NASC Playbook - December 2013

December 2013

Inside this issue: 2013 Year in Review CSEE/Market Segment Meeting Recap Nominating Committee/Member Awards Symposium Preview

Your Resource for the Sports Event Industry

NASC is pleased to offer the FREE NASC Shipping Program, managed by PartnerShip®. This FREE member benefit provides significant savings on every shipment. These savings go straight to your bottom line to help your business operate more profitably. There is NO COST to enroll and NO MINIMUM SHIPPING requirements to meet – only terrific savings!

SMALL PACKAGE

Save up to

27

%*

on select FedEx® services

LTL FREIGHT

Save

at least

70

%

on shipments over 200 lbs.

TRADESHOW

Get a discounted quote at TradeshowSelect.com/Quote

enroll online today at

PartnerShip.com/09NASC

29077 Clemens Rd. • Cleveland, OH 44145 • 800-599-2902 • sales@PartnerShip.com *Includes a bonus 5% online processing discount. Full details available at www.PartnerShip.com/09NASC/FedExdiscounts.

National Headquarters

9916 Carver Road, Suite 100 Cincinnati, OH 45242

Telephone/Fax

(513) 281-3888/(513) 281-1765

Websites

TABLE OF CONTENTS

www.SportsCommissions.org www.NASCsymposium.com

2013 Year in Review...................................... 4-5

Staff

2014 Membership Renewals...............................5

Don Schumacher, CSEE, Executive Director Lori Gamble, Associate Executive Director Beth Hecquet, CMP, CMM, Director of Meetings & Events Elizabeth Chaney Young, Director of Membership & Marketing Meagan McCalla, Member Services Coordinator

Board of Directors Officers

Terry Hasseltine, CSEE, Executive Director, Maryland Office of Sports, Chair Kevin Smith, CSEE, Director, St. Petersburg/Clearwater Sports, Vice Chair/Chair Elect Greg Ayers, CSEE, President & CEO, Discover Kalamazoo, Treasurer Ralph Morton, CSEE, Executive Director, Seattle Sports Commission, Secretary Gary Alexander, SR Vice President and COO, Nashville Sports Council, Immediate Past Chair

Directors

Mike Anderson, CSEE, Director of Sports, Visit Charlotte John David, Chief Operating Officers, USA BMX Jim Dietz, CSEE, Director of Sports, Columbus Indiana Visitors Center Tammy Dunn, CSEE, Sports Marketing Manager, Snohomish County Sports Commission Greg Fante, CSEE, Director of Sports Development, Louisville Sports Commission Kindra Fry, CSEE, SMP, Vice President of Sales and Marketing Bryan-College Station CVB John Gibbons, CSEE, Executive Director, Rhode Island Sports Commission Mike Guswiler, President, West Michigan Sports Commission Rick Hatcher, CSEE, Director of Business Development, PSA Ed Hruska, CSEE, Executive Director, Rochester Amateur Sports Commission Jeff Jarnecke, Associate Director of Championships and Alliances, NCAA Lou Mengsol, President, Innovations Consulting Michael Price, CSEE, Executive Director, Greater Lansing Sports Authority Janis Schmees Burke, CSEE, Executive Director, Harris County - Houston Sports Authority Holly Shelton, CSEE, Manager of Sports Business Development, Oklahoma City CVB Nancy Yawn, CSEE, CDME, Director, Round Rock CVB

Media & Public Relations Advisers Jackie Reau, Game Day Communications

Betsy Ross, Game Day Communications

www.SportsCommissions.org

CSEE/Market Segment Meetings Recap............ 6-7 Nominating Committee/Member Awards..............8 Sports Legacy Fund ............................................9 Economic Impact Feature.............................. 10-13 2014 NASC Symposium Preview.................. 14-15

2013 YEAR IN REVIEW What a year! As the two bars graphs so clearly demonstrate, NASC membership and symposium attendance continue to grow. Revenues kept pace as well, and the financial security of the association has never been better. And, if our conversations with members are any indication, the exceptional benefits of a member directed association have become important to each of you.

