TEAMS Conference & Expo

One of our featured presenters at our upcoming TEAMS Conference & Expo next week in Anaheim is U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. In advance to TEAMS, we sat down with Freeman to discuss the power of the sports market for our latest SportsTravel Podcast. Freeman will expand on these thoughts in Anaheim, but if you are in the overall travel industry or at all associated with sports-related travel, this is a must listen. The next decade in the United States will feature some of the largest sports events in the world, from the World Cup to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. But there are policies at the federal level that need addressing if destinations hope to capitalize on that experience, first and foremost the wait times that exist for many overseas visitors to obtain a visa. In this conversation we tackle that and many more issues including: ? The health of the travel industry ??How sports fit in to the larger market ? Why it may be too late for some fans to visit for the World Cup unless policies change ? Advice on how best to advocate for your work at the local level ? How sports can help empower advocacy for travel "There's a variety of direct benefits that we'll get from these various events," Freeman says in our discussion. "There's also the indirect benefit. The indirect benefit is that it's a galvanizing opportunity to bring aspects of government together. To find ways to remove frictions in the travel process, to prioritize the need for improving the traveler experience, for addressing some antiquated policies. These are the things. The World Cup, the Olympics, the Summer Olympics, the Winter Olympics. All of these are a reason for leaders to come together and get stuff done." To listen, click here: https://lnkd.in/gkSsjwhe or subscribe to our podcast on all major platforms. And a special thanks to Visit Myrtle Beach or sponsoring this episode.

Hope everybody has this one marked down on the calendar!

Roughly half the states have some form of major event fund that destinations can use to help attract major events to their cities. For event organizers, knowing where you may have more support is crucial. But these programs look different in each state, and some states are having more success than others. In one of our TEAMS Conference & Expo sessions, hear about established, newly passed and proposed new funds in the works and come with your questions about how to mobilize your partner destinations or events to create new funds of their own with Janis Burke, Anthony Brenneman CSEE, CTA, Joseph Piotrowski, STS, SDLT and Mark Poole. Find the full program here. https://lnkd.in/gSUiZSs3

Are you coming to TEAMS '24 in Anaheim? Be sure to use this TEAMS graphic to let everybody know that you'll be a part of the most dynamic environment for deal-making in the sports-event industry. We'll see you September 23-26 at the Anaheim Convention Center!

The TEAMS Conference & Expo is about business development and networking but our education sessions will allow attendees to hear from the best and brightest when it comes to sports event management. And we are thrilled with our speaker roster, which includes dozens of industry experts and legendary athletes who will be telling their stories as well. For a full list of who will be on stage, visit https://lnkd.in/ghBz2e_b But among those you'll get to hear from: ??Stephen Nedoroscik — He gained instant fame as the "Pommel Horse Guy" who helped Team USA clinch the bronze medal in men's gymnastics. ??Edwin Moses OLY — The Olympic legend whose gold-medal performance at the 1984 Games was among many career highlights. ??Janet Evans, OLY — The Olympic legend who now plays a key role for the planning of the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games ? Geoff Freeman —?As the head of the U.S. Travel Association, he'll be offering his take on the role sports plays in the travel industry. ? Stefanie J. Tomlin — One of the key executives involved in the KC Current's CPKC Stadium, the first stadium designed for a women's professional sports team. And that's just the beginning. Session topics will include a look at state funding for sports events, being creative with your sports venues, the emerging NCAA sports for women and more. And in the Olympic and Paralympic SportsLink sessions open to all TEAMS attendees, you'll hear updates from NGB executives on their events and we'll dive into lessons learned at the trials, the new opportunities for female athletes and the new sports on the Olympic and Paralympic agenda in 2028. It's not too late to register to be part of the action, September 23–26, in Anaheim! Visit https://lnkd.in/ekDaweg to learn more.

Congratulations to TEAMS '23 alum Roderick Townsend on his gold medal at the Paralympic Summer Games in Paris in the high jump T47 — his third consecutive gold! What champions will you meet at TEAMS '24 in Anaheim? It's not too late to be with us to find out! TEAMS '24 will be held September 23–26, 2024, at the Anaheim Convention Center and the appointment portal is open now. Visit www.teamsconference.com to learn more.

The TEAMS Conference & Expo is once again thrilled to offer attendees access to a Sports Events & Tourism Association STS session as part of TEAMS '24 in Anaheim! This exclusive course is open to Sports ETA members and non-members and counts for anyone seeking their STS designation. This insightful session will be led by Vipe Desai ????, who will share his 30 years of expertise in transforming fan engagement into powerful ROI. Vipe's "Elevating Fan Engagement: The Key to Unleashing ROI for Sponsors and DMOs" session will help you captivate audiences and drive local economic activity. ?? Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2024 ? Time: 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM PT ?? Location: Anaheim at TEAMS '24 Conference + Expo Be sure to register for this incredible opportunity! For more information and to register, visit: https://ow.ly/9Y7350SSbbT

The TEAMS '24 Appointments Portal Opens?August 28, Don't Miss Out! There's still time to register for TEAMS and be part of the most dynamic environment for deal-making in the sports-event industry. This is your chance to maximize your experience at TEAMS by scheduling meetings with key decision-makers and industry leaders in advance.? ? TEAMS is all about building relationships and driving success. With the one-on-one appointments, you have the tools to do just that—before the event even begins! Register now to secure your spot and be part of the largest sports events industry gathering ever at www.teamsconference.com

Today is the LAST DAY to vote for an event, city or venue for the 2024?SportsTravel?Awards. Winners will be announced at TEAMS '24 in Anaheim this September. Categories include: ?? Best Amateur Sports Event ?? Best Collegiate Sports Event ?? Best Professional Sports Event ?? Best New Sports Event ?? Best New or Renovated Venue ?? Best Sports-Event Host City Vote now at: https://lnkd.in/eq8-3qQ

Don't miss the Closing Party in Visit Anaheim when we celebrate the end of TEAMS ’24, courtesy of our future host cities, and look forward to TEAMS ’25 and beyond! After enjoying dinner in Anaheim, come by Splitsville in Downtown Disney, where you can build on the relationships formed during the week and take your competitive spirit to a new level with bowling, darts, pool and more. And be sure to be on hand at 8:30 p.m. to hear the winners of the Event Organizer Contest presented by Discover Puerto Rico, who will take home a total of $5,000 in cash prizes! Register for the TEAMS Conference & Expo now at www.teamsconference.com.