powerlifting America

• Premier Ultimate League

• Prep Network (Prep Hoops, Prep Dig, Prep Girls Hoops, Prep Redzone, Prep Soccer)

• Prospect Select Baseball Inc

• SportEra Events

• Stage 8 Dance

• Tier 1 Elite Hockey League

• Top of the Bay Sports

• USA Patriots Athletics

Membership Chart

Industry Partners

• Alison Strange & Associates, LLC

• AMI Graphics

• Choice Hotels International

• Competition Travel

• First Place Collectibles

• Hotel Engine

• L5 Management and Consulting

• Sentral

• Sonder

• Southwest Sports Partners, LLC

• VolunteerLocal

A l, S p o r ts E T A

The time, dedication, and creativity you’ve put in to make our association and industry grow has been nothing short of incredible. We appreciate your passion and support these last six years, and while you and your leadership will be missed, we wish you nothing but the best!

Thank you, Al Kidd, for helping us THINK BIG!

Al Kidd, who has served as the President & CEO of Sports ETA, the only trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, announced he will retire on June 30, 2023. Kidd joined Sports ETA in 2017 after a successful business career, which included serving as the CEO for the San Diego Sport Association for eight years.

During his tenure, Kidd led the brand name change from National Association of Sports Commissions to Sports Events & Tourism Association or Sports ETA to engage the growing industry in an inclusive manner.

“We thank Al Kidd for his dedication and leadership to Sports ETA, as well as his efforts to enhance our relevancy within the industry over the past six years,” said Don Dukemineer, CHSP, Director of Sports Development, Decatur Morgan County Tourism & Board Chair of Sports ETA “Al’s knowledge and experience led the Association to seek new heights and improve member benefits with a focus on advancing the membership with education, advocacy, research, and networking or the ‘EARN philosophy,’ a term he coined for Sports ETA.”

Education

Increasing continuing education among the membership was a key priority for Kidd and his leadership team, especially during the pandemic. Sports ETA revamped its entire website to improve access, including the development of a proprietary education Learning Management System (LMS), which delivers online educational content on a 24/7 basis. The association also introduced two new member benefits: Sports Events & Entertainment Network, which provides video features on members and their organizations, and the Sports Tourism Learning Institute, an entirely new educational program aimed at providing industry-leading content that features expert thought leaders.

“The launch of the new educational programs and opportunities for our members has made a significant impact on our sports events and tourism industry,” said Janis Burke, STS, CEO of Harris County – Houston Sports Authority & Past Board Chair of Sports ETA. “Al and his team have elevated our association’s educational experiences to new heights to ensure the next generation is prepared to lead our industry ”

Thank

You!

Advocacy

Additionally, under Kidd’s leadership, Sports ETA developed a number of high-profile strategic industry partnerships including: LEGENDS, Destinations International, Civitas, EventConnect, Life in the Front Office Podcast, Northstar Meeting Group, MPI, Ohio University’s Sports Gambling Education program, Playeasy, and Threshold 360, among others.

During the early months of the pandemic, Sports ETA created ten dedicated member communities to better connect members to topics of most interest based on research. These Community Groups include: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Facilities, Industry Partners, Large Market, L.E.A.D. (Leading, Engaging, And Developing), Rights Holders, Small to Mid-Market Destinations, State Association Leaders, Outdoor Recreation, Women’s, and Young Professionals. These groups continue to meet regularly to accomplish strategic initiatives to support the sports events and tourism industry.

“Over the last six years, Sports ETA has significantly increased our organization’s relevancy, both nationally and internationally, thanks in large part to Al Kidd’s leadership,” said Mike Price, STS, Chief Sales and Operations Officer, Ann Arbor Sports Commission & Past Board Chair of Sports ETA. “Al’s legacy for Sports ETA is one of inclusion and innovation, and we thank him for his stewardship ”

Al and his team have elevated our association’s educational experiences to new heights to ensure the next generation is prepared to lead our industry.

Research

Sports ETA also launched a strategic focus on research led by nationally-recognized sports business researcher Dr. Jennifer Stoll. Kidd's collaboration with industry partners led to a revamped State of the Industry report and a brand-new Destination Leader compensation report.

"The new ‘State of the Industry’ report, along with the multitude of industry white papers, have elevated the research arm and expertise of Sports ETA on a national and international level.” said Kindra Fry, CDME, STS, SMP, TDM, Assistant Athletic Director for Special Event Services, Texas A&M University & Past Board Chair of Sports ETA.

Through collaboration with Stoll Strategies, the Sports Tourism Research Institute will be a tremendous asset for the sports events and tourism industry long into the future.

