Issuu

Volume 5 // Issue 6

Sports Tourism Business & Lifestyle 1

Field Notes As May unfolds with its warm weather and vibrant energy, it brings a season of opportunity for sports tourism organizations looking to connect with audiences in impactful ways. With key holidays like Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and National Creativity Day, this month offers a dynamic landscape for creative marketing. At Raconteurs, we understand how vital it is to stay ahead of trends while crafting messages that resonate. That’s why we’ve compiled a brief overview of what marketers should keep top of mind this month. May marks the transition from spring to summer—a perfect time to refresh your campaigns with themes of travel, fun outdoor events, and seasonal experiences within your destination or at your events. Bright visuals and energetic language can help reflect the spirit of summer that’s just around the corner. Memorial Day also presents an important opportunity, not just for events but also for messages of gratitude and community. Campaigns that highlight support for veterans and the community can foster deeper connections and build brand loyalty. On the content side, short-form video continues to thrive. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are ideal spaces to share engaging content. This is also a great time to invite user-generated content through challenges and testimonials, which build authenticity and trust. Email marketing isn’t being left behind either. Campaigns that respond to user behavior and include dynamic content can significantly improve engagement and conversions. Looking at broader digital trends, SEO is changing how users interact with content, meaning high-quality, intent-focused writing is more critical than ever. We are dedicated to helping our clients maximize their advertising efforts. To help you navigate this evolving landscape, we recommend focusing on four core tips: keep your SEO updated with relevant keywords and technical audits, gradually adopt AI tools to automate key tasks, monitor links for errors, and find the right balance between performance and traditional campaigns for optimal control. As always, thank you for reading. We’re excited to help you make the most of this vibrant month.

x Matt Dunn

Table of Contents Field Notes - 2 Volume 5, Issue 6

Destination Spotlight - 8 Justin Polizzi, Maryland’s Wicomico Co.

PUSH Travel - 16

To tip, or not to tip, and other hotel etiquette

PUSH Digital - 20

Why your website’s new home page is probably as waste of money

Conference Review - 24 Sports ETA Symposium

PUSH Marketing - 28

9 Timeless marketing quotes to inspire your team

PUSH Health - 32

Breakfast: Should you skip it, or stick with it?

PUSH Mindfulness - 36

Clear the chaos: 17 fresh ways to declutter and reclaim your space

Industry Confidential - 38 This month our secret writer speaks out about conference no shows

DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT

Justin Polizzi

What circumstances led you to begin working at Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism? My wife and I relocated to the Eastern Shore in 2023. She was named the Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation at Salisbury University. I started as the Senior Tourism Specialist (Assistant Tourism Manager) on October 5th, 2023. The primary part of the job was overseeing our Sports Tourism events. Prior to moving into the Tourism space, I spent 17 years coaching college, high school, and some professional football. So, it was a natural fit with my sports background to move into a sports tourism-heavy role. Two months after I started, my boss took another job, and I was named the Tourism Manager in February 2024. 9

What was the first thing you did when you learned you got the job? I hit the ground running as fast as possible. We had a couple of open positions in the office and were about to get into our “busy” season. I posted our jobs immediately and started building the rest of our team. After that, we reached out to our partners to let them know and reassure them that we have a solid plan for the future. Tell us about the “bread and butter” sports that Wicomico County caters to? Are these due to specific state-of-the-art facilities? We excel at a high level in a couple of sports! Henry Parker Athletic Complex is our 8-field baseball/softball complex. This complex is sold out from March through November each year, hosting local recreation events as well as national baseball and softball events. The first event we host is USSSA Eastern Nationals softball, which is held for three weeks in the summer. During that time, we bring in over 340 teams and use 5+ facilities across the region. Next, in baseball, we host several national baseball organizers, such as Prep Baseball, Athletx, and Perfect Game. Each of these organizers hosts events on multiple weekends, ranging from three-day events to week-long tournaments. Additionally, we host a collegiate softball tournament each season in March. The tournament has expanded from 4 teams a year ago to 9 this past year and will have over 12 teams next year. 10

Our other big facility is the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center. It is an arena with over 7,000 seats that we can configure in multiple layouts. We host the Governor’s Challenge, the country’s largest high school basketball Holiday tournament. From December 26 to 30, we host over 140 teams, ranging from local to national top-5 teams. We also host large wrestling events with 1,200+ wrestlers competing over 2-3 days each tournament.

