More than 1,100 Sports Events & Tourism Professionals Gather for Industry’s Premier Event

TULSA, OKLAHOMA (April 18, 2025) – Sports ETA, the leading trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, hosted its largest-ever Symposium in Tulsa, Oklahoma, April 14–17 at the Arvest Convention Center. The record-breaking event welcomed more than 1,100 industry professionals for four days of education, networking, and business development opportunities.

“We are incredibly grateful to the team in Tulsa for their outstanding hospitality and partnership in hosting this year’s Symposium,” said John David, President & CEO of the Sports Events & Tourism Association. “The energy and engagement throughout the week underscored the strength and growth of our industry. From meaningful conversations on emerging trends to impactful education and networking, it was a fantastic week in a truly great American city.”

Sports ETA Unveils 2024 State of the Industry for the $114 Billion Economic Impact from Spectator Sports Tourism

Sports ETA released its latest State of the Industry: Spectator Sports Tourism - 2024 report, spotlighting the impact of spectator sports tourism across America. The 2024 study revealed that spectator sports tourism generated $47.1 billion in direct spending, powering a total economic impact of $114.4 billion and supporting 664,860 full-time and part-time jobs across the country. It also contributed $8.5 billion in state and local tax revenues. The new data shows that 109.7 million non-local attendees traveled 50 miles or more to attend sporting events in 2024, with 63.5 million staying overnight. The full release is here.

New Sports ETA Board Members Announced at 2025 Symposium
Also at the 2025 Sports ETA Symposium, the election of one new officer and six new board members representing destinations, industry partners, and rights holders were announced.

Melissa Thompson, Vice President of Bids and External Affairs at Indiana SportsCorp, was elected as the new Secretary/Treasurer of Sports ETA. A native of Indianapolis, Thompson has deep experience in event bidding, community engagement, and government relations, and she continues her long-standing service to the Sports ETA board.

Elected as New Directors are:

• Jerrine Lee, Vice President of Sales, Richmond Region Tourism

• Jonathan Paris, Executive Director of Sports Tourism, Visit Myrtle Beach

• Jason Sands, Executive Director, Fort Worth Sports Commission

• Anthony Terling, STS, Sports Development Director, Auburn-Opelika Tourism

• Ashley Whittaker, Partner and SVP of Marketing at The Sports Facilities Companies

• Amanda Shank, EVP of Business Development & Brand Strategy at Unrivaled Sports
   

2025 Sports ETA Member Awards announced
Ten organizations and individuals were honored with the annual Sports ETA Member awards, powered by Team Travel Source, and they are:

Superior Service Award:
Huddle Up Group

Honored for their industry-leading consulting services, Huddle Up Group delivered 13 strategic plans, seven feasibility studies, and helped clients secure 41% of NCAA bids in 2024. Their 100% referral or repeat client base underscores their unmatched credibility and value in the industry.

Event or Program Impact of the Year – Population Below 500,000:
Go Great Lakes Bay of Michigan
The 2024 CHL Memorial Cup generated $40 million in economic impact and delivered a lasting legacy of accessibility improvements, including a $1 million elevator installation, an inspiring example of inclusion and infrastructure investment.

Event or Program Impact of the Year – Population 500,000 and Above:
Detroit Sports Commission
With $213 million in economic impact, 21 billion media impressions, and $1.7 million directed to youth nonprofits, the 2024 NFL Draft showcased how Detroit maximized its moment on the national stage through sports and social responsibility.

Event Partnership of the Year – Population Below 500,000:
Go Great Lakes Bay & Canadian Hockey League

This historic collaboration brought the CHL Memorial Cup to the U.S. for the first time in 26 years, delivering a $40 million impact and launching seven community-driven legacy projects in Saginaw, Michigan.

Event Partnership of the Year – Population Over 500,000:
Indiana Sports Corp & USA Swimming
The 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Indianapolis generated $130 million in impact and created a model for sustainability and safety. Their “Swim IN Safety” initiative trained 50,000 individuals and ensured pool reuse, leaving a lasting legacy.

Rising Star Award:
Lance Fite, Visit Mesa
In just four years, Fite ascended from Director to Vice President of Sports, boosting Visit Mesa’s profile through significant event growth and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the industry.

Sports Tourism Organization of the Year – Population Below 500,000:
Go Rockford
Hosting more than 80 events and producing nearly $24 million in impact, Go Rockford fills 90% of annual hotel bookings through sports tourism, a powerhouse in small-market destination success.

Sports Tourism Organization of the Year – Population Over 500,000:
Visit Central Florida Sports
With over 300 events spanning 34 sports and 64 venues, this organization generated $211 million in impact while investing in community engagement, infrastructure, and youth development.

