Are you attending the NASC Sports Events Symposium for the first time? Get ready to make some new friends, have fun, and learn a new idea to take back to your community!

Are you a first-time attendee or a new NASC member? We invite you to come to the First-Time Orientation and Networking Reception on Monday, April 23^rd. The First-Time Orientation is at the Minneapolis Convention Center from 4:30 pm to 5:15 pm. The Reception is at the Brit’s Pub from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm (a short walk from the convention center).

Come attend the First- Time Orientation to learn tips and ask questions about the NASC Sports Events Symposium. Meet your mentor so you may put a face to the emails and phone calls. (I am looking forward to meeting my mentees.) The orientation will be a great opportunity to meet new colleagues who will become your friends. We in the sports tourism industry have a lot in common and have lots of fun!

The First-Time Networking Reception will be an opportunity to continue the conversation with the individuals you just met at the orientation. Enjoy delicious appetizers and refreshing drink with great conversations from others in the sports tourism industry. Learn about someone’s favorite sports team or movie – my favorite sport is “For the Love of the Game”. This is a great opportunity to build your networking tree!

As a first-timer many years ago and thinking back when I was a first-timer to NASC Sports Events Symposium. I wish that I had the chance to attend an event for the first-time attendees. Now, this is one of my favorite parts of the Symposium. The opportunity to learn more about the conference before the educational sessions, opening reception and one-on-one appointments is a great asset.

As you know we are in the ‘relationship’ business. The First-Time Orientation and Networking Reception provides that opportunity to create new friends and colleagues as well as learn more about the sports tourism industry.

What do you expect from attending these fun-packed couple of hours? Here’s a short list.

• Meet other individuals who are either new to the sports tourism industry or veterans with a variety of experiences. We’ll become friends for life!
• Opportunity to meet your mentor and other mentors from the Mentoring and Engagement Committee, the NASC staff, and NASC Board of Directors.
• Exchange business cards so that you know who to call when you have a question or just want to say “hi” after the Symposium.
• Opportunity to make friends with others and to attend the educational sessions, networking receptions with others rather than by yourself.

Lace up your tennis shoes, grab your bags, and get ready for a great evening with friends who have the same passion as you! Oh….and don’t forget to bring extra business cards!

 By: Tammy Dunn