COLUMBUS, OHIO (June 3, 2026) -- Sports ETA hosted its 2026 Chief Executive Summit here from June 1-3, bringing together chief executive officers, presidents, and senior leaders from sports commissions, sports tourism organizations, and rights holders from across North America for two days of strategic discussions focused on leadership, industry growth, and the future of sports events and tourism.

The annual Chief Executive Summit serves as Sports ETA’s premier gathering for executive-level leaders to exchange ideas, discuss emerging challenges and opportunities, and collaborate on solutions that strengthen destinations and the sports events and tourism industry.

Throughout the summit, attendees participated in executive roundtable discussions, leadership sessions and peer-to-peer conversations focused on organizational growth, destination alignment, economic impact, workforce development, industry innovation and the evolving role of sports events and tourism in communities across the country.

Speakers at the Sports ETA CE Summit included:

• Ross Bjork, Athletic Director at The Ohio State University

• John Brich, Global Head of Hotels & Resorts, SearchWide Global

• Marty Dobek, Deputy Director, Detroit Sports Commission

• David Gilbert, President and CEO, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission

• Dr. Gary Johnson, Professional Speaker, Trainer, and Author

• Douglas Kridler, President, The Columbus Foundation

• Matt Libber, Executive Director of the Maryland SoccerPlex & Chair of the Board of Directors for Sports ETA

• Kathy Nelson, President and CEO, Visit KC and the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation

• John Norris, Executive Vice President, PGA TOUR Events

• Kate Oliphint, Director of the Center for HumanKindness, The Columbus Foundation

• Mary Shepro, President of Business Operations for the Columbus Crew
   

“Our Chief Executive Summit creates an environment where industry leaders can have meaningful conversations about the future of sports events and tourism, share best practices and strengthen the relationships that help move our industry forward,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. “The collaboration and leadership demonstrated throughout this event reflects the continued growth and impact of sports tourism in destinations across North America."

Greg Fante Named Sports ETA Executive of the Year

Sports ETA honored Greg Fante, President & CEO of the Louisville Sports Commission, as the 2026 Sports ETA Executive of the Year.

The Sports ETA Executive of the Year Award recognizes an industry leader who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and measurable success in advancing sports events and tourism while making a significant impact on their destination and the industry as a whole.

Fante has been a leader within the Louisville Sports Commission since 2007 and currently oversees the organization’s strategic planning, event attraction, marketing and community engagement efforts. Under his leadership, the Louisville Sports Commission has helped attract and support sporting events that have generated more than $1 billion in economic impact for the Louisville community.

“Greg Fante represents the very best of our industry,” said David. “His commitment to innovation, partnership development and destination leadership has helped elevate Louisville as one of the nation’s premier sports destinations. He has earned the respect of his peers across the country and continues to make a lasting impact on sports events and tourism.”
 

###

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 rights holders. Sports ETA is committed to the success of more than 800 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, Game Day
(513) 708-5822 | jreau@gamedaypr.com