2020 may be here, but don’t forget about all the work you and your organization did in 2019. It’s time for the Sports ETA Member Awards. Each year, Sports ETA honors organizations and individuals in the sports events and tourism industry that have done exemplary work within the past year. “Every member should consider submitting for an award because we all do amazing work throughout the year,” said Derek Bombeck, Sales Development Manager at Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau and Awards Committee Chair. “Submitting for an award acknowledges the hard work you have put into your events and allows you to be recognized at the Symposium among the top leaders in the industry.” The 2020 Member Awards activities, events, marketing campaigns, web strategies, etc. must have occurred between January 1 and December 31, 2019. The independent judging panel is looking for impact regardless of budget or staff size. Organizations of all sizes are encouraged...

CINCINNATI (January 6, 2020) – Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA) has appointed Janis Ross, CMP, CSEE as VP of Events & Experiences. In her new role, Ross will oversee the association’s major events and programs including the annual Symposium, Women’s Summit and 4S Summit, among other programs. Ross previously served as Executive Director for the Eugene Cascades & Coast Sports Commission for 15 years, where she developed the region into a premier sports event destination through strategic partnerships and the development of new facilities and events to drive tourism. Additionally, Ross was an active board member of Sports ETA for five years serving in various leadership roles including Chair of the Education Committee. She is also active as a board member for Oregon Track Club and a member of the MPI Meeting Executives Advisory Board. She earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s of business administration from Portland Stat...

While you may still be enjoying your holiday gifts, hundreds of college football players are about to receive more presents as they arrive at their bowl destinations. Sports Business Journal digs every year to find out what each player will get at their respective bowl games. Popular gifts include electronics, apparel, and gift suites, which are private events where game participants are allowed to select a gift or gifts up to a value determined by each bowl. The NCAA allows the committees to provide each participant with gifts totaling a combined value of $550. One gift that will not count towards that limit is the “History of The Bowls: Celebrating The Good of the Game” book. The NCAA gave committees a one-time waiver to provide the book to each player without it counting towards the $550. Here are some of the highlights for this year’s Bowl Gifts: -PlayStation Fiesta Bowl (College Football Playoff Semifinal): PlaySation PS4 gift package, Fossil watch, Ogio...