SportsEvents is edited for those who plan tournaments or other sports events.
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August 2014 14 www.sportseventsmagazine.com GAME Plan ▼ divisions) at M&T; Bank Stadium, and US Lacrosse Women's National Tournament at Cedar Lane Regional Sports Park simulta- neously. "The two women's events piggyback nicely as they have a common thread…coach- es and players having a chance to wit- ness and to be seen by one another," said Terry Hasseltine, executive director of Maryland Sports. "Globally, all three events complement each other as [hosting these events back-to-back] brings the entire lacrosse community together over one weekend. It also allows each brand, US Lacrosse and NCAA Lacrosse, opportunities to cross promote the sport. It engages the youth communi- ty and the entire sports fan base." In Oklahoma City, Sue Hollenbeck, director of sports business for the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau, said, "While pursuing USA Weightlifting, I thought it would be a good idea to incorporate weightlifting into something else so it would get more foot traffic." By adding the 2015 National Junior Weightlifting event to the 2015 Bart (Conner) and Nadia (Comaneci) Sports Experience in February, Hollenbeck said she believed the weightlifting event would benefit from being held during the multi-sport event and enhance the larger event. "Weightlifting does not have a large following, but by placing it within another established event, we can give it more exposure," Hollenbeck said. Craig Cohen, director of sponsorship development for Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation knows a thing or two about piggybacking multiple events. From 1993 through 2012, the founda- tion annually produced three major events in four days, usually the last weekend in January. "With three events, thousands of attendees, a million details and everyone in your face, you must have a clear, precise, plan of action that is shared with your team," Cohen said. The events—The Memorial Classic Reception & Auction, held at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Fla.; The Memorial Classic Legends of Baseball Game, held at Ft. Lauderdale Stadium, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; and The Jeff Conine All-Star Golf Classic, held at The Club at Emerald Hills, Hollywood, Fla.—were "very successful as a group. Sponsorship of the reception, auction and baseball game was a pack- age. Many sponsors supported the Memorial Classic and golf looking for the opportunity to meet our legends, play golf with them and spend the afternoon together, Cohen said. The Triple Crown Omaha SlumpBuster, composed of youth baseball events for ages 9-18, was held in the Greater Omaha Area/Council Bluffs, Iowa, June 11-26 in conjunction with the NCAA Division 1 Men's Baseball College World Series played at TD AmeriTrade Stadium, said Brandon Hardy, Midwest regional baseball director for Fort Collins, Co., based Triple Crown Sports. "The event would not nearly be as suc- cessful if we did not piggyback off the College World Series. The youth athletes essentially come watch the College World Series and also get to play baseball during that same time. So, if we can provide teams with a benefit of organized youth Top 5 Tips For Piggybacking Events: When planners were asked what advice they could give to anyone considering holding events in conjunction with one another, they offered these top tips to avoiding pitfalls: Communicate: Event organizers for both/all events need to meet regularly to discuss issues, logistics and assignments. Delegate: Determine from the start who will be in charge of what duties for the events. Write it down in a clear record that everyone can see. Co-Market: Create marketing materials that promote both events together, encouraging people to stay for and participate in all of the events. Secure Contracts Early: This includes event venues, especially if hosting the events at the same place, lodg- ing, food, etc. Build Relationships: Get to know the CVBs, parks and recreation departments, and absolutely the other organizers for the all events being held in conjunction with one another. ■ 1 2 3 4 5 Eau Claire's Winter Logrolling Championships were held with the Polar Plunge sponsored by the Special Olympics.