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...
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...
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...
We are officially under 100 days until the NASC Symposium! Are you joining us in Knoxville, Tennessee from May 6 through the 9th? Each year, leaders from event hosts, tourism professionals and industry partners gather to exchange resources, strategies and solutions.
A few reminders for those of you coming to Knoxville:
Do you have your hotel reservation? The hotel blocks are quickly filling up. Get yours today: https://www.sportscommissions.org/symposium/hotel-travel. Event owners -- NASC will book your hotel room.
Destinations: Register by 2/15/19 to be entered to win your top 3 mutually requested appointments (10 organizations will be selected)
Vendors: Register by 2/15/19 to be entered to win a free pre-symposium eBlast (3 organizations will be selected)
Event Owners: Register by 3/22/19 to be considered for travel assistance
You can start preparing for the 2019 NASC Symposium right now. Check out which event owners are coming and which destinations wi...
How CVBs and Event Partners Can Provide a World-Class Experience to Visitors
When you think of Disney World, what comes to mind? If you’ve ever had the chance to visit Mickey’s magical land, you know that every detail of every park and resort is tailored to create an immersive, unique experience to all who enter (and they do such a great job of this that they have a whopping 70% return rate for first time guests!).
So, what does Disney World have to do with us as event partners or host communities? Well, it’s safe to say that we’re all looking to provide the best possible experience to all of our guests so they continue to come back, year after year. It’s unlikely that most of us will be able to eliminate all litter at our events by ensuring that no trash can is ever more than 30 steps away, or create an elaborate system of underground tunnels for staff to travel between locations, but there are many other ways in which we can all work togethe...
A big win for two National Association Sports Commissions members as the National Hockey League selects two cities to host outdoor games in 2020.
The 2020 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic is headed to its southernmost location yet. The Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas will play host to the January 1st game. The contest will mark the first NHL regular-season outdoor game for the Dallas Stars. The game in 2020 will mark the 12th year for the first NHL Winter Classic.
The Colorado Avalanche will also host an outdoor game in 2020 at the United States Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs. The NHL Stadium Series will play at Falcon Stadium on February 15, 2020. The Avalanche’s opponent will be named at a later time. This is the second NHL outdoor game for the state of Colorado, and the first in Air Force’s history.
Congratulations to both Dallas Sports Commission and Denver Sports!
Read full article by NHL.
CINCINNATI, Jan. 15, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Association of Sports Commissions is getting ready for its 2019 program slate of four national conferences, which will bring the national membership and sports events leaders in the industry together for educational and networking opportunities.
The Women’s Summit from April 3-5 hosted in Tampa, Florida is developed by top female leaders in the sports events and tourism industry to help women achieve their career goals. Topics include building allies, breaking down barriers, personal branding and female entrepreneurship. Registration is open now: https://www.sportscommissions.org/education/womens-summit
The NASC Symposium, which will be held May 6-9 in Knoxville, Tennessee, will bring hundreds of sports events and tourism professionals and industry partners together to exchange resources, strategies and more. The Symposium features dozens of education sessions, networking opportunities, and business development...