CINCINNATI, OH (October 14, 2025) — The Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA), the leading association for the sports events and tourism industry, announced today the addition of Jordan Dillon and Raelyn Dessart to its Membership & Engagement team. Together, they will support Sports ETA’s mission to unite and elevate the organizations and professionals driving the sports events and tourism economy across the nation. “I’m excited to welcome Raelyn and Jordan to our team,” said Michelle Wessels, Senior Director of Membership & Engagement at Sports ETA. “They both bring incredible passion and fresh perspectives that will help us strengthen relationships, grow our membership, and continue driving engagement and participation across our events.” Jordan Dillon, Associate Director of Membership & Engagement, Rights Holders   Jordan Dillon brings more than 15 years of exper...

with Crista Samaras, Founder of Brave Enterprises

with Brad Synder, Deputy Director of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the United States Naval Academy, U.S. Paralympic Athlete, and Retired U.S. Navy EOD Officer.

CINCINNATI (For Immediate Release) – The Sports Events and Tourism Association (Sports ETA), the trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, announced today a new corporate partnership with Tanger®, a leading owner and operator of open-air outlet and lifestyle shopping destinations. Through this partnership, Tanger will serve as the presenting sponsor of Sports ETA’s Student Enrichment Program, a philanthropic initiative designed to support the next generation of sports tourism professionals through education and networking opportunities. The collaboration will introduce Tanger’s brand to Sports ETA’s broad industry network and provide opportunities for engagement across the sports events and tourism industry. “This partnership with Tanger demonstrates our commitment to connecting national brands with the sports tourism industry in meaningful ways,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. “Together, we wi...

A conversation with Adaptive Training Foundation Founder, David Vobora

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 25, 2025) – Sports events and tourism professionals — including nearly 90 first-time participants and 50 first-time Sports ETA event attendees converged in Annapolis this week for the 2025 Sports ETA 4S & Rights Holder Summit, held September 23–25 for three powerhouse days focused on Strategies, Services, Sales, and Sponsorships in sports events and tourism. Attendees gained cutting-edge insights from icons of sports business and military leadership, forged valuable partnerships, and explored the future of sports tourism together. Attendees were treated to a rare, behind-the-scenes conversation with baseball legend Cal Ripken, Jr. — Hall of Fame shortstop and member of the Baltimore Orioles ownership group. Ripken headlined a powerhouse keynote lineup that also featured MLB Network’s Melanie Newman, Brave Enterprises founder Crista Samaras, and Baltimore Ravens Director of Player Engagement Jameel McClain. Together, these le...

with Terra Alphonso, Chief of Corporate Business Development at Team IP. 

Welcome to the September 2025 edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, we are featuring The Monument in Rapid City, South Dakota.  Keep reading to the end for the “Key Difference Maker” as this insight can add perspective to your own facility.  Why is The Monument Important to Rapid City According to our partners, the Rapid City Sports Commission in Rapid City, The Monument is the centerpiece of live sports and entertainment in western South Dakota. It serves as a hub for community connection, regional tourism, and local traditions. From Rapid City Rush hockey and high school tournaments to national touring acts, The Monument provides the stage where memories are created and shared.  The Monument contributes tens of millions of dollars annually to Rapid City’s economy. Visitors attending games, concerts, and tournaments generate hotel stays, restaurant business, and retail activity that ripple across the region. The most recent ...

Sports ETA is excited to announce we are officially accepting proposals to host the largest and most influential gathering in sports events & tourism, our annual Symposium in 2029, 2030, and 2031. We want your destination to be part of our future. The Sports ETA Symposium unites 1,000+ industry leaders, destinations, industry partners, and rights holders. By hosting Symposium, your destination becomes the backdrop for the most powerful familiarization tour in sports tourism. For an entire week, 250+ rights holders, including both international and domestic rights holders, will experience firsthand what makes your destination exceptional. Hosting the Symposium offers unmatched benefits: Global platform with unparalleled exposure to 250+ rights holders from across the U.S. and abroad. Economic impact from 1,000+ attendees providing you the opportunity to showcase your destination to top sports tourism professionals ...

with Rico Tesio, Founder and CEO of Rico Solutions