Among the numerous segments comprising a destination’s tourism portfolio, often exists sports and event tourism. These efforts may reside in any number of organizational structures from within a destination marketing organization (DMO), a government entity or stand-alone organization. The growth of sports and event tourism has been undeniable. The industry’s professional association originated with merely a dozen communities gathering to share ideas more than 25 years ago. Today, what would become the National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC), serves more than 840 members from across the country and beyond. As the go-to resource for the robust sports and events tourism industry, the NASC serves not only destination representatives, but just as importantly, sports and event rights holders looking for host destinations that can accommodate their events, venue and facility operators, and a plethora of industry suppliers. Destinations ranging in population from less ...

When you plan an event, there are many hurdles to jump over to make sure your event goes perfectly. With that being said, preparing for these obstacles and going in with a strong strategy to get things done is key. Here are five tips from “MeetingsNet” to help make your event go off without a hitch. Set clear goals and objectives While this might sound like an easy task, this task puts your team on the same page. You need to have an initial meeting to decide what the end goal is, how you will reach it, and when you will reach it. In this meeting, you can determine due dates and when check-ins will happen.      2. Prepare for the “what-if” scenarios You get one chance to deal with an unexpected situation. MeetingsNet suggests thinking of them early on so you can create a crisis management plan. The plan should have wiggle room for the surprise situations, but should also have something for each team member to work with.&n...

Soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, destination management organization… what do all of these have in common? Competition. Each one is competing to win the tournament, to win the meet, to win the event. Parents are spending an exorbitant amount of money on trainers, coaches, and advanced leagues to help their children excel in hopes of winning and future scholarships. Destination management organizations are investing hundreds of thousands (sometimes millions) of dollars to renovate and/or build the best sporting venues to attract large multi-day tournaments for multiple year contracts. As destinations look to sports tourism as an option to increase overnight visitation, resulting in additional tax revenues for the destination, the question is often asked “should we invest in our current infrastructure or build new sports facilities?” If the answer is yes, then the question of “how do we pay for those infrastructure improvements” usually follows. ...

Really?  Another article or blog about leadership from someone?  Yep – I know.  It seems as if we are constantly exposed to blogs, articles, stories, books, podcasts, etc. about leadership.  Why is this? My guess is because everyone has an opinion or idea about what leadership should look like.  In my humble opinion, there is no textbook formula, or perfect blueprint that says if you do A, B, and C you will become a “leader.”  A quick search on Google provided a multitude of options to review when it comes to leadership traits; Forbes listed 10, Inc.com 9, CNN 23, Leadership toolbox 7.  Wow, so many choices – which one is right? Please do not get me wrong – there are some very good resources that each of us can take bits and pieces of information from to add to our arsenal, and implement into what we do, or how we lead – if it “fits” the person, we are.  I believe you can develop leadership tr...

Want to create a successful sports event or tournament? If so, you’re going to need great sponsors which means a great sponsorship activation plan. The first problem with many people is they don’t truly grasp what sponsorship activation is. For many, they believe simply putting a logo on a banner or poster is considered a successful sponsorship activation. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In The Secret to Successful Activation blog, Eventbrite says activation “is where audience goals and sponsor goals come together in a way that achieves the outcomes of both parties.” Once you’ve successfully obtained a sponsor, now comes the activation. Eventbrite says it all starts with understanding what your audience wants along with what they don’t want. To do this, ask them questions- what do they love about your program or event? What didn’t they like? After collecting feedback, talk with your sponsors about the responses. Have they r...

The Certified Sports Event Executive program offers NASC members a chance to elevate their sports tourism careers to a whole new level.  With the opportunity to meet a variety of specialists from the industry and taking classes directed to give you a fresh, new look at the sports tourism industry.  For graduates like Kristyn Hawkins, this program enhanced her knowledge and experience in ways she never imagined.  As the current, Sports Tourism Sales Director at the Spartanburg, South Carolina CVB, Hawkins came into the program wanting to learn more about the best practices in the industry so she could bring that back to Spartanburg CVB.  She ended up getting that and so much more. “This program allows you to learn all aspects of sports tourism by learning from the top industry professionals,” Hawkins said.  Even more so, Hawkins recognizes that this program allowed her to build relationships and a support system to bounce ideas around.  ...

NASC Sports Legacy Fund to raise money for Knoxville’s DreamBikes Every year, the NASC Sports Legacy Fund awards an annual grant to an organization that provides opportunities in sports and encourages a healthy lifestyle. This contribution is part of the legacy NASC leaves. This year, the NASC Sports Legacy Fund is benefiting an organization in need in the host city of the 2019 NASC Symposium, Knoxville, TN, and we need your help to do so! Since 2009, the NASC Sports Legacy Fund has donated more than $140,000 to beneficiaries in the host cities of the NASC Symposium. DreamBikes, the 2019 beneficiary, is an organization that strategically places their stores in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods to give paid, hands-on job training to teenagers. Employees learn how to refurbish bikes, use POS software, and deliver great customer service. DreamBikes provides lifelong skills to their teen employees, helping them to shift gears and find a bright future. Help us, help Drea...

Definition of aha moment  : a moment of sudden realization, inspiration, insight, recognition, or comprehension I will be attending my seventh NASC Symposium this year, and with each one I have incredible “Aha Moments”.  From the definition noted above, I have experienced the following: A sudden realization that my destination can host events and play in this marketplace. Inspired by incredible leaders within the sports tourism industry that have made me see things in a slightly different way, changing my whole perspective. Incredible insight from my counterparts from all over the country on all the aspects of our work.  Recognition, with articles published, successful events achieved and the ability to show the impact of what we do for our communities. Comprehending all the processes from RFP to Recap. As we approach the next Symposium in Knoxville, I encourage you to take it all in and let yourself have those Aha Moments.  I wa...

FedEx and UPS rates are going up in 2019, and it’s more important than ever that NASC Members know how to mitigate the impact to their business. Here are a few things you should know about the changes to come: FedEx and UPS small package rates are increasing an average of 4.9% - effective January 7, 2019 and December 26, 2018 respectively. Your actual costs will vary. Depending on the service you use and your package characteristics, you could see increases above or below the average. Many common surcharges are also increasing. On top of the base rates, you need to be aware of the charges that apply to your shipments and how they’ll affect your total costs. PartnerShip®, the benefit provider that manages the NASC Shipping Program, has analyzed the FedEx and UPS increases so NASC Members can accurately prepare for the new year. Download the free white paper to see a break down of where you’ll find the highest increases and get a simplified explanatio...

Grab your dancing shoes, it’s time to tango with sponsors. Don’t worry, we aren’t here to teach you to salsa dance. Instead, we are here to help you build meaningful relationships with your sponsors. One of the simple ways to improve a sponsorship relationship, according to SBI, is elevating your sponsors. Give them a spotlight on your social pages, connect them with other business, or invite them to another event of yours. These easy tasks show them are thinking about them all year long. When it comes time to bring a sponsor in on an event, don’t create a cookie-cutter proposal. Add in your own flare that ties it all back to the sponsor. That could be a creative name, a giveaway, or a hashtag. Give them something they haven’t heard before. Sponsorships should be mutually beneficial. Sponsors want to support the team, but also have their brand well represented. Their happiness will be based on how well they are being recognized at your event. If y...