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A new year can bring the same troubles for event spaces. One of the biggest questions is how do you attract events to your venue or city. We found a few simple venue promotion ideas, thanks to Eventbrite. 1. Start with a Refresh It’s a simple idea, but it could really help. Review your website, social media channels and marketing. Make sure it’s up-to-date, on brand, and it’s selling your venue. 2. Update Photography This is the same idea as a refresh. If your pictures are outdated or grainy, it might be time to take a few new pictures. Don’t be afraid to include action in your photos whether it’s a team scrimmage or parents in the stands. This allows any potential client to visualize themselves in your venue or city. 3. Create a Virtual Tour Go one step further than photos. Give potential clients a 360° tour of your space on your website. EventBrite suggests getting started with a service like Google’s Tour Creator to showcase ...

I was lucky enough to attend the Inaugural Women’s Summit last year in Columbus, OH. I wasn’t sure what to expect with it being the first year that NASC put something like this together – it was great, everyone was a first timer! The first gathering of the Summit was the opening reception. It was relaxed and a great opportunity to meet other women in the industry. I met several colleagues I had not had the pleasure of meeting before, and are now friends. The thing I enjoy most about NASC events (Symposium, 4S, and now Women’s Summit) is the opportunity to meet others in the industry. I’m able to take the relationships I build and use it as a help line with any questions I may have regarding the sports world. The second day we had inspiring speakers, opportunities to talk about issues we encounter in our jobs as a group and were able to experience Tourney Town for Women’s Final Four (probably my favorite part of the event.) Not only was I able t...

CINCINNATI (For Immediate Release) – The National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC) and Stoll Sports Strategies, led by Jennifer Stoll, has formed a partnership to launch new research and educational initiatives for the sports tourism trade association, beginning January 1, 2019. Stoll, who led the Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission for the past five years and has been a long-time member of the NASC, will work with NASC leadership and members as well as tourism industry partners to create the Sports Tourism Learning Institute, a new research service and education arm for the organization. Additionally, she will produce industry reports and white papers to share with the NASC membership. “Jennifer will be a key leader in assisting a revamp of the NASC education products and services in the sports events and tourism industries to help our membership and industry partners stay ahead of the trends and business opportunities,” said Al Kidd, CEO of the Na...

It’s hard to believe the holidays are here and 2019 is just weeks away.  It’s a wonderful time to spend with family, enjoy the company of friends and reflect on 2018.  It’s also the time of year people begin to make their annual resolutions for changes they would like to make in the coming year.  While making your New Year’s resolutions, don’t forget to about your job and changes you would like to make there as well.  Here are my resolutions to help get you started… My first resolution for 2019 is to better develop the relationship I have with my Parks & Recreation department.  While some cities have amazing private sports parks or school facilities to utilize, many of us rely a great deal on our public parks to host many of our events.  As cities to continue to grow and the availability of open field time shrinks, a great relationship with your parks and recreation staff can help overcome facility obstacles.&nbs...

Stuck on how to share information on Destinations International's Event Impact Calculator with the media in your community? Take a look at how Louisville Tourism is doing it: Calculating Individual Economic Impact of Louisville’s Conventions and Events In 2017, the LCVB transitioned to a new EIC (Economic Impact Calculator) which takes into account more variables than previous models. The Destinations International Event Impact Calculator (EIC) is the official industry standard for measuring the Estimated Economic Impact (EEI) of an event. Once event specific data is entered into the system (dates, attendance, room nights, number of exhibits, etc.), the calculator uses eight different sources of industry data (including city-specific data such as average room rate) to compile a complete event impact analysis. This model uses data provided by the organizing body such as anticipated room nights, attendance, ticket sales, length and type...

The NASC Symposium is a unique opportunity to share your experience, expertise and best practices with sports event professionals. We are seeking a combination of peer-to-peer sessions, as well as presentations from subject matter experts to deliver the best educational opportunities for all disciplines in the sports event and tourism industry. We invite you to submit a proposal for the 2019 NASC Symposium taking place May 6-9 in Knoxville, TN. Submit a Proposal If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at info@sportscommissions.org or 513.281.3888.

I must confess that I do not read as much as I should, something that I hope to change in the New Year. My neighbor is retired and he spends a lot of time in and around his yard. His efforts there are productive as he has a great lawn and it looks amazing through the growing cycle. Many years ago, on our Public Television Station there was a regular program that was hosted by Jerry Baker, America’s Master Gardener. My wife recently purchased a book from him, “Fast Fixes and Miracle Mixes for your Lawn and Garden.” Inside, is over 300 pages of lawn care cures and home remedies for your lawn and garden. Our winter here in Dayton, OH seems to have started early as we had our first snow and ice in mid-November. I did not get around to it, but one of the recipes in the book for Fall Lawn Food application included: 1 bag of low-nitrogen dry lawn food (enough for 2,500 square feet) 3 lbs. of Epsom Salts 1 cup of gentle dry laundry soap (not detergent)...

The Winter 2018-2019 edition of the NASC Playbook is available now.  Download your copy. Inside this issue Awards Commitee Accepting Entries Registration and Housing Open for 2019 Symposium Bylaws, Branding & Strategic Planning Tips from the Member Mentoring Committee We encourage members to share information with your peers. Contact Meagan Grau, Director of Member Services and Engagement, at meagan@sportscommissions.org to learn more about how you can contribute to a future edition of The NASC Playbook. Happy Holidays! The NASC Staff

The Tampa Bay Sports Commission is excited to be hosting the 2019 Women's Summit April 3-5, 2019 in Tampa, FL!  Developed by top women leaders in the sports events and tourism industry, the Summit will inspire you to achieve your career goals. Successful speakers and enlightening sessions guaranteed to supply the tools you neeed and give you direction to reach new heights in your professional and personal life. This illuminating day is filled with several practical, idea-packed sessions. Between workshops, you'll experience meaningful networking at its best.  Topics covered include: Building Professional Allies Breaking Down Barriers Communicating for Women Overcoming Perfectionism Personal Branding Women Entrepreneurs Registration Member Rate: $499 Non-Member Rate: $699 REGISTER NOW Schedule *Subject to change Wednesday, April 3 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Registration 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Welcome Reception Thursday, April ...

“Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you.” – Mary Lou Retton When you look back on the people who have influenced your life, do you find a common trait?  In my experience, the people I remember the longest and the fondest are the ones who had upbeat personalities. Teachers who encouraged me through challenging classes, friends and family who reassured me through difficult times, and professional mentors who always helped guide me – these are the people who have touched my soul and have inspired me to be that person in other people’s lives. Looking for the good in every situation is who I aspire to be. I am a work in progress, but I consciously make an effort to direct my focus on the bright side, the possibilities and the solutions.  Moving into a leadership role has shown me that my actions and attitude shape those around me. As a team, we are more productive when our work envi...