Five Year Membership Growth

491

531

570

621

661

Five Year Symposium Growth 772 621

2009

2010

2011

2012

642

565

2013 504

ORGANIZATIONS

2009

2010

2011

2012

When you combine growing membership with an understanding of the recession resistant nature of our business, we become attractive to those who wish to read the books we have written and get up to speed on what has been happening.

2013

ATTENDEES

The steady growth in membership is particularly encouraging.

Our progress has remained steady and sure, encouraging your board of directors to feel our emphasis on member services has been the proper course to follow. After all, the NASC is the only not-for-profit member directed association serving the industry.

It is quite obvious that the 2013 NASC Sports Event Symposium “hit it out of the park” in terms of year-to-year growth. It may be interesting for our newer members to know that the symposium is the oldest and longest running conference in the sports event travel industry!

This past year was also a record year for revenues. A result?

Your board of directors is currently reviewing a number of options that will result in even more services that will produce greater value for your membership.

As we continue to grow our membership, build upon our considerable resources, and provide ever more value 365 days each year, it is not surprising outside interests would want to capitalize.

After all, membership in an association provides very different and much more extensive benefits than a two to three day industry conference can provide. In terms of value, for less than half the cost to attend another industry conference in 2014, our members receive an annual membership plus a Symposium registration.

Think about it: a full year of membership benefits plus a registration to the industry’s oldest and longest running conference for half of what you would pay for just three days somewhere else! Talk about value!

Annual Membership Benefits

The NASC continues to develop benefits and services to make your organization more efficient and effective in the sports event industry each year including: • • • •

4

Online Directories Online Event RFP Database NASC Economic Impact Calculator Industry Research and Reports

• • • •

Job and Internship Board Models and Samples CSEE Program Best Practices Webinars

• • • •

Event Webinars Market Segment Meetings Sports Event Symposium Consulting Services

In a recent staff meeting, we came up with a list of NASC “firsts” that we think you will find interesting: • First and only industry association • First industry conference (and will always be the longest running) • First event owner marketplace (and the only one that focuses on the needs of destinations and event owners) • Only professional certification program (soon to be offered on-line) • First on-line economic impact calculator in the industry and the only one offered as part of your annual membership, saving many members at least $3000 a year.

• Only organization driven by the needs of its membership; we are, after all, yours • Only organization available 24/7, 365 days a year with premium on-line member services • Only organization that stands for industry best practices: we establish and reinforce best practices while others chat about things The more we think about it, the more we believe the NASC can be thought of as the National Governing Body for the sports event travel industry.

This is a proper role for a member directed not-for-profit national association: education and professional development for everyone in the business.

2014 Membership Renewals The 2013 membership year is drawing to a close, and what a year it has been! The NASC staff and board of directors thank you for your involvement and hope your organization values its membership as much as we value your continual support! We encourage you to take full advantage of all the benefits and resources that are available to your organization as a NASC member by renewing today.

As we look ahead, we are delighted to share exciting new initiatives and programs that will be launching 2014.

• Online module for Certified Sports Event Executive Program • Printed NASC Playbook to be mailed quarterly to each member organization • More customization for your online account • Personalized communication preferences to ensure you receive information about the benefits and services that are most important to you • New forums on the online message board based on membership type For questions, contact Elizabeth Chaney Young, Director of Membership and Marketing, at 513.281.3888 or Elizabeth@SportsCommissions.org.

Please know that your staff and board of directors are dedicated to delivering what you need to be continually successful.

Kindest regards from us all.

Don Schumacher, CSEE Executive Director National Association of Sports Commissions

www.SportsCommissions.org 5

2013 Fall CSEE Module and Market Segment Meetings Recap The NASC Market Segment Meetings in Colorado Springs brought members from around the country together to share best practices and discuss trends in their communities. Here’s reaction to the session: “It never ceases to amaze me how much knowledge is present in the room during Market Segment Meetings.

One thing is a constant-we all have the same, or nearly the same, problems, questions or concerns. With the varied experience we have at the Market Segment Meetings there is almost always someone who has solved the problems, answered the questions and satisfied the concerns we have.”

