FORT WORTH, TEXAS (February 18, 2025) – Sports ETA named Mike Guswiler, President of the West Michigan Sports Commission, Executive of the Year at its annual Chief Executive Summit hosted here this week.

Mike Guswiler has served over 30 years in the hospitality and tourism industry working for private and non-profit organizations focused on tourism economic development. Guswiler has led the West Michigan Sports Commission since its inception in 2007, where he oversees commission operations, the Meijer State Games of Michigan, and the championship-caliber Meijer Sports Complex, which the organization built, owns, operates, and is now managing a $13.5 million expansion slated for completion in early 2026.  

Under his leadership, the commission has booked 1,328 events attracting more than 2.4 million athletes and visitors, generating over $738 million indirect visitor spending since 2007. It was named 2023 Sports ETA Sports Commission of theYear (under 500,000 population). Crain's Grand Rapids Business named Guswiler one of the 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2023 and 2024, and a 2023 Newsmaker of the Year.

The Sports ETA Executive of the Year award is recognition of professional excellence, celebration of visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and profound impact within the sports events and tourism industry and our association.

“Mike Guswiler is a true leader for the sports events and tourism industry and deserves this prestigious honor to recognize his leadership of the West Michigan Sports Commission as well as Sports ETA, where he served as a former board member from 2010-2014,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. “We congratulate and thank Mike for his continued service and leadership.”

Sports ETA extends its sincere appreciation to Team Travel Source for their generous support as the sponsor of our Member Awards program. Their commitment to excellence and dedication to the sports tourism industry make them a valued partner in our mission to elevate and support professionals in this space. We are grateful for their continued investment in recognizing and celebrating industry leaders like Mike Guswiler, whose work drives the success of sports events and tourism nationwide.

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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.

About Team Travel Source
Established in 2012, TTS is a leader in tournament housing for youth sports. Their extensive industry knowledge and priceless city and hotel relationships give TTS the leverage to negotiate exceptional rates with all hotel chains throughout the country. TTS has partnered with over 200 tournament companies, manages the housing for over 3,000 annual events and books over 1 million room nights each year. TTS operates in a layered approach that provides sport specific management by professionals in each area that understand what makes your sport and events special. This layered approach is backed by dedicated teams that elevate our unmatched customer service  experience, innovative technology, services and revenue streams that have been valuable growth tools for our partners. TTS has increased the housing revenue for each partner by an average of  20% and focuses on assisting with the growth of client business in every way possible. For more information, visit TeamTravelSource.com.

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