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Advocacy

Additionally, under Kidd’s leadership, Sports ETA developed a number of high-profile strategic industry partnerships including: LEGENDS, Destinations International, 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. With Kidd’s collaboration led by Dr. Stoll with industry partners, the annual “State of the Industry” report was revamped to be more inclusive of the total economic impact of the industry. The Sports Tourism Research Institute was also established to publish landmark research on a number of topics of interest to members.

”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. “The work of the Sports Tourism Research Institute will continue to strategically guide our membership for years to come.”

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

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