-Jim Dietz, CSEE, director of sports tourism, Columbus, Indiana Visitors Center

For the first time in its history, the fall CSEE module was held in conjunction with the Market Segment Meetings.

Attending the 2013 Fall CSEE module was one of the most enlightening forums NASC has shared. Trying to have the Sports Commissions/CVB’s working in tandem with their hotel partners is instrumental in being successful bringing events into their markets.

– Mike Hill, Senior Director of Sports Sales, Hilton Worldwide “It is imperative that in the eyes of the event organizers that the city brings forward their most compelling offer to the table. I can cite many instances where a city has won a bid against a competitor all due to the fact that the event organizer felt that the comfort level was in place that the whole community was working together for the same cause. “ --Mike Hill, Senior Director of Sports Sales, Hilton Worldwide

6

“I got a lot out of the CSEE segment in Colorado Springs.

First of all, housing is an issue that never goes away or is solved. The panels brought interesting and useful perspective to the subject. Pay to Play is a concept that I hope gains more momentum and can be put into place for more sports events in the future. “ Brad Hillard, CSEE, Community Sports Development, Sacramento Sports Commission “The Colorado Springs CSEE session was one of the best yet. Lively, informative and on point. Housing is a complicated subject, but one we all deal with on a daily basis. This session helped identify the real issues and shed some light on how to properly deal with them. The panelists certainly emphasized the importance of collaboration and effective partnering; without them we are inviting problems. Bill Geist certainly helped keep the sessions on target.”

-Jim Dietz, Columbus Indiana Visitors Center “Overall thoughts and takeaway: Solid group of experts to share thoughts and experiences, great attendance, a mix of people, good discussions on stay to play model. Hotel contracting and organizing the different parties involved in a housing event are challenges. May have an opportunity to help create some contracting best practices as well as some methodology, tools and templates to help educate rights holders, CVBs, etc. on how to manage their events more effectively and efficiently.”

-Craig Brummel, Anthony Travel The next CSEE module will be Monday, March 31 at the 22nd annual NASC Sports Event Symposium. To register for the module, select the “CSEE Spring 2014” module add-on when registering for the Symposium. For questions, contact Beth Hecquet CMP, CMM, Director of Meetings and Events, at 513.281.3888 or Beth@SportsCommissions.org.

www.SportsCommissions.org 7

NASC Board Nominations The NASC Nominating Committee is in the process of nominating six (6) new board members for 2014-2015 term (four (4) Active member representatives, one (1) Allied member representative, and one (1) Rights Holder member representative). The nominating committee is also in the process of nominating one (1) person who has served on the Board of Directors to serve as Secretary.

All nominations must be received by Friday, January 31, 2014. Complete nomination form at www.sportscommissions.org/About/Board-of-Directors/Nominations.

For questions, contact Terry Hasseltine, CSEE or Kevin Smith, CSEE, Nominating Committee Co-Chairs, or Elizabeth Chaney Young, Director of Membership and Marketing at 513.281.3888 or Elizabeth@SportsCommisisons.org.

The annual NASC Member Awards recognize the achievements of Active category members in the previous calendar year. For the 2014 Member Awards, activities, events, marketing campaigns, web strategies, etc. must have occurred in 2013.

Active members may submit entries for all five award categories. Rights Holder and Allied members may submit entries for the new Sports Event Professional of the Year award.

“We first established the awards program in 2002 to recognize the good work that our members conduct in their communities. They are all making large contributions to their communities through the economic impact of their events and the leadership and expertise they provide,” said Don Schumacher, CSEE, Executive Director.

Award Categories • Sports Commission of the Year • Sports Tourism Organization of the Year • Marketing Campaign of the Year • Locally Created Event of the Year • Sports Event Professional of the Year - NEW! Budget Categories • Under $200,000 • $200,000 and above Each award category is divided into budget categories based on your organization’s total annual budget. Total annual budget for sports commissions is operating budget.

Total annual budget for sports tourism organizations is total sports budget.

