More Than 1,200 Industry Leaders Gather as $274.5B Sports Tourism Economy Takes Center Stage
LAS VEGAS (April 24, 2026) – The Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA), the trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, hosted its 2026 Symposium April a20–23 at Caesars Forum, bringing together more than 1,200 industry leaders for the premier gathering of the sports tourism sector. The event featured dozens of continuing education sessions and high-impact networking opportunities.
“We are grateful to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and Caesars Entertainment for hosting and delivering a world-class experience that matched the energy and ambition of this industry,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. “This year’s Symposium signals a defining moment for the sports events and tourism industry. With stronger data, greater collaboration, and increased global interest, our industry is better pos...
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 ...
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...
Contacts: Jackie Reau, Game Day
(513) 708-5822 | jreau@gamedaypr.com
CINCINNATI (March 26, 2024) – Three leaders in the sports events and tourism industry will be enshrined into the Sports ETA Hall of Fame, powered by Travel Oregon, at the organization’s annual Symposium in April. The new Hall of Fame members announced today are: Janis Burke, STS, CEO of the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority; John Gibbons, STS former executive director of the Rhode Island Sports Commission, and Bill Hanson, co-founder of San Antonio Sports.
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 events and tourism industry. The Sports ETA Hall of Fame was launched in 2017, and there have been five induction classes with 18 honorees.
“Sports ETA is honored to welcome three new members into the association...
Contacts: Jackie Reau, Game Day
(513) 708-5822 | jreau@gamedaypr.com
KANSAS CITY, MO (March 9, 2023) – Four leaders in the sports and events tourism industry were enshrined into the Sports ETA Hall of Fame today at the organization’s annual Symposium. The new Hall of Fame members are: Susan Blackwood, former Executive Director of the San Antonio Sports Foundation, Rick Hatcher, President & CEO of Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism, Suzann Stewart, founder of the Tulsa Sports Commission, and Steve Ducoff, former President of Association of Chief Executives of Sport (ACES).
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 four induction classes with 14 honorees.
“Sports ETA is honored to welcome four ne...
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA (October 26, 2021) – Mike Millay, the longtime executive at the ESPN Wide World of Sport Complex in Orlando, was inducted into the Sports ETA Hall of Fame today at the Association’s Annual Symposium held here.
The Sports ETA Hall of Fame was established in 2017 to honor those who have played a vital role in the success and promotion of the Sports Events Tourism Association and have contributed significantly to the advancement of the sports events and tourism industry.
Since his retirement from the ESPN Wide World of Sports, Millay is actively involved in three sports-related businesses in sports tourism industry, where he serves as the Managing Partner of Clancy’s Sports, a strategic planning company working with municipalities and facilities around the country. He is also a partner at 3D Institute, an online coaching education platform serving coaches and administrators, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, he serves as ...
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA (October 26, 2021) – Denny Gann, the longtime executive director of the Sioux City Convention Center, Tourism Bureau and Siouxland Sports Authority, was inducted into the Sports ETA Hall of Fame today at the Association’s Annual Symposium held here.
The Sports ETA Hall of Fame was established in 2017 to honor those who have played a vital role in the success and promotion of the Sports Events Tourism Association and have contributed significantly to the advancement of the sports events and tourism industry.
Gann attended the University of South Dakota and served as a Captain in the U.S. Army from 1969-1979. He began his career as the City Manager for the cities of Neligh, Tilden and South Sioux City in Nebraska, and also served as a commercial real estate developer in Sioux City.
While serving as executive director of the Sioux City Convention Center, Tourism Bureau and Siouxland Sports Authority, Gann created the first sports commission in Iowa...
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA (October 26, 2021) – Sports ETA, the only trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, presented its member awards today to honor industry leaders at its Annual Symposium held here.
The eight award honorees included:
Ariana Tyler, STS, Senior Business Development Manager, Greater Columbus Sports Commission, was honored as Young Professional of the Year.
Luchie Javelosa, STS, Director of Tucson Sports, Visit Tucson, was honored as Young Professional of the Year.
Frank Lett, STS, Senior Associate Executive Director, Director of Sports Marketing, Visit Kingsport, was honored as the Trailblazer of the Year.
Bonny Bernat, STS, Senior Sports and Events Sales Manager, Visit Winston-Salem, was honored as Woman of the Year.
Adam Andrasko, CEO of USA Artistic Swimming, was honored as Rights Holder of the Year.
John David, STS, CEO of USA BMX, was honored as Rights Holder of the Year.
Additionally, Denny Gann, the longtime executi...