I think enthusiasm is contagious. I wake up every day intending to win the day! I look at us as partners with our organizers. We are invested in the events as much as they are. Once they see that, that is when the real synergy happens. We plan and enhance events for our participants that make them unforgettable. Organizers want to continue returning to us; some are waiting for openings to get into our facilities.

We are expanding this year to include the USA Flag Eastern Nationals in June, a qualifier for Worlds in Tampa, Florida.

A fresh perspective has also given us the ability to see things differently, capitalize on opportunities, and evaluate our potential.

In April 2027, we are hosting our first NCAA national championship in Men’s Volleyball.

As the Tourism Manager for the Destination Marketing Organization and the sports tourism lead, how do you juggle the workload for these events and the intense travel demands of your position?

How does seasonality affect your annual book of business? Our “busy” season is typically March through October, with only the Governor’s Challenge in December. We are actively looking to change that, and we are adding events that will take place during our “slow” time. We will soon announce a large-scale collegiate event taking place in November. Our goal is to build our book of business and stay consistently busy all year round. Describe why Wicomico County events are so meaningful to you. We are making a positive impact on Wicomico County, benefiting our local economy and making a significant economic impact on the community! One of my core beliefs is to make something better than you found it. We have the opportunity to do that by hosting events and showcasing our community. Justin, you are known among your peers in the industry as someone who brings enthusiasm 12

and energy to your everyday work life, projects, and events. In what ways has your passion led to increasing the overall book of business within the Wicomico County sports tourism effort?

First, it is because of our team in the Tourism office. They are second to none! They really make it happen. They are organized, have built relationships with our organizers and throughout the department, and know what needs to happen and how to make it happen! Second, I stay organized and communicate with my team. As you know, there is a lot of travel required! We share our calendars and communicate what we have going on and what we need as a team to get it done. What was the most significant moment you experienced thus far as the Wicomico County overall tourism leader? Well, when I was the acting Tourism Manager, our Sports Marketing Representative and Events Coordinator took new jobs in other jurisdictions across Maryland. I was the only one left in the office to manage our upcoming events and our Welcome Center. My first few days on the job involved hiring a new team, which was a pretty significant moment for me. It is not every day that you get a new job and build a new team. I think a lot of people would have been discouraged, but I saw it as an opportunity to build a new team and put my stamp on our department.

In what way, or ways, are you a different person today because of your experience working in Maryland for the past 18 months?? I think the 1.5 years+ have really helped me develop not just as a leader but as a person. I am better because this role really requires you to listen and think outside the box. At times, you need to get creative to make things happen. This job challenges you in different ways. I have really enjoyed the new challenges and finding ways to work through them. I have also enjoyed building a team and everything that goes into it. I get to mentor some of our younger employees and build our internship program. What advice would you give to others in a situation like yours? Keep pushing! You never know what you are capable of until you try. Attack each day and keep piling up wins! Rely on your colleagues and ask questions. There are plenty of people who are willing to help. Do not be afraid to ask!

What would “today Justin” share with “first day on the job Justin?” Enjoy the ride! There will be good days and bad. Don’t lose sight of your goals, and keep pushing forward! What goals do you have personally and for Wicomico County in 2025? My goals for Wicomico in 2025 are to continue pushing sports tourism forward in Wicomico County. I want to be at the top of the list when you think of sports tourism and Maryland. When it comes to sports, we do it bigger and better, and our participants have an unforgettable experience. I also want to move into sports genres we are not currently in (Flag football). I want to continue growing our portfolio and filling in gaps in our schedule where we can accommodate events. I want to keep growing and learning more about our industry. We must keep reaching and networking to put our best foot forward.