All awards submissions are due on Friday, January 31, 2014. Entries must be submitted online at www.sportscommissions.org/About/Member-Awards

by Friday, January 31, 2014. For questions, contact Elizabeth Chaney Young, Director of Membership and Marketing, at 513.281.3888 or Elizabeth@SportsCommissions.org.

8

NASC Sports Legacy Committee Selects Oklahoma City Charity as 2014 Sports Legacy Fund Beneficiary The NASC Sports Legacy Committee selected Oklahoma Cleats for Kids as the 2014 Sports Legacy Fund Beneficiary.

The Sports Legacy Fund, originally developed by the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Sports Commission as an equipment donation program, is a way for members of the sports tourism community to make a personal and lasting impact on the lives of underprivileged youth sports programs throughout the country. Each year the NASC partners with the host city of the NASC Sports Event Symposium to donate the proceeds from the Sports Legacy Fund to a worthy organization in the community.

Oklahoma Cleats for Kids collects, recycles and distributes new and gently used athletic shoes and equipment to kids in need. In its first year of operation in 2012, Cleats for Kids delivered more than 5,000 pairs of shoes, clothing and equipment. “We are looking forward to our partnership with Oklahoma Cleats for Kids,” said Ed Hruska, CSEE, executive director of the Rochester (MN) Amateur Sports Commission and chair of the NASC Sports Legacy Committee. “NASC always looks for an organization committed to reaching the community, and we feel Cleats for Kids does that for deserving youth throughout the state.”

“It is our honor to be chosen by the Sports Legacy Committee as the Sports Legacy Fund beneficiary for the 2014 NASC Symposium,” said Stacy McDaniel, president of Oklahoma Cleats for Kids. “Our vision for Cleats for Kids is to support every child’s right to develop a healthier lifestyle and build character by helping them get what they need to play and stay involved in sports. The NASC partnership will help support our mission.”

Courtesy of Oklahoma Cleats for Kids

View more about the Sports Legacy Fund at www.sportscommissions.org/About/Sports-Legacy-Fund.

For questions, contact Elizabeth Chaney Young, Director of Membership and Marketing, at 513.281.3888 or Elizabeth@SportsCommissions.org.

How you can help 1) Donate silent auction/ raffle items or equipment 2) Sponsor a silent auction/raffle table or make a cash donation 3) Bid on auction items at the Symposium 4) Purchase raffle tickets - 5 for $20 5) T-Shirt Drive: Looking to clean out boxes of old event t-shirts from storage? Ship them to Oklahoma Cleats for Kids or bring a few shirts with you and drop them off at registration.

Benefits for Donors •

•

•

Organization whose item raises the most money will receive a complimentary registration to 2015 NASC Sports Event Symposium Your organization’s logo will be included in promotional materials throughout the fundraiser and onsite at the 2014 NASC Sports Event Symposium Donation is tax-deductible

www.SportsCommissions.org 9

Re-Thinking Economic Impact Statements for Sports Commissions

by Betsy Ross, Game Day Communications

As our industry continues to maintain its momentum, we need to continuously re-think how we are consistently reporting our economic and community impact in each of our markets. Most importantly, we as sports commissions need to convey our role as an economic driver and how we are bringing our share of the annual $8.3 billion sports event industry to our communities.

remember that averages tend to under and over-estimate these impacts, and the best solution is to conduct event surveys whenever possible.”

Providing an economic impact figure for each hosted sporting event in your community is important but we believe there are additional impact statements that you should be measuring and sharing with your stakeholders and your general community.

It is time to rethink economic impact statements.

Last month, we developed a white paper on this topic as well as others. You can read the full white paper on our website www.sportscommisisons.org/Research, but here is a brief excerpt on economic impact statements.

We as sports commissions need to convey our role as an economic driver and how we are bringing our share of the annual $8.3 billion sports event industry to our communities.

We have compiled the ideas shared here from our research as well as a call to our NASC membership. We hope to continue the discussion with new ideas which we will host on our NASC blog: sportscommissions.wordpress.com.

