with Jason Sands, Vice President of Business Development at KemperSports Venues.

Williamsburg, Where America’s Journey Begins For the July 2026 Facility Showcase edition, Williamsburg is a fitting destination to spotlight as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th Independence Day. Visit Williamsburg, the Counties of York and James, and key tourism partners have come together to build a game-changing indoor sports facility for the region and the state. The Greater Williamsburg Sports and Event Center (GWSEC) is more than a venue; it is a catalyst for growth. In Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown—the Historic Triangle—America’s story first took root and continues to inspire. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the region remains a place where bold ideas rise, brave voices carry, and new visions take shape. GWSEC reflects that same spirit of forward-looking investment, advancing sports tourism and enhancing the sports experience in Virginia. Virginia’s New Playbook  Williamsburg may be best known for co...

The future of the sports events and tourism industry starts with investing in the next generation of professionals—and Sports ETA is looking for two talented interns to join our team this fall. We're excited to announce openings for a Membership & Community Impact Intern and a Membership Operations Intern, two paid opportunities designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experience within the industry's leading trade association. Whether you're a professor, mentor, industry leader, or parent of a student interested in sports, tourism, events or association management, we encourage you to share these opportunities with your network. Membership & Community Impact Intern This internship will support Sports ETA's membership initiatives while helping manage one of our most meaningful programs—the Sports Legacy Fund. The selected candidate will gain experience supporting community impact initiatives, member engagement efforts, and special project...

with Scott Bruscato, Discover Monroe - West Monroe's Executive VP of Convention Sales.

At the 2026 Chief Executive Summit, Sports ETA welcomed its first student participant through our new Student Enrichment Program, presented by Tanger—an initiative designed to connect emerging professionals with industry leaders through meaningful, hands-on experiences. While the program was created to give students a closer look at careers in sports events and tourism, the experience became something even more impactful. Keva Johnson arrived expecting to observe. Instead, she found herself welcomed into conversations, encouraged to participate in executive roundtable discussions, and treated as a valued member of the community. "The Chief Executive Summit exceeded every expectation I had. What stood out the most was how welcoming and inclusive everyone was. They encouraged me to jump into roundtable discussions and share my thoughts, which made me feel more like a peer than a student." Throughout the day, Keva met professionals from across the industry,...

with Gary Cimaglia, Vice President of Sport at Special Olympics North America

CINCINNATI, Ohio (July 1, 2026) — The Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA), the trade association for the sports events tourism industry, today announced its new Board of Directors leadership team and newly elected directors who will help guide the association's strategic direction and continued growth. The new leadership team was officially installed during Sports ETA's annual business meeting and will serve a one-year term. Executive Committee Board Chair: Clay Partain, STS, Chief Sports Officer, Sports Salt Lake Vice Chair & Chair-Elect: Melissa Thompson, Vice President of Bids & External Affairs, Indiana Sports Corp Secretary/Treasurer: Ryan Strickland, STS, Chief Operating Officer, Play Treasure Coast Sports Immediate Past Chair: Matthew Libber, STS, Executive Director, Maryland SoccerPlex "Sports ETA continues to benefit from exceptional volunteer leadership from professionals who are shaping the future of sports e...

The sports events and tourism industry continues to evolve—and Sports ETA is leading the way. In this episode of SEEN, we sit down with Sports ETA's new Chairman of the Board to discuss the future of the association, the opportunities ahead for the industry, and the initiatives shaping what's next.