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travel

Tip, or Not to Tip - and Other Hotel Etiquette Solid advice for dos and don’ts of hotel manners. One of the best parts of staying in a hotel is the convenience of daily housekeeping. While hotel staff are there to tidy up, guests should still be mindful of etiquette and cleaning standards. Though there’s no need to go overboard by making the bed or perfectly folding towels, taking a few simple steps to maintain order can help ensure a smoother housekeeping process. For those wondering how messy is too messy when leaving a hotel room, etiquette experts recommend a few key practices to keep the space neat and respectful for the staff and future guests. Do: Tip the Housekeeping Staff Housekeeping staff work hard to ensure a clean and comfortable stay for guests, and tipping is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for their efforts. Leaving a small gratuity each day rather than at the end of a stay ensures that different staff members who service the room receive a fair share. A general guideline is to tip between $2 and $5 per night, with a bit more for luxury hotels or extra services. Placing the tip in a marked envelope or leaving a note indicating it’s for housekeeping ensures it reaches the right person. Don’t: Make the Bed While tidying up is courteous, making the bed before 16

checkout isn’t necessary. Since linens are always replaced between guests, the housekeeping staff will strip the bed immediately, regardless of its appearance. Do: Clean Up Any Breakage Accidents can happen, and if something breaks, cleaning up any shards or splinters is important for safety. This helps prevent injuries for both guests and housekeeping staff. Don’t: Leave Dirty Dishes in the Hall When ordering room service, the best approach is not to place trays and dishes in the hallway. Instead, calling room service or housekeeping to collect them directly from the room helps keep common areas clean and free from clutter. Do: Pick Up Your Trash A good rule of thumb is to treat a hotel room with the same consideration as a guest in someone’s home. Trash should be placed in the designated bins, and if recycling options are available, they should be used accordingly. Don’t: Use a Bathrobe as a Tissue Bathrobes should be kept clean and free from excessive stains. Using them as tissues or makeup remover

wipes can cause stubborn stains that are difficult to remove, making the housekeeping team’s job extra challenging. Do: Designate Space for Different Belongings Keeping personal items organized allows hotel staff to clean efficiently. A good approach is to place dirty towels in one corner, keep shoes together, and store clothes inside a suitcase rather than leaving them on the bed or floor. This minimizes the need for housekeeping to move personal belongings while cleaning. Don’t: Leave Wet Towels Out Wet towels left on the carpet or furniture can damage them, leading to stains or mildew. Instead, it is better to hang towels up or neatly pile them in the bathroom.

Do: Return Furniture and Items to Their Original Position If furniture is moved during a stay, whether for comfort or practical reasons, it should be returned to its original placement before checkout. Small items like the remote control or telephone should also be put back where they were found. Additionally, unplugged electronics, such as lamps or alarm clocks, should be reconnected before departure. Parting Words Leaving a hotel room tidy and respectful makes a big difference for the housekeeping staff. Small actions, such as organizing belongings, disposing of trash properly, and minimizing unnecessary mess, help ensure a smooth and efficient cleaning process, making the space ready for the next guest.

digital

Why Your New Website’s Homepage Is Probably a Waste of Money Most Homepage Redesigns Fail Miserably—Here’s Why Imagine searching the web and coming across a stunning website. The imagery is captivating, the copy inspirational, and the design meticulous—something worthy of being framed. But does that mean visitors are more likely to click and buy? Not necessarily. With the rise of AI-generated imagery and advanced design tools, the internet is flooded with visually impressive websites that fail to drive sales. Many business owners fall into the trap of prioritizing aesthetics over effectiveness, investing heavily in redesigns that don’t deliver results. This is an ongoing issue that any entrepreneur focused on profit should be aware of. Wasting Money on Fancy Homepages: An Ongoing Problem Poorly designed homepages that prioritize visuals over conversions have been a longstanding issue. Many startups and established companies have undertaken ambitious redesign projects, only to see no improvement or, in some cases, a decline in conversions and sign-ups. A common scenario is that redesigns turn into monthslong projects, incorporating countless opinions and revisions, only to result in a website that fails to move the needle in terms of customer engagement or sales. One major reason is that potential customers often make 20

purchasing decisions before ever landing on a homepage, making the impact of these redesigns minimal at best. Another issue is the tendency to make websites more “aspirational.” Business owners often seek a polished, elegant look that confuses potential buyers. Across numerous redesigns, there are very few cases where visual upgrades alone significantly improved conversion rates.

encouraging businesses to invest in impressive websites that fail to guide users toward making a purchase.

