FORT WORTH, TEXAS (February 19, 2025) – Sports ETA successfully hosted its annual Chief Executive Summit here this week from February 18-19, drawing record attendance with a 47% growth from 2024 for the two-day event to share sports events & tourism leadership trends with its senior membership.

The CE Summit was hosted by the Fort Worth Sports Commission, and sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach, Sports Richmond, Discover Puerto Rico, Florida’s Sports Coast, Competition Travel, and Hunden Partners.

“We thank Fort Worth for hosting our annual Chief Executive Summit where we convene our top leaders serving the sports events & tourism industry,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. “We enjoyed two productive days of meetings in this great city to discuss best practices, new trends and business opportunities.”

The CE Summit offered numerous educational and networking opportunities including keynote addresses by Sean Decker, President of REV Entertainment, a full-service sports, events, and entertainment company, and Executive Vice President, Sports & Entertainment for the Texas Rangers; Dan Hunt, President of FC Dallas, and Chair of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Dallas Bid Committee; Jason Williford, Executive Advisor, Culture Index; Stevi Carr, Founder + CEO, WISe Wellness Guild; Mike Millay, Managing Partner, Clancy’s Sports Properties; Chad Blankenship, President & General Manager, Ariat Texas Rattlers; Sean Gleason, Commissioner and CEO, Professional Bull Riders (PBR); Rob Hunden, CEO & Founder, and Jay Burress, Executive Vice President, Hunden Partners.

Mike Guswiler Named Executive of the Year by Sports ETA

Mike Guswiler, President of the West Michigan Sports Commission, 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 in direct visitor spending since 2007. It was named 2023 Sports ETA Sports Commission of the Year (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 honors professional success of its members who exemplify visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and an enduring impact on both the sports events & tourism industry and our association. This annual award recognizes an individual who has set the standard for excellence, pushed the boundaries of what’s possible, and consistently elevated our profession. Sports ETA Member Awards are made possible by Team Travel Source.

“Mike Guswiler is a true leader for our 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 David. “We congratulate and thank Mike for his continued service and leadership.”

2026 Host City of the Sports ETA Chief Executive Summit Announced

During the 2025 event, Columbus, Ohio was named the 2026 Host City for the Sports ETA CE Summit where the event will be held from January 26-28, 2026.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sports ETA and its members to Columbus for next year’s Chief Executive Summit, where we can share meaningful discussions with industry leaders on the future of sports tourism,” said Linda Logan, President & CEO of the Columbus Sports Commission. “As a city that embraces the power of sports to drive economic impact and community engagement, we are honored to be selected as the host for the 2026 Sports ETA CE Summit.”

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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.

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