As many of you know, NASC has taken a leadership role to establish parameters in defining economic impact and direct visitor spending as it relates to amateur sports events to encourage consistency in reporting such figures.

Last year, we released a national study in partnership with the University of Arizona Sports Management Program which determined that amateur athletic events bring in an average of $208.80 in direct spending per visitor, each day of the event. (These are direct spend numbers only… the economic impact produced will be higher depending upon each market.)

According to the study, “A wide range of spending patterns was reported, with major events like an NCAA basketball tournament session producing the highest average per day ($365) and youth-oriented events coming in as low as about $130 per day in individual spending.

These are the maximum and minimum numbers reported.

Sports executives, city officials, and others should 10

Courtesy of Na

shville Sports

Council

Economic and Community Impact Scorecard: Best Practices from the Nashville Sports Council Many of our NASC members have been capturing community impact beyond traditional economic impact for a number of years. One model for consideration is the Nashville Sports Council’s annual scorecard, created in 2001 and endorsed by the NASC. The five components of the scorecard with definitions are: Economic Impact: Results to the city, results to the NSC and to the event • Hotel nights are calculated by surveys and/or CVB room pick up and include total nights stayed and the average room cost per night • Visitor spending per person and per day • Operational spending is calculated into the total economic impact figure by reported spending from one or all of the appropriate groups: teams, event rights holders and/or NSC Involvement: Participants, spectators, media and volunteer involvement • Participants include athletes, coaches, officials and administrators • Spectators are calculated by the number of tickets sold and/or the estimated in attendance

• Volunteer numbers are represented by the total volunteers recruited and assigned by the NSC • Media is calculated by the total number of credentialed media at each event

Courtesy of Nashville Sports Council

Media Exposure: Exposure for the city/event from local, regional and national media including broadcast and news coverage of the event • Television is calculated by the compilation of time of national, regional and/or local broadcast (a media monitoring service such as Media Library can provide the number of impressions and publicity value) • Print is calculated by adding the column inches of all print coverage as well as the circulation numbers of the publications • Radio is calculated by the total number of hours that each event is broadcast • Website visits are calculated from page views on the NSC website as well as the rights holder’s website Performance Rating: Overall experience as rated by all of those involved • To calculate the performance rating, the following groups were surveyed during and/or after the event with the following rating scale (5 = Excellent; 4 = Good; 3 = Average; 2 = Fair; 1 = Poor) • Spectators • Teams • Media • Volunteers

REI Muddy Buddy Adventure Series in Nashville counts on their scorecard for involvement, media exposure and performance rating as well as economic impact.

www.SportsCommissions.org 11

Financials: Impact on the NSC, the NSC Foundation, charities or other organizations • Calculations of events (listed by each event with budget figures as provided) To facilitate the scorecard research, the Nashville Sports Council partners with Belmont’s Sports Management program with on-site sampling of event attendees. Figures are also calculated after each event and a final report is issued at the end of the year.

Traverse City officials also reported a traditional economic impact figure for the two youth tournaments at $3.4 million from the visiting 3,400 families but these additional impact statements provide a bigger picture for media and stakeholder reporting.

Economic Impact: Refreshed Talking Points for Your Stakeholders A scorecard presentation may also provide your organization with key talking points to share with media and community stakeholders. For example, Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce published a 2012 report titled: “Game On!: The Impact of Youth Sports on a Regional Economy.” A few of the economic impact statements from the report include the following anecdotes: • “Media income of a typical Michigan visitor is $67,000 while the media income of Traverse City youth tournament visitors is $124,000.”

• “The number of people brought to the Traverse City Area over the course of two weekends for two youth soccer tournament was 15,900, which included 91.2 percent from outside of the Traverse City area.”

• “The number of hotel, motel and B&B rooms occupied during youth tournaments was 2,000-2,500 or about one-half of all areas sleeping rooms (just under 5,000 total rooms).”

Traverse City, Michigan works to attract youth tournament such as soccer to attract events as well as young parents who might be interested in re-locating to the area.