Networking

Sports ETA has held its Annual Symposium for more than 30 years. The event is one of the largest annual gatherings of the sports events and tourism industry to focus on educational programming and networking opportunities. Over the last six years, Sports ETA has expanded its networking events to include: a reimagined national symposium while adding four signature events, including the 4S Summit, Women’s Summit, Facilities Summit, and the Chief Executive Summit. Additionally, Sports ETA produced the first-ever virtual trade business event for the sports tourism industry in the early months of the pandemic.

2023 Chief Executive Summit Recap

Salt Lake City was the host of the CE Summit from February 28 - March 2 where CEOs from Sports ETA member organizations gathered.

“Having attended a few CE Summits in the past few years, each one sets a new bar for their content, speakers and networking opportunities. This years in Salt Lake City was another opportunity to grow as a leader by learning the absolute best in our industry. Thank you Sports Events & Tourism Association and their staff on another great event.

Alan Kidd, Jennifer Stoll, PhD, and Janis Breedlove, CMP, STS. And a big thank you to Clay Partain, STS and his team Salt Lake Sports for their hospitality and work on creating a great event.”

-Jonathan Paris, Executive Director of Sports Tourism at Myrtle Beach Area CVB Meetings, Conventions, & Group Travel

Hosted by

Women’s Summit held in Dallas on Eve of NCAA Women’s Final Four

BY JENNIFER STOLL, PHD, STOLL STRATEGIES

There is simply something special about the Sports Events & Tourism Association’s annual Women’s Summit held in conjunction with the NCAA Women’s Final Four! I can’t explain it, but learning from exceptional peers and industry dynamos is invigorating. This year was no exception as we saw a tremendous number of first time attendees connect with seasoned ladies in real, open, and honest conversations. New industry relationships were formed that undoubtedly will last a lifetime.

Congratulations to Monica Paul and her team for hosting this year’s NCAA Women’s Final Four, one of the best tournaments I can remember. TV viewership of the final games was at an all-time high and the games featured some of the best players and coaches in today’s game.

STAY

Northstar and Playeasy Announce Marketing, Advertising and Content Sharing Partnership

Northstar Meetings Group, the world’s largest media, marketing and information services platform for meeting and event organizers and suppliers, and Playeasy, the leading digital platform supporting sports event organizers, destinations, facilities and events in the United States, have announced an extensive, exclusive marketing, advertising and content sharing partnership.

Both Northstar and Playeasy are long-time partners of Sports ETA.

The partnership designates Northstar, through its Sports Division and its leading SportsTravel brand, as Playeasy’s exclusive advertising sales representative. Effective immediately, destinations and other sports event service providers will be able to reach and influence the most extensive network of event organizers of all types through joint advertising and marketing programs featured simultaneously on both the SportsTravel and Playeasy platforms, including custom content, email and social media marketing.

The partnership allows for participating organizations to package Playeasy memberships and software licensing arrangements with their marketing programs. In addition to reaching and influencing the broadest and most diverse audience of event organizers, the Northstar/Playeasy suite of products is designed to raise awareness, increase engagement and generate measurable new business for sports destinations, facilities and hoteliers vying to support them.

“Having demonstrated its resiliency during the pandemic, the sports-related travel industry is not only a hedge during

a downturn, at nearly $40 billion and growing rapidly it’s the fastest-growing segment in the events industry today,” said Jason Gewirtz, vice president of the sports division for the Northstar Meetings Group. “Partnered now with Playeasy, we’ll be able to help event organizers and their partners with their RFP and site selection processes seven days a week, 365 days a year. It’s a perfect complement to our mission to grow awareness for our partners and help facilitate productive business relationships for them, through our SportsTravel brand and our events — the TEAMS Conference & Expo, TEAMS Europe and the EsportsTravel Summit.”

“All players in the sports tourism industry will benefit from the integration of Playeasy with SportsTravel and the Northstar Sports Division brands,” said Sean Flaherty, co-founder and CEO of Playeasy. “Playeasy users now have extended reach to SportsTravel’s vast network of sports tourism professionals, as well as the ability to receive the latest information on all that’s happening in the sports-related travel market, while SportsTravel users can stay up to date on the latest events out for bid and facilitate RFP engagement through the Playeasy platform.”

In addition to the advertising and content sharing aspects of the partnership, Northstar will designate Playeasy as its exclusive RFP tool on-site for its events. Attendees to the TEAMS ’23 Conference & Expo, to be held October 2–5 in the Palm Beaches, will be able to research attending organizations and submit RFPs directly to participating destinations and venues prior to the event, as well as directly from the show floor.

