Large Events

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Sports ETA Unveils 2024 State of the Industry for the $114 Billion Economic Impact from Spectator Sports Tourism

Sports ETA Announces Partnership with 3STEP Sports

Large Events Community Members ONLY Page

Next Meeting

December 11 at 1:00 PM ET
Current Large Event Community members can visit this page for call details.
If you aren't a Large Event Community member and are interested in joining, please email Meagan@SportsETA.org.

From Stadiums to Statewide Strategy: Jim Rowland on Mega-Events, Collaboration & Missouri’s Big-League Vision

How does a state successfully align destinations, statewide strategy, and stadium-level leadership to attract and deliver some of the biggest events in the world?

Join the Sports ETA Large Event Community for a powerhouse conversation with Jim Rowland, National Account Manager – Sports for the Missouri Division of Tourism and State of Missouri Liaison to KC2026, the Local Organizing Committee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With nearly two decades as Executive Director of the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority, Jim helped oversee $700 million in stadium renovations, managed World Series runs, MLB All-Star Week, multiple AFC Championships, and two Super Bowl parades, before moving into statewide leadership supporting Missouri destinations and elevating the state’s sports tourism strategy.

This dynamic session unpacks Jim’s executive journey across government, stadium management, statewide tourism, and global-event preparation. You’ll hear candid insights into leadership, construction management, stakeholder collaboration, crisis navigation, and how states and destinations can prepare for mega-events like the World Cup.

Whether you host large events today, or aspire to, this session delivers powerful lessons and practical guidance you can apply immediately.

Meet Our Speaker

Jim Rowland
National Account Manager - Sports
Missouri Division of Tourism

Connect with Jim on LinkedIn

Sports ETA Large Events Community Group

Large-scale sporting events come with large-scale opportunities -- and challenges. The Sports ETA Large Events Community Group brings together destination leaders, venue operators, and government or civic partners who manage/host our industry’s largest events.

This peer-driven community provides a dedicated space to share best practices, discuss trends, explore innovative solutions, and learn from those delivering some of the most impactful events in sports tourism.

Members will gain access to:

Insightful discussions on event operations, logistics, staffing, safety, and community impact
Case studies from destinations hosting major events
Networking opportunities with professionals managing large-scale events
Templates, tools, and shared resources tailored to high-capacity events
Webinars, roundtables, and exclusive content developed by and for leaders in this space

The Large Events Community Group is open to all Sports ETA members looking to elevate their expertise, improve event outcomes, strengthen partnerships, and drive strategic growth in their destination.

Mission

To empower Sports ETA members with the knowledge, partnerships, and tools required to successfully host and advance large-scale sporting events that strengthen communities and elevate the sports tourism industry.

Who's It For?