Endurance sports events – like triathlons, marathons, and cycling races – are powerful drivers of tourism, community wellness, and destination branding. When aligned with local priorities, they generate significant economic returns, strengthen civic pride, and leave lasting legacies.
This white paper outlines a framework to help communities and organizers unlock their full potential.
Key Takeaways:
Endurance events are complex, two-way education, shared language and strategic planning between event producers, host destinations and facilities is vital for event success.
Alignment of short- and long-term goals should be part of agreement negotiations. (profit vs. public good, short-term tourism vs. long-term community value)
Key Elements (ex. event planning, data collection, community communication) must stay deliberate and collaborative annually. Information silos, gaps in data and a lack of fresh and ongoing storytelling weaken the case for continu...
Not sure how to tackle the STS Certificate Program? We've created a sample timeline to help you stay on track - from enrollment to final course completion.
Whether you're pacing yourself over several months or diving in headfirst, this roadmap gives you a clear view of what to expect and how to plan your progress.
Start smart. Stay focused. Earn your STS with confidence.
Download Sample STS Timeline and Course Path.
This week, we're talking all about wellness and how the practice and implementation of wellness programs can help you and your city thrive!
Albuquerque Sports Commission/USA Cycling: Event Partnership of the Year Award (population 500,000 and above).
New collaboration will connect members to the $4.5 trillion health and wellness industry
CINCINNATI (June 5, 2024) – Sports ETA, the only trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, announced today an exclusive partnership with WISe Wellness Guild, a consultancy and network of wellness brands, experts and resources, to provide a new suite of educational offerings for the membership of Sports ETA. The new initiative will be called Sports ETA Health & Wellness.
“At Sports ETA, one of our primary objectives is to discover and share industry innovations, and this year, we have uncovered numerous members creating incredible Health and Wellness initiatives in their communities,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. “Together with WISe Wellness Guild, we will unveil a suite of educational offerings showcasing opportunities to diversify how you support your community and leverage the thriving $4.5 trillion Health and Wellness i...
Looking to earn credits toward your STS designation? Maybe you need credits to maintain your STS. Or maybe you have never taken an STS course before and are ready to start. Either way, we have a live STS course offering taking place during TEAMS ’23.
The course will start at 8:30 AM ET on October 3 and will be led by Michael Prince, the president and CEO of USPA Global Licensing.
Prince will dive into the topic of branding and global licensing from the perspective of the U.S. Polo Association, which has mastered the practice.
Sports ETA members can register online HERE or by clicking the image below.
Non-Sports ETA members should email info@sportseta.org for more info and to get registered.
At the heart of our industry, we understand the importance of staying ahead of the game, adapting to trends, and embracing innovation. That's precisely what the 4S Summit is designed for - to empower you with top-notch education and insights that will set you apart.
Here's a sneak peek into what awaits you at the 4S Summit:
The Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: More than just a football game
Headed into it's 90th edition, the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl is more than just a football game pairing up top ACC and Pac-12 teams. The game is woven into the fabric of El Paso, starting as a benefit to underprivileged children by the local Kiwanas Club, has grown into a historical mainstay across the college football landscape. Hear a deep dive into the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl history from its Executive Director, Bernie Olivas, and learn about the shifting landscape of intercollegiate athletics and how it impacts our role in the sports events and tourism industry.
Session ...
Contact: Jackie Reau, Game Day
(513) 708-5822 | jreau@gamedaypr.com
KANSAS CITY, MO (May 10, 2023) -- More than 20 sports events and tourism professionals were honored today at the Sports ETA Symposium for the completion of their Sports Tourism Strategist (STS) certification program, which is the leading-edge education institute for the sports events and tourism industry offering topical content, in-depth, and industry-leading certification programs.
“Sports ETA congratulates these individuals who are actively advancing their knowledge and skills about the sports events and tourism industry with the Sports Tourism Strategist designation,” said Al Kidd, President & CEO of Sports ETA.
The 2023 Sports Tourism Strategist Graduates are:
Dana Baldwin, STS, Louisville Tourism
Evan Bauerle, STS, Sports Salt Lake
Brandon Black, STS, Go Gaston
Patrick Coit, STS, Meet Boston
Lynnette Davis, STS, Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors...
By: Jennifer Stoll, PhD, Principal, Stoll Strategies and Research Director for Sports ETA & Tammy Koerte, Senior Research Manager, Longwoods International
Co-published with our partners at Longwoods International, our latest white paper, “The Strong Performance of the Sports Tourism Sector and Rising Resident Sentiment of Sport,” looks at the strength of sports tourism in this post-pandemic world and its support among communities, sports organizations and participants.
First, let’s take a look back at sports tourism. As of 2021, sports events and tourism comprised $39.7 billion in direct spending, $12.9 billion in tax revenue and a total economic impact of $91.8 billion in the U.S., according to Sports ETA data. This bounce back from the pandemic outpaced many other industry sectors, including pharmaceuticals, oil and gas extraction, and others.
In 2021, more than 175 million Americans traveled for sports-related reasons, just 2.6% below the industry peak...