with Melissa Wideman, a logistics expert specializing in major sporting and political events.
with Sports ETA's very own Raelyn Dessart, Associate Director of Membership & Engagement - Destinations & Industry Partners, and Jordan Dillon, Associate Director of Membership & Engagement - Rights Holders.
When Winter Storm Fern forced the cancellation of the original January dates for the 2026 Chief Executive Summit, the decision was clear — and incredibly difficult. With a Level 3 Snow Emergency in place and travel prohibited, safety had to come first.
But what happened next speaks volumes about this community.
The response from Sports ETA members was immediate and overwhelming: Reschedule it.
We heard you.
Thanks to the strength of this community — and the extraordinary partnership of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and the Hilton Columbus Downtown — we are excited to announce that the 2026 Chief Executive Summit has been rescheduled for June 1–3, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio.
A Summit Worth Coming Back For
This year’s Chief Executive Summit was on track to be our largest yet, with record registration and an energy that reflected the momentum of our industry.
That momentum hasn’t gone anywhere.
The rescheduled Summit will...
For our March 2026 edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase, we are traveling to the Pacific Northwest. The Snohomish County Sports Commission (SCSC) has been making an impact for the pacific northwest since 2005. Located just north of Seattle, WA, it is the third most populated county in the state.
One of the key sport facilities for SCSC, is the Meadowdale Playfields in Lynnwood, WA. The SCSC overall organizational motto is “Dedication. It’s how we do things.” This one phrase is felt in sports hosted and those that experience the Meadowdale Playfield. Make sure to keep reading to the end for the “Key Difference Maker” section.
#PlayPNWSports
The SCSC is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the economy, community image, and quali...
CINCINNATI (March 17, 2026) – Three leaders in the sports events and tourism industry will be enshrined into the Sports ETA Hall of Fame, powered by Albuquerque Sports Commission, at the organization’s annual Symposium in April. The new Hall of Fame members announced today are:
Tara Green, Principal, Public Realm Strategies, OJB
Ray Palmer, President and CEO, Pensacola Sports
Tammy Dunn, Executive Director, Snohomish County Sports Commission
Induction into the Sports ETA Hall of Fame represents one of the highest honors in the sports events and tourism industry, recognizing individuals whose careers have helped shape and advance the field.
The three honorees will be formally inducted during the Sports ETA Symposium in Las Vegas, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, as part of the association’s annual celebration of leadership in sports tourism. The Sports ETA Hall of Fame, sponsored by Albuquerque Sports Commission, recognizes individuals ...
with Thomas Epps, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, and Lynn Epps, Chief Operating Officer, of Legends2Legacy
with Tempe Tourim's Michael Martin, President & CEO, and Luchie Javelosa, Senior Sports Sales Manager.
with Glen Hollingsworth, Director of Events at USA Fencing
with Jason Chance, Owner of TCR Event Management and Owner/Operator of Revolution 3
Your voice matters—and your data helps move our industry forward.
If you’ve completed the Sports ETA State of the Industry Survey, download this graphic and share it on your social channels to show your support for the future of sports tourism. Be sure to tag Sports ETA and use #SportsETASOTI and #YourInsightsMatter so we can amplify your leadership.
Haven’t taken the survey yet? There’s still time. Complete the survey before March 2, then post this graphic to let the industry know you helped shape the future of sports tourism.
Together, we tell the story.