FAQs

Attendees’ health and safety are our top priority. 

We have been in constant communication with the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) and have been assured that they are exceeding all recommendations by the CDC for cleaning and disinfecting public areas, especially areas with an increased probability of germs being exchanged or left on surfaces such as door handles, handrails, and elevator buttons.  In addition, on August 21, 2020, The BJCC earned the STAR™ Facility Accreditation on cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention, granted through the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) which is the industry’s leading outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation.  

Our “Know Before You Go” email will include all current COVID requirements.

• 6’ spacing on all sides of exhibitor booths
• 10’ aisles in Marketplace, operating in one direction
• Sanitizing supplies and plexiglass dividers in all exhibitor booths
• One-way ingress and egress for all entrances
• Meals will be either served or pre-packaged
• Streamlined registration process to reduce or eliminate lines
• Social distancing for seating in general session and breakout rooms
• Sanitizing stations throughout the Convention Complex
• Providing materials digitally whenever possible, to reduce or eliminate handouts
• Signage throughout to reinforce COVID protocols and procedures
• Floor markings to maintain physical distancing
• No food or drink sampling
• Health screening or verification process prior to entering the building

• All hotels have heightened disinfecting and cleaning protocols
• Reduced housekeeping service to reduce contact between staff and guests
• Elimination of room service to reduce contact between staff and guests
• Masks are required in hotel public spaces

• Masks are required in the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, hotels and special event venues
• Please do not travel to Symposium if you are experiencing symptoms or have had recent exposure to someone with COVID
• Follow all regulations and requirements, as well as staff instructions
• Maintain social distancing
• Read the “Know Before You Go” email for current procedures and requirements
• Wash your hands frequently

If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact Janis Ross, Vice President of Events & Experiences, janis@sportseta.org.

Registration and housing will open Summer 2021. Registration rates are available here.

The Sports ETA Sports Event Symposium is open to sports events and tourism organizations and professionals. Membership is required to take appointments in the Sports ETA Marketplace. Sports ETA reserves the right to refuse ineligible registrations. Please do not hesitate to contact Member Services with any questions or concerns regarding this policy.

We'll be sorry that you won't be able to join us for this exceptional learning and networking experience! Our cancellation policy is as follows:

Destinations and Vendors: All registration cancellations and refund requests must be made in writing by March 5, 2021. A refund of the full conference fee, minus a $200 administrative fee, will be given for cancellations received by that date. No refunds will be granted for requests postmarked on or after March 5, 2021, but registrations may be transferred to another staff member at the same organization or may be applied to the 2022 Sports Event Symposium. 

Event Owners: All cancellations or transfers to another staff member at the same organization must be made in writing by March 5, 2021. No penalties for cancellations or transfers received by that date. $200 penalty applies for requests postmarked on or after March 5, 2021. A $685 penalty applies for no-shows. 

Submit all requests via email at info@sportseta.org.

No-Shows, Transfers & Substitutions
The Sports ETA regrets that refunds will not be given for no-shows. Substitutions are gladly accepted. A substitution of your full registration is permitted prior to the Symposium by submitting a written request to info@sportseta.org. Onsite transfers must be accompanied by proof of the original confirmation letter. Only one substitution is permitted per original registrant. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for all financial obligations (any balance due) associated with that substitution. 

Badge sharing, splitting, and reprints are strictly prohibited.

Sports ETA welcomes professional editorial staff (including photographers and camera crews) of print, online, and broadcast media to attend the ​Sports ETA Sports Event Symposium on a complimentary basis. Other publications staff (non-editorial positions, such as publishers, advertising directors, and advertising representatives) may attend the Symposium only as a registered vendor and must pay all related fees. 

Members of the media interested and eligible to obtain press registrations should contact our Public Relations firm, Please contact Jackie Reau at jreau@gamedaypr.com to inquire about media passes.

While staying in our block is not required, we kindly request all attendees make an effort to stay in our block. This will assist both Sports ETA and Greater Birmingham CVB in valuing the impact of our event.  We've selected four host hotels and are confident the options and price points can accommodate all of our attendees. Please refer to the hotel page for host hotel information and rates.

If you have questions regarding hotel reservations, please contact EventConnect Support at support@eventconnect.io or 1-888-723-2064.

Housing for the Symposium will open Summer 2021.

Destinations, exhibitors, and vendors can make their hotel reservations here.

Event Owners - Sports ETA will make your hotel reservations.

Sports ETA has secured discount codes for air travel through American Airlines, Delta, and United. They are listed below. We are currently working with Southwest Airlines to secure discounts for flights to Birmingham (BHM). Once confirmed, fare codes and discounts will be posted here.

American Airlines
6% off published fares
Code: AHAL06
Authorization #: A88H1DK
Book at www.aa.com

Delta
2% - 10% off, depending on booking class
Meeting Code: NMULY
Book at www.delta.com

United
2% - 10% off, depending on booking class
Z Code: ZJV4
Agreement Code: 626503
Book at www.united.com/meetingtravel; enter Z code and Agreement code (no space) in the Offer Code box.

If you have specific questions about speaking opportunities, please email info@sportseta.org.

Most of the daily activities will be held at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. Locations for all off-site events are noted in the schedule.

Attendees should expect to gain knowledge in a variety of areas – both sports specific and non-sports specific – through targeted, impactful, and relevant education sessions. The Sports Marketplace provides opportunities for attendees to create new business contacts and learn how to become partners in success. Attendees should also expect to have fun! The sports events and tourism industry is built on a spirit of hospitality and the Symposium carries that ideal throughout.

It is recommended that everyone attend as much as possible. The ​Sports ETA Symposium is planned and executed by your peers in the industry. Great care and consideration is taken to create a program that provides maximum personal and professional development, networking, and new business development as well as plenty of time for checking emails, touching base with work and family, etc. Be seen and be involved.

The most important thing is business cards and plenty of them! Event owners and vendor exhibitors will need to bring items for their booth. Event owners should keep it simple – pens, notepad, table cover, etc. Vendor exhibitors should plan on taking full advantage of the opportunity to promote their brand with a complete display and booth set up. Everyone should bring an open mind and a willingness to learn!

Wednesday's Keynote Luncheon will feature presentations of annual awards and hall of fame inductions, the most recent Sports Tourism Strategist (STS) graduating class and the Sports ETA Board will be recognized.

We’re sorry that we could not anticipate your needs.  Please email us at  info@sportseta.org  so we can assist you!