Endurance sports events – like triathlons, marathons, and cycling races – are powerful drivers of tourism, community wellness, and destination branding. When aligned with local priorities, they generate significant economic returns, strengthen civic pride, and leave lasting legacies. This white paper outlines a framework to help communities and organizers unlock their full potential. Key Takeaways: Endurance events are complex, two-way education, shared language and strategic planning between event producers, host destinations and facilities is vital for event success. Alignment of short- and long-term goals should be part of agreement negotiations. (profit vs. public good, short-term tourism vs. long-term community value) Key Elements (ex. event planning, data collection, community communication) must stay deliberate and collaborative annually. Information silos, gaps in data and a lack of fresh and ongoing storytelling weaken the case for continu...

with Vince Trinidad, Sports ETA’s Facilities Programming Adjunct.

with Keytra Lewis, Associate VP of Spokane Sports. 

Welcome to the October 2025 edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, we are featuring the Western Sports Park in Davis County, Utah.  This is an expanded facility north of Salt Lake City that increases the sports facilities landscape of the region and the State.  Keep reading to the end for the “Key Difference Maker” as this insight can add perspective to your own facility.   The Western Sports Park, One “Seamless” Investment to the “Amusement Capital”  Davis County is home to a rich history, diverse activities and unique scenery. It might be the smallest county in landmass in the state, but they are the third most populated county in Utah.  Located approximately 20 minutes north of Salt Lake City, they proudly proclaim that they are the “Amusement Capital” of the state for their offering of adventures and opportunities not offered elsewhere in the state.  The team at Discover Davis...

with Dr. Jen Fry, Founder & CEO of Coordle. 

CINCINNATI, OH (October 14, 2025) — The Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA), the leading association for the sports events and tourism industry, announced today the addition of Jordan Dillon and Raelyn Dessart to its Membership & Engagement team. Together, they will support Sports ETA’s mission to unite and elevate the organizations and professionals driving the sports events and tourism economy across the nation. “I’m excited to welcome Raelyn and Jordan to our team,” said Michelle Wessels, Senior Director of Membership & Engagement at Sports ETA. “They both bring incredible passion and fresh perspectives that will help us strengthen relationships, grow our membership, and continue driving engagement and participation across our events.” Jordan Dillon, Associate Director of Membership & Engagement, Rights Holders   Jordan Dillon brings more than 15 years of exper...

with Crista Samaras, Founder of Brave Enterprises

with Brad Synder, Deputy Director of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the United States Naval Academy, U.S. Paralympic Athlete, and Retired U.S. Navy EOD Officer.

CINCINNATI (For Immediate Release) – The Sports Events and Tourism Association (Sports ETA), the trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, announced today a new corporate partnership with Tanger®, a leading owner and operator of open-air outlet and lifestyle shopping destinations. Through this partnership, Tanger will serve as the presenting sponsor of Sports ETA’s Student Enrichment Program, a philanthropic initiative designed to support the next generation of sports tourism professionals through education and networking opportunities. The collaboration will introduce Tanger’s brand to Sports ETA’s broad industry network and provide opportunities for engagement across the sports events and tourism industry. “This partnership with Tanger demonstrates our commitment to connecting national brands with the sports tourism industry in meaningful ways,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. “Together, we wi...

A conversation with Adaptive Training Foundation Founder, David Vobora