July 2024
Welcome to the inaugural Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This new feature aims to highlight the best sports facilities within our membership. Each month, we'll spotlight a new destination's premier facility at the heart of their sports tourism portfolio, showcasing what sets them apart, as their "key difference maker".
To kick off our launch, we're excited to feature four future hosts of some of our upcoming Sports ETA events.
Tampa Bay Sports Authority
Tournament Sportsplex of Tampa Bay
This facility was opened in 2019 and is managed by the Tampa Sports Authority, as their organization is charged with recruiting and attracting events. This facility was built for $17 million through a partnership with Hillsboro County, The Tampa Sports Authority and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission.
Since its opening, it has hosted 161 events with total attendance exceeding 372,000 spectators with almost half coming from outside th...
In honor of Disability Pride Month, we're excited to invite you to join the DEI Community on Wednesday, July 31 at 3 PM ET for a casual conversation with Kevin Orr, Director of the Lakeshore Foundation.
Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in advocating for inclusivity and accessibility in sports and youth development.
Session Highlights:
Explore the history and impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Learn about the significance of physical literacy and its role in youth development.
Understand how these factors intersect with sports tourism and community engagement.
This session promises to be enlightening and inspiring, offering valuable insights into creating more inclusive environments within our communities and industries.
Additionally, we encourage you to spread the word and invite others to join our DEI community. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable environment.
T...
Save the Date: April 13-17, 2025, in Tulsa, OK for Our 2025 Symposium and Facilities Summit!
We are thrilled to invite you to two premier events in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from April 13-17, 2025: the 2025 Symposium and the 2025 Facilities Summit! Registration for both events is now open!
2025 Symposium
Date: April 14-17, 2025
Our Symposium is the place to be for sports events and tourism professionals looking to elevate their game. Here’s what you can expect:
Innovative Sessions and Keynote Presentations
Be inspired by an incredible lineup of sessions and keynotes featuring industry leaders and experts. Gain valuable knowledge and practical takeaways to implement in your organization.
Networking Opportunities
Take advantage of numerous networking events to connect with peers, industry partners, and event owners from across the country. Share experiences, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships.
2025 Facilities Summit
Date: April 13-14, 2025
...
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new online store! You can now shop for exclusive Sports Events & Tourism Association branded apparel, perfect for you and your team.
Wearing Sports ETA branded apparel not only shows your association pride but also enhances your professional image at industry trade shows and meetings with clients. Our high-quality apparel is designed for both comfort and style, making it ideal for any occasion.
SHOP NOW!
It doesn’t matter where you are located, we ship to all 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska!
Typical production time is 15 business days — all orders are custom produced and sale are final.
Questions? Contact us at info@SportsETA.org.
Thanks to our merchadise partners: Team IP!
As we embark on a new fiscal year, we are excited to announce an enhancement to our membership categories at Sports ETA. We understand that the landscape of sports events and tourism is evolving, and so are the needs of our community. To better serve you, we are introducing a new membership category designed specifically for individuals who are not affiliated with an organizational entity but are eager to engage and learn within our vibrant community.
Introducing Individual Memberships!
Our new Individual Membership category is perfect for:
High School and University Students: Dive into the world of sports events and tourism early in your career path.
Individual Enthusiasts: Individuals passionate about sports events and tourism but not [yet] affiliated with a qualifying organization.
Key Features:
Access to Resources: Gain valuable insights, resources, and industry updates.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with profess...
Contacts: Jackie Reau, Game Day
(513) 708-5822 | jreau@gamedaypr.com
New Board of Directors Named for Sports ETA
Visit Kingsport’s Frank Lett appointed Chair of the Board
CINCINNATI (July 1, 2024) – The membership of Sports ETA has elected new board leadership and members of the board of directors who began their terms today. Frank Lett, STS, President and Chief Tourism Officer of Visit Kingsport, has been appointed Chairman of the Board, and Matt Libber, STS, Maryland SoccerPlex, will serve as Vice Chair of the Board. Clay Partain, STS, Executive Director, Sports Salt Lake has been named Secretary/Treasurer of the Board.
New Board Members include:
Bonny Bernat, STS, Senior Sports Development Director, Visit Winston-Salem
Becky Harsch, National Accounts Manager, Visit KC
Brian Persky, STS, Director of Business Development, Discover Kalamazoo Sports
Rachel Rogers, Vice President Sports Sales & Engagement, Cobb Travel & ...
Inside this edition:
A Week in Portland, OR to Remember
Discover Chattanooga: Your Host for the 4S & Rights Holder Summit 2024
#GenderEqualOlympics: Celebrating full gender parity on the field of play at Paris 2024
Build Visual Stories That Drive Growth & Loyalty
2023 State of the Industry Report
A Focus on Facilities at the 2024 Summer Olympics
Women’s Sports: Caitlin Clark Effect, WNBA + Aces, Sports Bra
Hosting Duties in Cincinnati, Detroit, Indianapolis and Louisville
Gaining Confidence on Camera
Download YOUR Copy!
We look forward to seeing you virtually this Monday, July 15 at 3 PM ET for an unmissable session with Jenna Trubiano! A 2023 ACHA Coach of the Year finalist, will share her incredible journey and the challenges she has faced as a woman in the male-dominated world of hockey. Jenna, 29, grew up playing hockey in Michigan and has dedicated herself to the sport, playing for the University of Michigan's women’s club hockey team before becoming its head coach.
During this community meeting you will hear about her recent disturbing experience in an adult hockey league where she faced harassment and learn how she showcased remarkable resilience and determination. Jenna is also driving change off the ice and is involved in a feasibility study at UM to elevate women’s hockey to a varsity sport. She'll discuss the exciting progress and insights from this initiative as well.
Don't miss this inspiring session highlighting women breaking barriers and fighting...
Join the Mentoring Community for their next meeting on June 18 at 3 PM ET. This call is an excellent opportunity for both mentors, mentees, or any member to learn more about the various community groups within our association, find new ways to get engaged, and ask questions.
During this open discussion, leaders from all nine (9) of our other community groups will showcase and explain the purpose and goals of their respective groups. Whether you are looking to deepen your involvement or explore new interests, this meeting will provide valuable insights and opportunities for engagement.
As a added bonus, this informative session will be recorded and included in our onboarding packet for new members, serving as a comprehensive guide for new members that join Sports ETA and are perhaps new to the sports events and tourism industry.
Join Zoom
Meeting ID: 820 8847 6496
Passcode: 343191
If you have any questions, please be sure to visit the Mentoring com...
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...