SportsEvents is edited for those who plan tournaments or other sports events.
Issue link: https://sportsevents.epubxp.com/i/362723
www.sportseventsmagazine.com August 2014 13 ▼ GAME Plan hen it comes to planning sports events, a trend dominating the industry is hosting an event with another athletic event or with one that is completely different, according to representatives from host organizations and sports event planners. "I believe that if the two events fit together and create a pairing that can potentially draw a similar audience, then this option is very ideal for you and your events. It's also nice to have a built-in audience at your event since there are cer- tain people in attendance for one event and they may feel more inclined to stay for both events, which can help overall event attendance and make for a successful con- junction of events," said Ben Morgan, sports sales manager for Visit Eau Claire in Wisconsin. Morgan said major benefits could abound from planning in this way; how- ever, understanding not only the benefits but also some of the challenges and how to overcome them is necessary for success. Back-To-Back Athletics Reasons to piggyback events are if the sports are similar or if the events have some form of relationship, like the Panini- Pop Warner Skills Challenge—an event where Pop Warner kids get to work on skills and drills led by various NFL stars. This challenge is held annually during Super Bowl pre-game celebrations. Jon Butler, executive director of Pop Warner Little Scholars Inc., based in Langhorne, Pa., explained the rewards of hosting the event with their partner, card- trading company Panini, in conjunction with the Super Bowl. "Holding the Skills Challenge enables us to bring in current NFL players to work with and interact with our Pop Warner players, since many NFL players attend the pre-Super Bowl events, Butler said. "It's a really fun event for the Pop Warner kids and excellent PR for Panini and Pop Warner." Over the Memorial Day weekend, Maryland Sports hosted the NCAA Women's Division 1 Lacrosse National Championship at Towson University's Unitas Stadium, NCAA Men's Lacrosse National Championships (all three ➤ happy so w The Pros & Cons Of Piggybacking Your Events By Adrianne Bowen together The Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Ala., draws a huge crowd, making it an ideal event to piggyback with the AVCA Collegiate Sand Volleyball National Championships.