In theory, you or I could submit a bid for any sporting event.  If you want to win a bid, and more importantly host an event, you must start by knowing your product (your local facilities, community and marketing plan) and developing strong relationships. 

If you’re not already connected, it’s time to get connected within your community and within the NASC.  Meet the management team and staff at each facility; get to know your community members and their interest in the sport(s) you are considering bidding on and build relationships with the event organizer(s).  

Dedicate time to research the sporting event; contact friends within the industry that have been hosts and have open, honest conversations with the organizer(s) to establish realistic expectations and to create a mutually beneficial plan. Knowing you and your team (staff, LOC, community partners and event organizers) are positioned to make the event successful takes precedence over bidding.

Facilities, an LOC and your community’s goals are key ingredients to ensuring an event’s success. As the one part-time sports representative (for the first four of seven years with the Branson CVB) I relied heavily on strong relationships with our community partners, commitment from internal staff and staff at our local venues, volunteers from our sports committee and solid relationships with sports event organizers to ensure the success of the many events I have been fortunate to be part of.  These relationships will always remain at the forefront of our potential success.

Facilities and accommodations may not be available or sufficient for the event during the preferred date(s). Or, they may not be a fit for other reasons. Develop a strong volunteer base – assemble a team to help evaluate the event before bidding and determine the interest level of potential sponsors and volunteers. 

As our sports department, has grown and the support from our now full-time event services coordinator (who has consistently worked like a full-time team member) and part-time sales manager are onboard, I’m excited about the many additional opportunities for our community within the world of sports. If you’re fortunate to have team members within your sports commission, or the sports department at your CVB, it’s also important to get to know their strengths and weaknesses and to outline a plan for your internal team’s success. 

If your facilities are available, roles and responsibilities are defined and your teams are ready to support the event, submit a bid: complete the application in its entirety (preferably) before the due date.  

If you’re fortunate to win the bid, it’s time for the real work to begin.  Get your teams together to start planning and promoting. You will wear multiple hats, have fun getting creative and remain flexible and adaptable.  No matter how small or large your team is, at the end of the day, the successful bid and event depends on relationships and team work.  Go TEAM!

Terra Alphonso, MBA, CMP
Director of Sports Marketing & Development
Branson Chamber and CVB