12

Courtesy of Albany County C&VB

Additionally, the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau keeps a scorecard for each of their hosted events with additional metrics on a one-page brief that provides a snapshot of the following: • Business Sales (direct/total) • Sales by Source, i.e. attendees, organizer and/or exhibitors • Sales by Sector, i.e., business services, space rental, recreation, retail, food/beverage, transportation and/or lodging • Job Supported (direct/total) • Local Taxes • Net Direct Local Tax ROI • Room Nights Generated According to Gina Mintzer, CMP, MHA, Director of Sales at the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau, “We can’t talk about the economic impact enough so people know how important the meetings/conventions/sports events are as an economic driver to our community and the region. We focus on direct and indirect spending as well as how many jobs our events support.”

Economic Impact: Talent Attraction Efforts with Your Local Chamber of Commerce Another objective in the Traverse City report is to leverage the youth tournaments as effective ways to attract “talent” to their region, as parents of young athletes on travel teams tend to bring a mix of professional experiences that are attractive to growing economies. This concept of talent attraction to avoid “brain drain” in communities was first shared by Richard Florida in his book, “The Rise of the Creative Class,” which discusses how young professionals are choosing cities to relocate based on the city’s cultural and environmental offerings. Their employment is a secondary choice once they decide upon the city that best meets their needs.

Many cities are focusing on the talent attraction and retention piece of their economy with structured programs, usually led by the city’s Chamber of Commerce. For instance in both Cincinnati and Hartford, each market has a program called HYPE. In Cincinnati, the “Harnessing Young Professional Energy” program offers a young professional leadership program called C-Change, an annual new ideas summit called Bold Fusion and a variety of resources for employers to use in marketing the region to prospective new hires.

The Hartford Chamber’s HYPE Program offers an annual bowling outing for its young professionals.

The “Hartford Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs” program offers similar networking events to Cincinnati but has a focus on supporting local young entrepreneurs.

Think about what a partnership with your Chamber of Commerce might look like and how you can leverage future bids to host sporting events that attract this desirable YP audience. This type of partnership may lead to increased community and economic impact, new events to host in your city and new funding streams from company’s interested in YP talent attraction.

Courtesy of HYPE Cincinnati

www.SportsCommissions.org 13

Symposium Preview There are lots of reasons to visit Oklahoma City: Its up and coming NBA team, the Thunder; the horse shows; its world-class museums. But one reason to come to Oklahoma City in March is the annual NASC Sports Event Symposium, where the leaders in the sports industry gather each year to share ideas and make deals.

Another exciting, and productive, week is on tap at the NASC Sports Event Symposium, March 31-April 3, 2014 in Oklahoma City.

Whether you’re an event organizer, host organization or vendor, it’s a chance to gain industry knowledge and solutions, along with the opportunity to generate new business leads during the Sports Marketplace.

according to Janis Ross, executive director of Eugene, Cascades & Coast Sports. “Having face-to-face connections at Symposium has provided me with key contacts. I know I can pick up the phone and receive valuable advice from someone I met through the conference.”

“The NASC Symposium is simply the best resource to learn from experts in the sports industry and exchange best practices with your peers,” said Ralph Morton, executive director of the Seattle Sports Commission. “It is an essential destination for those serious about growing their organization and building relationships nationally.”

“We’ve attended the NASC Symposium for the last 8 years for three reasons,” said Gina Mintzer, CMP, MHA, director of sales at the Albany county Convention and Visitors Bureau. “One, Education – to stay on top of our game by knowing, understanding Industry leaders say and executing the no where else will trends in our sports attendees have the events industry to the – Ralph Morton, Executive Director, Seattle Sports Commission opportunity to connect, best of our ability; Two, or re-connect with this Networking – with many sports business sports event planners leaders from around and host destinations the country in one place, at one event where education is who know how to plan and produce the best events for as important as the networking. great success and to emulate them in Albany, NY; Three, Business – to actually meet and ultimately work with “In addition to outstanding education, marketplace individuals to bring their sports events to our destination appointments, and the opportunity to visit firsthand some successfully for participants, fans, governing bodies and of the best sports cities in the country, the most valuable our hospitality community. For these reasons, we are takeaway I receive from the NASC Symposium is active members and participants of NASC and the connecting with colleagues in the sports industry,” annual Symposium.”