With so much new investment in the sports market, and so much competition, it’s critical for destinations and their venue partners to get the word out, and to tell their stories in new and exciting ways,” said Shalise DeMott, vice president of sales for the Northstar Meetings Group, including its Sports Division. “Northstar’s partnership with Playeasy is an extension of what we already do best – help tell our clients’ stories dynamically so they reach targeted audiences and provide a measurable, positive return on investment. It helps event organizers stay current, and it helps destinations reach event organizers perfectly suited to their capabilities. Everybody benefits.

Score Big with Sports Events

Developed by industry leaders in sports facilities, events, and tourism, the Sports Facilities Summit provides education and networking to sports tourism professionals through expert presentations, facilitated discussions, case studies and networking. The Sports Facilities Summit is valuable content for facility developers, sports facilities personnel and vendors, destination professionals and sports event owners.

May 7-8, 2023

Kansas City, MO

Schedule Highlights

$399

Thanks

Photos courtesy of June on Unsplash

Sports ETA, SearchWide Global, and Northstar Meetings Group Present

New Executive Compensation Report for the Sports Events and Tourism Industry

Sports ETA and SearchWide Global released the “2023 Sports Destination Leaders Salary, Compensation and Benefits Report” led by researchers from Stoll Strategies, sponsored by the Northstar Meetings Group.

The benchmark study provides an overall look at the employment landscape for the $39.7 billion sports events and tourism industry among sports destinations while offering a resource to organizations with actionable information.

The last industry Salary, Compensation and Benefits Report was conducted in 2013 by Enigma Research Corporation. The research for the 2023 report was led by Dr. Jennifer Stoll, and Dr. Blake Price, from Stoll Strategies.

Data from more than 200 sports destination leaders, with a majority of those employed by a Destination Marketing Organization or Convention & Visitors Bureau, was collected and organized in the six following areas of the report:

• Organization Information

• Performance Goals

• Industry Experience

• Employment Agreements

• Salaries and Bonuses

• Benefits

2023 Sports Destination Salary, Compensation

“It’s been 10 years since we last released a Salary and Benefits report for the sports events and tourism industry,” said Al Kidd, President & CEO of Sports ETA. “The 2023 Sports Destination Leaders Salary, Compensation and Benefits Report represents large and small to mid-sized organizations and will resource leaders, and their organizations, with actionable information related to this area of the industry. This study will also serve as a benchmark for future analyses.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Sports ETA on this report,” said Mike Gamble, President & CEO of SearchWide Global. “This is a resource that will be beneficial to both sports

leaders and organizations in understanding where the industry stands with compensation, benefits, and o verall structure.”

“Northstar’s sports division, most notably our SportsTravel magazine brand, has been keeping professionals who organize, manage and host sporting events of all types up-to-date on all things related to the industry for decades,” said David Blansfield, Executive Vice President, Northstar Meetings Group. “We’re excited to support this important Sports ETA report and we’ll help make it widely available through our media channels to organizations who can benefit from it.”

The Honest Scoop About Sports Tourism Salaries and Compensation

Lead Researchers

Destination Leaders

Compensation & Benefits Report

Listen to this SportsTravel Podcast with Dr. Jennifer Stoll, Stoll Strategies, and Cambria Jones, SearchWide Global, as they discuss some hard facts about not only what industry professionals are being paid, but how they are being compensated as well with Jason Gewirtz, SportsTravel.

A tool kit is also included in the report and will serve as an advocacy tool to help organizations advance sports events and tourism in their destinations.

Dr. Jennifer Stoll, STS Sports ETA / Stoll Strategies

Dr. Blake Price West Texas A&M University Stoll Strategies

Learn the Art of Negotiating

BY DR. MEG MYERS MORGAN

Thursday, May 11 | 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

2023 Sports ETA Symposium*STS accredited members only*

Do you want to learn how to be a better negotiator and get what you want? On Thursday at Sports ETA Symposium, STS accredited members are invited to Dr. Meg Myers Morgan’s presentation of “How to Negotiate.” She literally wrote the book on negotiating, including “Everything is Negotiable: The 5 Tactics to Get What You Want in Life, Love & Work.”

She takes attendees through stages of what may be keeping you from negotiating anything from a better salary to new job responsibilities. Starting with fear of conflict and fear of what others will think of you, Dr. Morgan provides step-by-step reasons on why you should never fear negotiating for what you want.