Why the Problem Is Worse Today

Investing in a visually appealing homepage has always been tempting—it seems like a simple way to enhance a brand and attract customers. With today’s powerful design tools, the temptation is even greater. However, prioritizing design over function is a mistake if the goal is to generate sales and increase engagement.

Several examples of this trend highlight how businesses are drawn into ineffective design choices. Those considering a website revamp should examine these cases closely to avoid making the same mistakes. The Bottom Line: Function Before Form

While ineffective homepage redesigns have been a problem for years, recent technology and design trends have worsened the situation. Many business owners continue to view website design as an artistic endeavor rather than a functional one, prioritizing beauty over usability and conversion. While aesthetics matter, usability and conversion should come first. A website that is clear, functional, and opDesigners themselves are also contributing to the is- timized for sales will consistently outperform one that sue. Many have moved further away from practical, is just visually stunning. Business owners should focus user-friendly layouts with the growing popularity of on results-driven design rather than simply creating an highly stylized, animated, and artistic homepage de- artistic masterpiece for their domain. signs. The trend of merging striking visuals with mediocre user interfaces has exploded across social media,

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The 2025 Sports ETA Annual Symposium, held April 14–17 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, convened over 1,100 sports events and tourism professionals for a week of education, networking, and strategic collaboration. Hosted at the Arvest Convention Center, the event featured more than 16,000 scheduled appointments, reinforcing its status as one of the premier gatherings in the sector. The Symposium commenced with the Sports ETA Facilities Summit on April 14, focusing on sports venue development and operations innovations. Highlights included a fireside chat with Shane Fernandez, President of USA BMX, and guided tours of Tulsa’s Gathering Place and WeStreet Ice Center, offering attendees firsthand insights into cutting-edge facility design and community engagement. Educational programming was a cornerstone of the event, with sessions designed to provide valuable guidance for emerging industry leaders. Attendees engaged in discussions on leadership transitions, community engagement, Sports ETA community discussions, and professional growth, gaining insights from industry experts. A significant moment of the Symposium was the 24

induction of three industry trailblazers into the Sports ETA Hall of Fame: Linda Logan (Greater Columbus Sports Commission), Jon Lugbill (Sports Backers), and Frank Viverito (St. Louis Sports Commission). Their contributions have left an indelible mark on sports tourism and were celebrated during a special ceremony. With 10 organizations and individuals being recognized through the Sports ETA Awards Program, new board members being approved by the overall membership, and Janis Burke’s new role leading the newly formed international sport and strategy initiatives being announced, the week was filled with action to benefit the future of sports tourism. Professional development milestones were also achieved; notably, a significant number of sports tourism professionals were honored for completing the Sports Tourism Strategist (STS) certification program, underscoring the event’s role in fostering industry expertise. With its blend of strategic appointments, educational sessions, and celebratory events, the 2025 Sports ETA Symposium in Tulsa exemplified the sports tourism industry’s collaborative spirit and forward momentum.

PUSH Magazine Staff Favorites Tulsa did not disappoint! From the food, to the history to the sports scene, there was plenty to keep you busy after hours. A few of our staff picks: The Tavern Neighborhood Pub Deviled Egg Trifecta... just sayin’ Valkyrie Destination Bar with an unbelievable craft cocktail menu Smoke Woodfire Grill Steakhouse cuisine using locally sourced ingredients Tulsa Drillers Game A picture perfect ballpark in the center of town. Warning... you’ll want EVERYTHING in the gift shop USA BMX Fun for the whole family, made us want office bikes Greenwood Rising Black Wall St History Center, a powerful reminder of Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District history.

9 Timeless Marketing Quotes These insights have stood the test of time. Marketing wisdom doesn’t age. Here are some classic quotes and why they’re still valuable for today’s marketers. Quote #1

“The aim of marketing is to know and understand the customer so well that the product or service fits him and sells itself.” -Peter Drucker Why It Matters: Understanding your audience is fundamental. When you truly know your customers, marketing becomes intuitive. Application: Invest in customer research to tailor your products and messaging to effortlessly meet your audience’s needs.

