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Conference Review - Innovation Think Tank
CONFERENCE REVIEW
The Sunshine Sports Council’s Innovation Think Tank took place February 4-6, 2025 in Clermont, FL.
The Sunshine Sports Council’s Innovation Think Tank has quickly established itself as a cornerstone event in Florida’s thriving sports tourism industry. Bringing together key stakeholders, visionaries, and industry leaders, the Innovation Think Tank offers a collaborative platform to tackle challenges and explore opportunities within an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Founded in 2020, the Sunshine Sports Council has been instrumental in enhancing the efficiency and impact of Florida’s sports tourism efforts. As a subsidiary brand of Raconteurs, LLC, the council aligns with the mission of the Florida Sports Foundation, often serving in an official capacity to support statewide initiatives.
At the heart of the council’s work lies its mission to foster cooperation among Florida’s sports tourism organizations. Through the Innovation Think Tank (ITT), this mission is realized via robust information exchange, meaningful networking opportunities, industry education, and a focus on legislative issues and public relations. The event serves as a dynamic forum where ideas are shared, refined, and transformed into actionable strategies.
The Innovation Think Tank (ITT) is a dynamic conference designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving among Sunshine Sports Council (SSC) members and invited guests. Participants have the unique opportunity to present ideas or challenges they are facing and receive actionable solutions and detailed feedback from their peers. SSC members participate in multiple Innovation Think Tank sessions, each tailored to specific themes or challenges within Florida’s sports tourism industry landscape. These sessions encourage open dialogue, idea-sharing, and creative thinking, ensuring diverse perspectives and innovative approaches.
Hosted by Ryan Ritchie of Discover Lake County, the 2025 Innovation Think Tank kicked off with a lively round of golf at Clermont National, offering attendees a relaxed yet competitive environment to network and bond. The evening reception at Home2Suites, sponsored by the Bradenton Area Sports Commission, set the stage for the days ahead, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Various engaging sessions occurred throughout the conference, starting with a powerful keynote address from Meghan McLean, COO of Special Olympics Florida. Industry experts like Kevin Smith from OnPoint Sports Strategies and Matt Dunn from Raconteurs and Salty Sports Society facilitated panels and discussions. Representatives from prominent organizations like the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association, the United States Rowing Association, and The IRONMAN Group also led discussions and sat in on panel sessions. These sessions focused on rights holder perspectives, best practices, innovative marketing, and operational strategies.
Amanda Shank and Heather Raburn of Unrivaled Sports presented a “Master Class” on the evolving landscape of youth sports and the private equity driving that effort.
Breakout discussions covered evolving trends in youth sports, the impact of name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities, and strategies for enhancing sports facilities. These interactive sessions encouraged participants to share their experiences and collaborate on actionable solutions. Athletes and coaches from the STAR Athletic Club such as United States Olympians Coach Dennis Mitchell, Twanisha “Tee Tee” Terry, Melissa Jefferson, and Aaron Brown (Team Canada).
As facility projects continue to rise, so does the art form of identifying how a new or retrofit project should be recognized and accomplished. All ITT attendees were divided into teams and participated in a group project using the many facilities at the National Training Center, including Track and Field, Aquatics, Cross County, Multi-Purpose Fields, and Softball. Each team put their assigned facility through an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The exercise yielded results by showcasing a facility’s various features and assets with those that may be needed to host future events.
Networking opportunities were abundant, with lunch and evening dinners at Suncreek Brewery and Clermont Brewing Company providing a more informal setting for participants to deepen professional relationships, including Trivia Night. These events, sponsored by key partners Punta Gorda/Englewood Visitors & Convention Bureau, Visit St. Pete Clearwater Sports & Events, Lee County Sports Development (Fort Myers, FL), Experience Florida’s Sports Coast, and Pellucid Travel, underscored the collaborative spirit of the ITT. The final day featured forward-looking discussions on the state of the industry, presented by John David of Sports ETA, and a vital session on security and safety led by Ryan Armstrong from Alpha Insight. The conference wrapped up with a member roundtable, allowing attendees to voice their ideas and set the agenda for future SSC initiatives through its Bright Ideas program.
Additional sponsors included Presenting Sponsor Pensacola Sports, Credential Sponsor Visit Sarasota, and Media Sponsor PUSH Magazine.
Whether you’re seeking advice on event creation, marketing strategies, or operational efficiencies, the Innovation Think Tank provides a supportive environment to brainstorm, refine ideas, and drive meaningful changes for all those who conduct sports tourism-related business in Florida.
Attend the ITT to collaborate with industry leaders, enhance your problem-solving skills, and contribute to the collective advancement of Florida’s sports tourism industry!