The NASC Symposium is simply the best resource to learn from experts in the sports industry and exchange best practices with your peers. It is an essential destination for those serious about growing their organization and building relationships nationally.

14

And it doesn’t matter whether you’re a 20-year veteran of the sports industry, or just getting started, there’s something for everyone at the Symposium, whether it’s the larger presentations, or the more intimate breakout sessions.

“The NASC Sports Event Symposium is by far the best event for our industry to attend. What makes it so special is that it is organized and put together by a committee of our peers, NASC staff and the rights holders themselves,” according to Marissa K. Werner, sports & entertainment sales manager of Visit Milwaukee. “They have found a way to create a balance between great education and networking, while continually looking for new ways to improve each year. This is truly an educational conference that has helped me grow as a Sales Manager in the sports industry and in turn has allowed me to educate our partners on what the Sports Market means to the City of Milwaukee.”

we haven’t been seeing at other conferences or in webinars,” Ashleigh continued. “Since this will be my second year with a Sports Commission, the education portion is the piece I’m always drawn to. Listening to experts in their field and what works in our own communities is the highlight. I look forward to another Symposium where I get to bring back best practices and new ideas to my own community.”

In fact, among those who have attended the Symposium in the past, 97% of attendees would recommend the NASC Symposium to a colleague and 94% of all attendees stated that the NASC Symposium is essential for organizations that are serious about the industry. In addition, 97% of attendees rate the NASC Symposium as excellent or good and 95% of 2013 attendees plan to attend in 2014.

Here is a look at the 2014 NASC Symposium schedule: Monday, March 31 9 a.m.-noon Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum Tour 1 p.m.-4 p.m. The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City 2 p.m.-6 p.m. CSEE Spring 2014 Module 6:30 p.m.-7:15 p.m. First Timer Attendee Reception 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Bricktown Brewhahah

“The NASC Annual Symposium is very unique in that the content and schedule are largely designed by the members and the attendees which is why the networking and education opportunities are so outstanding,” according to Matt Meunier, national sports account executive at the Meet Minneapolis Convention & Visitors Association.

“Whether you are a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, the NASC has the tools you need to build your career and your pipeline.”

And speaking of first timers, they say they are able to take away a broader knowledge of the sports business after the Symposium. “After attending my first NASC Symposium last year, I was excited to volunteer my time to be a part of planning this year’s event. The committee has worked hard to bring another great event to all its members and I’m proud to say that I am a part of it,” said Ashleigh Bachert from the Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission.

“As many have said before, this is a great event to not only network and find out about business opportunities, but it’s also a wonderful education opportunity.

“I’m excited that there is more education for smaller markets to get involved with, as well as, some sessions

Tuesday, April 1 8 a.m.-9:45 a.m. Opening ceremonies & NASC Member Awards Breakfast 10:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Breakout Sessions 1-4 11:45 a.m. -1 p.m. Best Practices Roundtables Working Lunch 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. NASC Sports Marketplace 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions 5-8 6:45 p.m.-11:45 p.m. Welcome Reception 9 p.m.-midnight Extra Innings Evening Lounge Wednesday, April 2 8 a.m.-9 a.m. NASC Annual General Membership Meeting Breakfast 9:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Rapid RFP Review & Game Changers 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions 9-12 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Keynote Luncheon 2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. NASC Sports Marketplace 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Sports Legacy Fund Reception 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Open Evening 9 p.m.-midnight Extra Innings Evening Lounge Thursday, April 3 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. NASC Sports Marketplace 10:30 a.m.-noon Closing Celebration 1 p.m.-4p.m. The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City Visit www.nascsymposium.com for more information.

For questions, contact Beth Hecquet, CMP, CMM, Director of Meetings and Events, at 513.281.3888 or Beth@SportsCommissions.org.

www.SportsCommissions.org 15

Proudly hosting NASC Symposium in 2014