Quote #2

“If you’re trying to persuade people to do something, or buy something, it seems to me you should use their language.” -David Ogilvy What It Matters: Speaking your customer’s language builds trust and resonates on a personal level. Application: Avoid jargon and communicate in a relatable and natural way to your audience. 28

Quote #3

“A brand is no longer what we tell the customer it is- it is what consumers tell each other it is.” -Scott Cook Why It Matters: Social proof and word-of-mouth have more power than traditional brand messaging. Application: Focus on creating experiences and products worth discussing, and encourage customer reviews.

Quote #4

“A product is something made in a factory; a brand is something that is bought by a customer.” -Stephen King Why It Matters: Branding goes beyond products-it’s about the emotional connection and trust customers have with your brand. Application: Focus on building a brand that resonates emotionally with customers, making it more than just a product in their eyes.

Quote #5

“The best advertising is done by satisfied customers.” -Philip Kotler Why It Matters: Happy customers are your most effective marketers. Their testimonials and loyalty drive brand reputation. Application: Prioritize customer experience to build brand advocates who spread the word on your behalf.

Quote #6

“The most powerful element in advertising is the truth.” -Bill Bernbach Why It Matters: Authenticity builds trust, and consumers can spot inauthenticity a mile away. 29

Application: Always ground your messaging in genuine insights or products. Honesty and transparency resonate with audiences.

Quote #7

“The best ideas come as jokes. Make your thinking as funny as possible.” -Sir John Hegarty Why It Matters: Humor makes ads more memorable and helps brands connect on a human level. Application: Don’t be afraid to add humor to your marketing-it can break through the noise and leave a lasting impression.

Quote #8

“If you think people are dumb, you’ll spend a lifetime doing dumb work.” -George Lois Why It Matters: Respect your audience’s intelligence. People respond to thoughtful, creative messaging that treats them as smart and savvy. Application: Challenge yourself to create bold, clever campaigns that connect with people’s intellect and emotions.

Quote #9

“Your prospect’s state of awareness determines your message.” -Eugene Schwartz Why It Matters: Understanding where your audience is in the buyer journey shapes how you speak to them. Application: Tailor your message based on audience awareness, from problem-aware to solution-aware, for maximum relevance. These quotes remind us that the principles of great marketing are universal. You’ll drive lasting impact by focusing on customer understanding, clear communication, and building trust. 30

health

Breakfast: Should You Skip It or Stick With It? Understanding the Real Impact of Skipping the First Meal of the Day We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day— but does that advice still hold true? While some people never skip breakfast, others often pass on it due to a busy schedule, lack of appetite, or personal preference. Around 25% of people in the U.S. skip breakfast daily, so it’s worth exploring whether that habit is harmful or helpful, and what your body might be telling you. What’s the Role of Breakfast? Breakfast helps break the overnight fasting period and restores blood sugar levels, fueling the day ahead. It’s also a chance to take in key nutrients like protein, fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Starting the day with a balanced meal can also set a positive tone for future food choices and energy levels throughout the day. 32

Why Some People Skip Breakfast It Saves Time and Energy Morning routines are often rushed. For those juggling responsibilities or racing out the door, skipping breakfast may feel more convenient. It’s More Budget-Friendly People facing food insecurity or limited access to nutritious foods may skip breakfast for practical reasons. When money or options are tight, the day’s first meal is often the first to go. It Works Better for Early Exercisers For those who hit the gym early, a pre-workout meal might feel unnecessary or uncomfortable. Eating a post-workout snack or meal a few hours later is often enough to refuel effectively. Potential Downsides of Skipping Breakfast It Can Aggravate Digestive Issues Skipping breakfast may negatively impact gut health, especially for individuals with conditions like IBS. Morning meals often include fiber-rich foods, which promote regular bowel movements and a healthy digestive system. It Might Raise Heart Health Risks Regularly skipping breakfast has been associated with poor insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and an increased risk of conditions like high blood pressure or cholesterol imbalances. Eating breakfast can help regulate glucose levels and support heart health. It May Leave You Hungrier Later Going too long without food typically leads to increased hunger. This can result in overeating later in the day or reaching for less balanced options when you finally eat.

