Sports ETA International Sales Mission
Presented in Partnership with SportAccord
Lausanne, Switzerland | October 6–8, 2026
This Is Where International Opportunities Begin
Once each year, leaders of the world's International Federations gather in Lausanne, Switzerland—the Olympic Capital—to shape the future of international sport.
For a select group of Sports ETA Destination Members, this is far more than a conference. It is an invitation into the room where relationships are built, future host cities are identified, and the next generation of international sporting events begins.
Building on the success of the inaugural Sales Mission, Sports ETA has partnered directly with SportAccord to create an unparalleled opportunity for U.S. destinations to connect with the people who influence and award international sporting events.
Why This Matters
International events are awarded through relationships built over time, not simply through responding to an RFP. This mission accelerates those relationships by providing direct access to International Federation leadership.
Over three immersive days, participants will engage directly with the decision-makers responsible for awarding some of the world's most prestigious sporting events through:
An Exclusive U.S. Delegation
Participation is intentionally limited to just 20 U.S. destinations.
Admission is by application only. Rather than first-come, first-served registration, Sports ETA will curate a delegation of destination leaders committed to expanding international sport in the United States.
Being selected means joining an elite delegation representing the best of the U.S. sports tourism industry.
Your Experience Includes
Investment: $5,500
Experience the Olympic Capital
Beyond the structured program, delegates will experience Lausanne from an insider's perspective. Previous Sales Missions included exclusive visits to World Aquatics, FIBA (International Basketball Federation) and World Skate, giving destinations rare access to federation leadership and a firsthand look at how international events are developed and awarded.
Program at a Glance
Tuesday, October 6
• Arrivals • International Leaders Reception with SportAccord delegates, International Federation executives and sports leaders from around the world.
Wednesday, October 7
• Curated one-on-one appointments • SportAccord/Sports ETA cultivated education • Sports ETA Delegation Dinner.
Thursday, October 8
• Exclusive International Federation headquarters visits • Deep-dive discussions on future event opportunities • Departures.
What Participants Say
“The Sports ETA International Sales Mission is much more than a business event; it is about building meaningful relationships. For an International Federation, the opportunity to engage with destinations well before a formal bidding process begins is extremely valuable. It allows both sides to better understand each other's expectations, priorities and long-term vision. While not every conversation leads to an immediate event, these early exchanges build trust, create mutual understanding and often become the starting point for successful partnerships. That, to me, is the true value of this initiative."
- Teodor A. Pop, International Judo Foundation
"For World Darts, selecting host destinations involves much more than reviewing facilities. We look for trusted partners who understand our events, our athletes, and our long-term objectives. Meeting directly with U.S. destinations through Sports ETA helps establish those important connections.”
Robert Waterman, World Darts Federation
"The World Transplant Games are about much more than sport. We are looking for destinations that understand our mission of celebrating transplantation, promoting organ donation, and creating a life-changing experience for our community. The Sports ETA International Sales Mission allows us to identify partners who share those values long before a formal bidding process begins.”
Kim Renyard, World Transplant Games
"We attend many conferences throughout the year, but none provide this level of focused engagement with US destination leaders. The Sports ETA International Sales Mission offers meaningful one-on-one discussions that benefit both World Skate and prospective host destinations.”
Willy Saxon-Mills, World Skate
“If your destination is serious about growing its international sports portfolio, there is simply no substitute for being in the room with International Federation leadership. The access, conversations and relationships are invaluable.”
— Joel Koester, Executive Director, Phoenix Sports & Events Commission
“The Sports ETA International Sales Mission opened doors that simply wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. The relationships we developed in Lausanne continue to create opportunities well beyond the week itself.”
— Jim Etzel, CEO, Sport Oregon
Apply Today!
Only 20 destinations will be selected.
If your destination is serious about competing on the international stage, this is your opportunity to build relationships that can shape your event portfolio for years to come.
Applications are now open.
This is where international opportunities begin.
APPLY NOW
Timeline
Tuesday, July 7 - Application Portal Opens
Wednesday, July 22 (11:59 PM PST) - Application Portal Closes
July 23 – July 30 - Committee Review Period
Monday, August 3 - Applicants are Notified
Monday, August 10 - First Planning / Orientation Meeting
October 6–8 - Event takes place in Lausanne, Switzerland