Dr. Myers also shares the three reasons people don’t negotiate, and how to combat each of those reasons. It might be as simple as finding a mentor to advise you on the ask, or more thought provoking, such as asking yourself the right questions on why you want to negotiate.

Along the way, she gives advice on how to make your negotiation beneficial for both sides, not just for you. “Negotiating isn’t a conflict,” Dr Myers says. “Negotiating is a collaboration.”

At the end, Dr. Myers’ presentation will help you feel more confident and more prepared in the ask.

Big thanks to Visit Tulsa, our speaker sponsor!

This private education breakout session is for those individuals who have earned and are in compliance with their Sports Tourism Strategist designation. Check your member profile account sportseta.org/my-account/my-sts-credits to make sure your designation is in compliance, as you won’t want to miss this private Q&A with Dr. Myers Morgan.

The first 50 attendees will receive a copy of Dr. Myers Morgan’s industry-leading book “Everything is Negotiable: The 5 Tactics to Get What You Want in Life, Love & Work”.

Dr. Myers Morgan will also lead a joint community group breakout session (open to all Symposium attendees) on Thursday morning, May 11 from 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM.

The “Capital of Route 66,” T-Town is rich with resources like unmatched venues, countless attractions, live music every night, plus a brimming dining scene including options for large groups to chic and unique. Home to the USA BMX Headquarters, BOK Center, ONEOK Field and tons of other facilities, Tulsa really is the city of everything you could ask for–and more.

Ready to see it for yourself? Plan your next sporting event with the Tulsa Sports Commission.

visittulsa.com/sports

17

May 8-11,

Kansas City, Here We Come…

There’s more to Kansas City than barbecue (but don’t skip

2. But if you crave barbecue, this is the place

Be part of the Kansas City BBQ Experience from your phone. Just download the KC BBQ Experience app for the ultimate resource for enjoying barbecue. Check out more than 100 regional restaurants, earn badges and follow one of the many themed trails to explore the city.

Hosted by Visit KC and Kansas City Sports Commission

skip the barbeque)

3. Enjoy the Kansas City Tap Tour

To wash down all that barbecue, you might want to check out the Kansas City Tap Tour of 25 craft breweries.

Kansas City’s craft brewery scene is growing, and the Tap Tour lets you try beers from some of the region’s hottest and most beloved breweries. You can earn discounts and prizes every sip of the way.

4. Did someone say free?

How about 33 free things to do

For sightseers in search of inexpensive adventures, Kansas City has lots of free things to do and see. Explore the City of Fountains with these 33 free activities that offer something for everyone.

Click to watch

5. Bring the kids to explore KC

It’s a family affair in Kansas City, with both indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. If you’re a baseball fan, the Chicago White Sox are in town to face the Royals. Or head inside to check out Kansas City’s world-class museums.

From the USTA All-Stars to the ASA National Tournament to the LPGA Links qualifier, the Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois has played host to some of the finest tournaments in the U.S. With top-notch facilities and athletic fields, your next tournament will be a winner.

Education Update

Wow! We’ve had an overwhelming response to our call for speaker proposals earlier this year and have locked in tremendous content for all categories of Symposium attendees. A sampling of the content available includes the following:

Sports Tourism Strategist / Certificate Sessions

Join LinkedIn Learning’s #1 instructor, Jessie Withers, as she offers two engaging sessions diving into all things OKR (Objectives and Key Results). While these courses are designed to build on one another, learners can also register for one or the other. You’ll leave each course with action-ready knowledge and practice, 4 Sports Tourism Strategist credits, and a Certificate of Achievement in Key Results.

SESSION 1:

Monday, May 8th 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Unleash Your Strategic Goal Setting Superpower OKRs have revolutionized strategic goal-setting to help individuals and organizations reach higher and measurable levels of achievement. This dynamic course will introduce learners to OKRs, why they matter and how they support an organization’s mission, vision, and values. Learners will practice writing OKRs and leave the course with the knowledge and skill to write great OKRs and immediately put them into action.

Register Now

SESSION 2:

Monday, May 8th 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Level-Up Your Organization’s Goal Setting and Management for Meaningful Results

There is a reason nearly 200,000 learners from around the globe have taken Jessie Withers’ LinkedIn Learning course and rated it over 4.7 out of 5. Organization leaders are hungry for a better way to not only set goals and measure results but also to manage the process and establish achievement accountability for teams. This course will provide a brief overview of OKR basics and dive deep into the knowledge and skills you need to become a master at OKR development and implementation. So roll-up your sleeves, engage with your sports events and tourism industry leading peers, and practice your new skills in the session so you are ready for impact when you return to the office.

