CINCINNATI (February 10, 2025) – Sports ETA, the trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, has announced record-breaking achievements in membership growth, event attendance, financial performance, and resource development in 2024.

Membership Growth and Retention

In 2024, Sports ETA shattered its 32-year record for new members, welcoming 126 new member organizations and achieving a 12% year-over-year (YOY) membership growth, the largest increase in the association’s history. This builds on an 8% YOY growth in 2023. Member retention also reached an all-time high, with the membership loss rate dropping from 12% in 2022 to just 5% in 2024. Sports ETA concluded 2024 in the strongest financial position in its history, reflecting on its strategic focus and the active engagement of its membership.

“These results demonstrate the growing value of Sports ETA as a resource and partner for the sports events and tourism industry,” said John David, President & CEO, Sports ETA. “We are proud to support our members as they continue to innovate and elevate the industry.”

Record-Breaking Member Events

Attendance at Sports ETA’s signature events reached unprecedented levels in 2024:

• 4S Summit: Attendance soared by 80%, following a 22% increase in 2023.

• Chief Executive Summit: Achieved a 107% increase in participation.

• Women’s Summit: Grew attendance by 25%.

• Symposium: Marked a 14% increase in attendees.

“These record-breaking events have become critical platforms for advancing industry knowledge, networking, and collaboration,” said David.

Expanded Resources and Engagement

In 2024, Sports ETA introduced innovative resources and initiatives to empower its members:

• Achieved triple-digit growth in social media engagement.

• Continued success of the SEEN Podcast, connecting professionals and showcasing industry trends.

• Published five white papers addressing key industry challenges.

• Launched the Earned Media Calculator, a groundbreaking tool for measuring media impact.

• Released four new STLI Courses, advancing professional education and development.

“Our goal has always been to anticipate the needs of our members and provide tools that drive their success,” said David. “These resources represent our commitment to their growth and the industry’s future.”

###

About Sports ETA

As the only trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, Sports ETA is the most trusted resource for sports commissions, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), and sports event owners. Sports ETA is committed to the success of more than 750 member organizations and 2,400 sports event professionals. We promise to deliver quality education, ample networking opportunities, and exceptional event management and marketing know-how to our members to protect the integrity of the sports events and tourism industry.  For more information, visit SportsETA.org.

Contact: Jackie Reau, GameDay
(513) 708-5822 | jreau@gamedaypr.com