The latest Playbook is out now -- Sports ETA members should have received a printed copy in the mail, but you can always read online too!
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 white paper explores how sports commissions are leading the charge by using data and partnerships to deliver events that boost local economies, reduce environmental impact, and create lasting community value.
Key Takeaways in This Report
Partnerships are powerful: Sports commissions drive sustainability by connecting local vendors, nonprofits, and rights holders to collaborate on shared goals.
Data fuels smarter events: Tracking metrics like waste, energy use, and community impact helps optimize planning and prove sustainability outcomes.
Sustainability is a competitive edge: Eco-conscious practices strengthen RFPs, attract major events, and enhance a destination’s appeal.
Local impact matters: Sustainable events support local businesses, create green jobs, and keep economic benefits in the community.
Legacy goes beyond the event: Community engagement, education, and long-term initiatives help build resilience and leave lasting value...
CINCINNATI (April 23, 2025) – Sports ETA, the trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, today announced a four-year contract extension for its President and CEO, John David. The extension, approved unanimously by the Sports ETA Board of Directors, reflects the continued growth and momentum of the organization under David’s leadership.
Since assuming the role in 2023, David has led Sports ETA through a period of robust expansion, with over a 20% increase in membership, record-breaking attendance at signature events, cutting-edge educational programming, and the development of influential industry research such as the State of the Industry Reports. These annual reports have become a critical benchmarking tool for the sports tourism sector, offering members invaluable data and insights to guide strategic planning and business development.
“John David has brought vision, innovation, and a deep understanding of the sports events an...
More than 1,100 Sports Events & Tourism Professionals Gather for Industry’s Premier Event
TULSA, OKLAHOMA (April 18, 2025) – Sports ETA, the leading trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, hosted its largest-ever Symposium in Tulsa, Oklahoma, April 14–17 at the Arvest Convention Center. The record-breaking event welcomed more than 1,100 industry professionals for four days of education, networking, and business development opportunities.
“We are incredibly grateful to the team in Tulsa for their outstanding hospitality and partnership in hosting this year’s Symposium,” said John David, President & CEO of the Sports Events & Tourism Association. “The energy and engagement throughout the week underscored the strength and growth of our industry. From meaningful conversations on emerging trends to impactful education and networking, it was a fantastic week in a truly great American city.”
S...
Top 10 States by Economic Impact of Spectator Sports Tourism in 2024 Announced
TULSA, OKLAHOMA (April 16, 2025, 1 PM CT) – Sports ETA, the trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, released its latest State of the Industry: Spectator Sports Tourism report, spotlighting the impact of spectator sports tourism across America. The 2024 study revealed that spectator sports tourism generated $47.1 billion in direct spending, powering a total economic impact of $114.4 billion and supporting 664,860 full-time and part-time jobs across the country. It also contributed $8.5 billion in state and local tax revenues. The new data shows that 109.7 million non-local attendees traveled 50 miles or more to attend sporting events in 2024, with 63.5 million staying overnight.
The study was conducted by Tourism Economics, with support from Northstar Meetings Group, the presenting sponsor of the association’s annual “State of the Industry&rdqu...
CINCINNATI (For Immediate Release) – The Sports Events and Tourism Association (Sports ETA), the trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, is pleased to announce a new partnership with 3STEP Sports, one of the nation's largest and most connected youth sports club and event operators.
As part of the collaboration, Sports ETA will work alongside 3STEP Sports to generate awareness of its next generation foundation for athlete development, sport leadership, and community engagement.
The partnership will bring 3STEP’s club and event brands, serving 1.5 million athlete participants in nine sports across the country, access to valuable resources and insights to empower its connected team of industry leaders and elevate industry standards.
“We are excited to partner with 3STEP Sports to showcase their impact on the youth sports community,” said John David, President and CEO of Sports ETA. “This partnership allows us to ...
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 ...
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...
Unlock the Power of Hotel & Destination Partnerships to Drive More Revenue & Keep Happy Customers Coming Back
Are you making the most of your partnerships with destinations and hotels? This report shares insider tips for youth sports event rights holders and organizers. Discover how to deepen these partnerships and grow your events.
Key Takeaways in This Report
Increase Revenue: How to work with destinations and create new revenue streams that can be game-changing for your events.
Reduce Costs: 11 ways to score better rates and room blocks by collaborating with hotel brands.
Improve Economic Impact: Simplest tools for using event housing data to show impact and drive more registrations.
Boost Attendee Satisfaction: The #1 way to deliver the authentic, local experiences customers crave. Score bigger wins – even with a small staff.
Grow Your Events: Inspiring success stories about event teams that overcame challenges like budget constraints and reduced s...