The 2010 Market Segment Meetings are quickly approaching, and it is as important as ever to learn from your peers and share best practices.  Similar to the best practices roundtable discussions that are held in conjunction with the Sports Event Symposium, Market Segment Meetings allow us to connect and discuss important issues and trends that are happening within our markets.

Rather than listening to presentations for specific topics, we actively participate in small group discussions and focus on topics that are most important to our organizations and communities.

While the content and discussion is participant-driven, facilitators will be present to keep the discussion moving.

Topics of discussion from previous meetings include:

    * Bidding on events – bid fees
    * Local organizing committees
    * Tracking room nights (relationship with the hotels)
    * Event procurement – local sponsorships/partnerships
    * Creating a sporting event in your community
    * Educating the public & business community on your impact
    *  Volunteer recruitment

The meetings have been very helpful to me in gaining insights on challenges and issues I am facing.  I have learned new ideas about how to create a better relationship with my community including hotels, venues and corporate businesses.  I have also received solutions and suggestions to problems that have occurred when bringing sporting events to our community.

Be sure to register today (member login required) for the Market Segment Meetings!  The deadline to register is Tuesday, August 31, 2010.

About the Guest Contributor: Tammy Dunn, CSEE has been a NASC member since 2005.  She is the Sports Marketing Manager for the Snohomish County Sports Commission.  She has been involved in the development of the sports commission.  The sports commission has been successful in bringing international, national and regional sports events including Skate America, National Softball Association Western World Series, and Triple Crown Sports Regional Baseball.  She works closely with the local sports organizations, the hoteliers, the facility managers, and the local community in bringing sporting events to Snohomish County.  Tammy is a recent Certified Sports Event Executive Program graduate.