We are experiencing tremendous demand for information on what it takes to succeed in the sports travel market. In recent appearances at the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Tourism and the TEAMS Conference I was deeply impressed by the amount of determination to succeed expressed by attendees. It is in times like these that I am reminded to stress what it takes to become an “overnight sensation.” Simply stated, there is no such thing. It takes experience, preparation, and the right people combined with enough time for the seeds of success to germinate.
In my talk in Missouri I observed that the NASC has about 110 sports commissions. Of these, about 20 are affiliated with or are a department of a convention and visitors bureau, leaving perhaps 90 independent sports commissions, councils or authorities. The NASC also has about 300 convention and visitors bureaus. So, something approaching 75% of our host organizations are not commissions. This means the task of learning what it takes to be a winner can be difficult for some.
Fortunately, the primary reason for starting the NASC was to promote best practices, and our membership continues to grow as a reflection of the desire to learn what it takes to succeed.
On November 9 we are holding our first ever regional workshop. More than 40 attendees are expected to be in Sacramento, CA for our Alpha test of this new concept. We will hold a six hour session designed to impart an understanding of what it takes to be a winner. We expect bureaus, sports commissions, park and recreation departments, and city and county officials.
Our budget for 2011 includes three more of these regional “meet ups.” We expect to learn a lot about how these workshops can be combined with our market segment meetings and CSEE training. The chance to reach out to prospective new members and better serve the needs of those who already belong is an exciting and educational process.
A major goal is to dispel any doubts about how commissions and bureaus work together. As someone who spent 9 years running a commission, I can tell you we never submitted a bid without the input and/or participation of our local bureaus. Destination marketing requires the active participation of every community segment needed for a successful event.
These regional meetings give you another option for improving your understanding of the business within driving distance. You will also have the chance to hear from others facing similar challenges.
Why all the detail? We sense that tough times have caused some to enter the business in search of quick paybacks. For those of you who are getting at least your fair share, it comes as no surprise to discover the truth: success comes slowly. Steady attention to evaluating each event before bidding and under-promising and over-delivering on the events you host will result in more and more business each year.
Donald G. Schumacher, CSEE
Executive Director
National Association of Sports Commissions
