TAMPA (April 7, 2025) -- The 2025 Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA) Women’s Summit was held in conjunction with the NCAA Women’s Final Four and proudly hosted by the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. From April 2–4, female leaders from across the sports events and tourism industry—including representatives from CVBs, sports commissions, rights holders, and industry partners—gathered to explore emerging trends and exchange best practices in business, leadership, and advocacy. This year’s Summit marked a milestone moment, with a 60% increase in attendance—making it the largest and most impactful gathering in the event’s history.
Expert Panelists Present at the Sports ETA Women’s Summit
The lineup of keynote speakers included the following:
Claire Lessinger, Tampa Bay Sports Commission
Linda Logan, Greater Columbus Sports Commission
Taylor Obersteadt, WIN for KC
Natasha Reyes, Sport Oregon
Kourt...
What Stands Out at Symposium Appointments: Part Two with Patrick Cansfield, Director of Development at American Junior Golf Association.
TAMPA, FL (April 3, 2025) -– The Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA) announced today that Marissa Werner, Director of Sports Milwaukee at VISIT Milwaukee, has been named the 2025 Sports ETA Woman of the Year. The award was presented today during the annual Sports ETA Women’s Summit, as part of the NCAA Women’s Final Four.
This prestigious honor celebrates a woman who has demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and commitment in the sports events and tourism industry.
Werner, who launched and now leads Sports Milwaukee, a division of VISIT Milwaukee, has played an instrumental role in elevating Milwaukee as a destination for premier sporting events and advocating for health and wellness through community engagement.
“Marissa Werner’s recognition as Sports ETA’s Woman of the Year is a testament to her incredible passion for health and wellness in our community as well as her relentless dedication to bringing world-...
What Stands Out at Symposium Appointments with Justin Travis, USA BMX Director of Business Development.
Welcome to the March 2025 edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, the spotlight is on eastern Virginia’s Henrico Sports & Events Center in the metro Richmond, VA area. Keep reading to the end for the “Key Difference Maker” as this insight can add perspective to your own facility.
Behind-the-Scenes Innovation
The centerpiece of the Henrico Sports & Events Center (HSEC) is a state-of-the-art, center-hung Daktronics video board. This colossal display serves as a dynamic hub of information, delivering real-time game statistics, instant replays, and captivating visuals to enhance the spectator experience. The video board's high-resolution imagery and vivid colors ensure that every fan, regardless of their seating location, can feel intimately connected to the action at the Center.
Complementing the video board's capabilities is an AV Control Room, a nerve center that orchestrates the seamless integration of audio and ...
Developing a Compelling Presentation that Resonates with your Audience with David Sheller, Founder of Sheller Visual.
A conversation with Jay Holder, the Executive Director of Running USA
CINCINNATI (March 10, 2025) – Three leaders in the sports and events 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: Linda Logan, CEO and President of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission; Jon Lugbill, Executive Director, Sports Backers; and Frank Viverito, retired President & CEO of the St. Louis Sports Commission.
The Sports ETA Hall of Fame is a lifetime achievement award recognizing long-standing and significant accomplishments in, and major contributions to, the industry trade association, Sports ETA, and the overall sports tourism industry. The Sports ETA Hall of Fame was launched in 2017, and there have been six induction classes with 21 honorees.
“Sports ETA is honored to welcome three new members into the association’s prestigious Hall of Fame,” said John D...
with Ron Eifert, Director of Sales at Destination Dayton, and Scott Debolt, Executive Director of UD Arena.
Sports tourism represents a lucrative and rapidly growing sector, offering unparalleled opportunities for destinations to
attract visitors, stimulate local economies, and showcase their
unique identities.
In the competitive world of sports tourism, strategic merchandising and digital solutions play a crucial role in enhancing destination branding, engaging visitors, and driving economic impact.
Key Takeaways:
Merchandising Strengthens Destination Branding: Over 53% of organizations recognize destination branding as a key outcome of sports tourism, with branded merchandise serving as a powerful tool for increasing visibility and recognition.
Branded Merchandise Drives Fan Engagement & Loyalty: High-quality, well-designed promotional products create lasting connections with visitors, reinforcing brand affinity beyond the event experience.
E-Commerce Expands Reach & Revenue: Leveraging digital platforms for sports merchandising enhances accessibility, boosts sale...