It May Affect Blood Sugar Levels For people with diabetes or insulin resistance, skipping breakfast can throw off blood sugar control, leading to hypoglycemia, energy crashes, or unstable glucose levels. Listening to your body is key. If you’re feeling sluggish, foggy, or ravenous by mid-morning, a simple, nourishing breakfast might be the solution. How to Skip Breakfast Mindfully (If You Choose To) There are valid reasons for occasionally skipping breakfast, whether due to a late dinner, stress, or just not feeling hungry. A small, protein-rich snack within a few hours of waking up can help in such cases. Think: a banana with peanut butter, yogurt with fruit, a slice of toast with hummus, or a hard-boiled egg. These small meals help regulate appetite, maintain blood sugar, and keep energy steady. Final Takeaway: Breakfast Isn’t One-Size-FitsAll Whether or not to eat breakfast depends on individual needs and preferences. For most people, breakfast offers a great opportunity to fuel the body and get important nutrients. While skipping it now and then won’t derail your health, a well-balanced breakfast can support long-term wellness. Prepping easy options like smoothies, overnight oats, or grab-and-go snacks can help if mornings are hectic. The goal isn’t perfection— it’s finding a routine that works for you and supports your overall energy and well-being.

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mindfulness

Clear the Chaos: 17 Fresh Ways to Declutter and Reclaim Your Space Simple, actionable strategies to lighten your home and your mental load Clutter has a sneaky way of taking over. What starts as a manageable coat closet quickly transforms into an overstuffed jumble of jackets, gym bags, and miscellaneous gear. Life happens; before you know it, your home feels less like a sanctuary and more like a storage unit. The truth is, it’s easier to accumulate things than to let them go. Whether you’re hanging on to sentimental keepsakes or just too busy to tackle that teetering pile of papers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But taking even small steps toward decluttering can have a surprisingly big, significant effect on your peace of mind and daily life. If you’re ready to take control of your space, these 17 practical, no-nonsense tips can help you declutter with intention and make your home a place you want to be.

1. Pick Low-Hanging Fruit First Start with the easy stuff. Toss expired beauty products, old spices, broken hangers, or that tangle of takeout cutlery. Small wins build momentum. 2. Focus on a Single Spot Pick one tiny area—like a drawer or a single shelf—and fully clear it out. Finishing even a small space can give you the push to keep going. 3. Set a Timer for 15 Minutes Give yourself just 15 minutes a day to declutter. You’ll be surprised how much you can tackle—and how satisfying it feels to make progress without burnout. 4. Implement the “One In, One Out” Method Bring something new into your home? Say goodbye to something old. It’s a simple rule that helps curb clutter before it starts.

5. Give Items an Expiration Date Struggling to let go? Box it up, label it with a date in the future, and revisit it then. If you haven’t needed it by then, it’s time to move on. 6. Pick 5 Things a Day Each day, remove five items from your home. Trash, donate, recycle—just let them go. Over time, that adds up to real change. 7. Put a Number on It How many coffee mugs, T-shirts, or earrings do you really need? Count your stash to gain perspective, and aim to pare it down by 10% or more. 8. Break Up a Set You don’t have to keep the entire set of inherited dishes or holiday decorations. Keep what you love and let go of the rest. 9. Hold On to Memories, Not Stuff Take photos of sentimental items instead of keeping them all. A digital album takes up zero space and still captures the emotion behind the object. 10. Donate Your Donations Don’t let donation bags linger in your hallway or trunk for weeks. Put them somewhere annoying—like by the front door or in your car—so you’re forced to deal with them. 11. Don’t Buy Organizers (Yet) Declutter first. Once you’ve cleared out the excess, you can decide what storage you actually need—and possibly repurpose what you already own.

13. Make It More Fun Decluttering doesn’t have to be a chore. Put on a playlist, sip your favorite drink, or turn it into a mini challenge. Make it something you can enjoy—or at least tolerate. 14. Think About the Real Cost Holding on to things takes up more than space—it can cost you time, energy, and peace of mind. Ask yourself what it’s costing you to keep an item, not just what it might cost to replace it. 15. Skip the Emotional Triggers—for Now If you hit an emotional wall when you come across certain items, don’t force yourself to decide right away. Label the box, set it aside, and revisit it when ready. 16. Invite a Friend Over Enlist a buddy to hang out while you declutter. They can keep you focused, talk you through tough decisions, or just make the process less isolating. 17. Remember: Not Everything Is a Treasure If everything you own feels “special,” then nothing really stands out. Choose the most meaningful items to keep, and let the rest go with gratitude. Ready to get started? You don’t need a weekend-long clean-out session. Start small, stay consistent, and let go of what no longer serves you. Your space—and your mind—will thank you.