Register Now

Returning Again: EventConnect Think BIG Theater in the Marketplace

Back by popular demand for a second year are our TED-style micro-learning sessions in the marketplace on the Think BIG Theater stage, presented by EventConnect. Catch quick and relevant education bites on topics such as the latest technology, unique events, and more! See the Think BIG Theater schedule here

Even More Education ...

Action-Packed Facilities Summit

This year’s Facilities Summit is shaping up stronger than ever! With active learning taking place during our on-location venue tour, peer-to-peer networking, and education sessions featuring industry leaders in Kansas City and beyond, you don’t want to miss this pre-Symposium Summit. For more information and to register, visit the Facilities Summit webpage

Full Slate of Rights HolderDedicated Education

Are you an industry rights holder attending Symposium and wondering where the content is for you? Look no further! For the first time, this year’s Symposium will feature a FULL SLATE of rights-holder-specific content – totaling nearly 5 hours of dedicated content focused on all the pressing issues facing industry rights holders, no matter your level or experience. Topics include Maximizing Community Impact, Cost vs. Value, Rights Holder Town Hall, and a joint-Community Group session with Dr. Morgan Myers mentioned above.

Community Group and Special Meetings Galore

Community Group Sessions

The only decision you’ll have to make is what quality content you’ll consume while in Kansas City. We’ve worked closely with all Sports ETA Community Groups to establish dedicated times for your group to meet and discuss content relevant to you. For the full schedule, click here

Destination Leader Continued Discussions

Did you attend the Chief Executive Summit in Salt Lake City? If so, you know how awesome the breakout discussions were for destination leaders. We’re continuing the momentum of that conversation and carving out nearly 2 hours for dedicated Destination Leader discussions in KC. This session will be on Tuesday, May 9, from 1 pm - 2:45 pm and will be facilitated by some of the best in the business. If you’re a destination leader, don’t miss it!

Featured Courses

“Beyond Economic Impact: How to Leverage Sports Events and Tourism to Build Community Value” by Dr. Jennifer Stoll is now available!

Courses in the Works

We’re working away on several new Certificate Playbook courses that will bring you up to speed on essential industry knowledge and earn you certificates and STS credits. Courses in the works include:

• Funding Sports Tourism (with our partners at Civitas)

• Sports Tourism Media (with our partners at Northstar Meetings Group)

• Cross-promotion of education and new courses (with our partners at Destinations International and Meeting Professionals International)

– Sports ETA members receive a 20% discount off MPI’s live/online courses. Use coupon code SportsETA_MemberRate.

• And much more!

October 24-26, 2023

El Paso, TX

Our education-focused 4S Summit will be on us in the blink of an eye. Save the date for your visit to El Paso, TX, October 24-26. The content will be top-notch, you’ll hear from industry experts, and have lots of networking time, rest assured.

Photo courtesy of Visit El Paso

The Sports ETA Sports Legacy Fund awards an annual grant and sports equipment donation to an organization in need in the host city of the Symposium. We are proud to announce we have donated over $200,000 to programs in need, since the Sports Legacy Fund was established in 2009.

2023 BENEFICIARY:

CAMP WIN PROGRAM

About the Beneficiary

WIN for KC envisions a community where sport ignites the life of every woman and girl. The Women’s Intersport Network for Kansas City (WIN for KC) was established in 1994 to empower the lives of girls and women through advocating and promoting the lifetime value of sports, while providing opportunities for participation, leadership development and recognition.

Ways To Donate

• Purchase raffle tickets at the Symposium in Kansas City, MO May 8-11, 2023

• Bid on silent auction items at the Symposium in Kansas City, MO May 8-11, 2023

• Contacting info@sportseta.org

Questions?

Check out our website sportseta.org/events/symposium/ sports-legacy, or Contact Matt Prewitt, Committee Chair, matt@travelbutlercounty.com

Where The Funds Raised Will Go Scholarships to offset registration costs to provide greater access to underserved communities and increase diversity, equity and inclusion.

About Camp Win

Camp WIN is a week long sports day camp for girls ages 6-12. Throughout the week campers are introduced to 12-15 different sports and fitness activities along with life skills training with WIN for KC’s custom curriculum, Live Active. Campers learn about effort, resilience, belief and teamwork as they work through their lessons and push themselves to learn new sports.

Camp WIN believes involvement in various types of sports and fitness activities improves girls’ physical and emotional well-being. They learn how to take feedback, how to set goals and build a plan to achieve them, how to build relationships, and how to be part of a team. These skills will stay with them for a lifetime.