Sports Commission of the Year – Population Below 500,000:
Greater Cleveland Sports Commission
Delivering $111 million in impact from 20 major events—including the NCAA Women’s Final Four—this commission set itself apart with inclusive outreach and lasting community legacies.

Sports Commission of the Year – Population Over 500,000:
Indiana Sports Corp
Recognized for hosting marquee events and launching a visionary 25-year “2050 Vision” strategy, Indiana Sports Corp continues to lead nationally through strategic planning, innovation, and legacy-building.

Sports Tourism Strategists Graduates Honored
Nearly 40 sports tourism professionals were honored at the Sports ETA Symposium for the completion of their Sports Tourism Strategist designation or STS program, which is the leading-edge education institute for the sports events and tourism industry offering topical content, in-depth and industry-leading certificate programs. They are:

• Alex Aguero, STS–Compete College Station

• Sydni Alexander, STS – Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources

• Robert Anders, STS – City of Brownwood

• Caryn Bradshaw, STS – Sports Salt Lake

• Jared Bruggeman, STS – Joplin Sports Authority

• Patrick Cansfield, STS – American Junior Golf Association

• Tommy Cassel, STS –  Lee County Sports Development

• Amanda Ford, STS – Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

• Lucas Gebhart, STS  – Boise Convention & Visitors Bureau

• Gregory Gelinas, STS – Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission

• Kayla Glazebrook, STS – Experience Florida’s Sports Coast

• Angela Gandy, STS– Albuquerque Sports Commission

• Becky Harsch, STS– Visit KC

• Breanna Hicks, STS – Experience Kissimmee

• Fergus Hyke, STS – Tacoma Pierce County

• Emily Jimenez, STS - Corpus ChristiSports Commission

• Ryan Jones, STS – Experience Kissimmee

• Shellie Kichler, STS – Foley Sports Tourism

• Breanna Lopez, STS – Visit Tucson Sports

• Breanna Martinez,STS – Corpus Christi Sports Commission

• Scott McLaughlin, STS – Visit Charlotte

• Amanda Morgan, STS – Visit Charlotte

• Amy North, STS – Greater Columbus Sports Commission

• Abby Owens, STS – Explore Utah Valley

• Terry Parks, STS – Florida Space Coast Office of Tourism

• Karissa Pendleton, STS – Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau

• Timothy Ray, STS – Cobb Travel & Tourism/Cobb Sports Alliance

• Jay Richardson,STS – Sports Hampton

• Brittany Roh, STS– Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events

• Andrew Salomon, STS – MGM Resorts International

• Brett Sanford, STS – Visit Indy

• Tim Shelton, STS– GoGreat Lakes Bay in Michigan

• Hannah Shiver, STS – Visit Dothan

• Max Smith, STS –BWH Hotels

• Sarah Tarnowski, STS – Peachtree City Convention & Visitors Bureau

• Taylor Walker, STS – Visit Tallahassee Sports

• Mike Wattigny, STS – FRESHJUNKIE Racing

• Caleb Wilson, STS– Greensboro Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

• Vaughn Woodshick, STS – Valley Forge Sports

• Jazmin Zavala, STS – Visit Fort Wayne

    Three new members inducted into the Sports ETA Hall of Fame
Three leaders in the sports events and tourism industry were enshrined into the Sports ETA Hall of Fame, powered by Albuquerque Sports Commission, at the Symposium. The new Hall of Fame members are: Linda Logan, CEO and President of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission; Jon Lugbill, Executive Director, Sports Backers; and Frank Viverito, retired President & CEO of the St. Louis Sports Commission.

The Sports ETA Hall of Fame is a lifetime achievement award recognizing long-standing and significant accomplishments in, and major contributions to, the industry trade association, Sports ETA, and the overall sports tourism industry. The Sports ETA Hall of Fame was launched in 2017, and there have been six induction classes with 21 honorees.

Sports Legacy Fund Makes a Financial Contribution to The Center in Tulsa

The Sports Legacy Fund, the philanthropic arm of Sports ETA, continued its commitment to supporting inclusive community programs by making a financial contribution to The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges in Tulsa during the 2025 Sports ETA Symposium.

Through the generosity of Sports ETA members, the organization donated $18,000 to The Center, which provides adaptive recreational, educational, and wellness programs for individuals with physical disabilities. The partnership underscores Sports ETA’s mission to leave a lasting, positive impact on the host communities of its annual events.

“The Center embodies the spirit of resilience, accessibility, and community,” said David. “We’re proud to support their efforts in providing life-enhancing programs for individuals with physical challenges and to contribute to a more inclusive future for sports and recreation.”

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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 700 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.