12. State Your Goal Define why you’re decluttering—maybe it’s to create space for a hobby or simply reduce stress. When in doubt, ask yourself: “Does this item support my goal?”

Industry Confidential Check in every issue for the unfiltered thoughts of our guest writers and contributors as they discuss the hottest topics in sports tourism. In this issue, our guest writer discusses the subject of conference no-show appointments.

There’s an uncomfortable truth that needs to be addressed in the sports tourism industry: too many attendees at major conferences are simply not showing up for their pre-arranged appointments. It’s not just disappointing — it’s downright unprofessional. Year after year, industry partners, rights holders, and destinations invest tens of thousands of dollars in attending these events, only to find themselves sitting alone at a booth, waiting for meetings that never happen. As conferences continue to grow in attendance and influence, so does the frustration of sponsors, destinations, industry partners, and rights holders who rely on these one-on-one meetings to build partnerships, secure bids, and justify the substantial expense of attending. For many, participation costs include registration fees, booth displays and setup, hotel stays, flights, meals, and promotional materials — all assuming pre-scheduled meetings will be honored. When attendees skip out on these appointments without notice or follow-up, it isn’t just rude; it’s a breach of professional courtesy and a slap in the face to those who have made a financial and time commitment to be there. So, what’s causing the no-show problem? Lack of communication if something comes up. Look, we all know things happen, but if you must miss an appointment, be courteous, reach out to the person you have an appointment with, and make arrangements for another time. This shows professional courtesy for their investment, allowing them the time back to utilize for their goals (or simply grab a bathroom break!) Not enough time to cross large conference floor plans. We have all been there, it’s time to move to the next table, and you have mere moments to get to the next booth 10 isles away. While it’s on conferences to think through these logistics, there are things you can also do to help. Evaluating your schedule ahead of time,

and identifying these “long haul” appointments can help you be aware and even prepare. (This may be an appointment you try to move to another time, or connect with them at an event) Another factor is the nightlife culture surrounding these events. Networking is a valuable component of these events; it’s an essential element in building relationships and generating bonds with current and future clients. But if you can’t handle going out at night and also being ready to show up and be professional the next morning….. This issue becomes worse toward the end of the conference. On the final day, it’s common to see booths already broken down, tables abandoned, and attendees heading for the airport well before their scheduled commitments are complete. This behavior undermines the event’s professionalism and sends a clear message: “My time is more valuable than yours.” If we are to grow as an industry, then all stakeholders — destinations, rights holders, and industry partners — must take this issue seriously and collaborate to change the culture. Here are a few suggestions: Establish Clear Expectations and Consequences: Events like the Sports ETA Symposium include an enforceable code of conduct or participation agreement that outlines the importance of honoring appointments. Missed meetings without prior communication should carry a consequence, whether it’s a warning or a loss of priority for future events. Encourage Full Commitment Through the Final Day: Attendees should not be allowed to break down booths early. Conference organizers must enforce rules that booths remain open until the final session ends. If you’re scheduled for an appointment at 4:00 p.m. on the last day, you should expect that your meeting will happen and that your colleague will be present. Reward Reliability: Recognize attendees and organizations that complete 100% of their appointments, not just rights holders, but also destinations and industry partners. A small incentive—perhaps preferred booth locations, discounted registration, or public shoutouts—could go a long way toward shifting behavior. Reevaluate Conference Scheduling: If attendance consistently drops on the final day, maybe it’s time to shorten the event officially. But if it stays on schedule, it must be treated with the same professionalism as Day 1. The current pattern is unsustainable. It erodes trust, devalues investment, and undermines the professionalism we strive to uphold in this fast-growing and vital industry. Let’s stop normalizing no-shows and early exits and start holding each other — and ourselves — to a higher standard. It’s time for the sports tourism industry to show up — literally and figuratively. Because every missed appointment isn’t just a lost opportunity. It’s a message that professionalism doesn’t matter. And if we’re going to elevate this industry, that’s a message we can no longer afford to send.

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