SportsEvents is edited for those who plan tournaments or other sports events.
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August 2014 4 www.sportseventsmagazine.com SportsEvents is published monthly by Covey Communications Corp., P.O. Box 2267, Gulf Shores, AL 36547. It is mailed under standard mail rates. POSTMASTER: CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED TO SportsEvents Subscription Office, P.O. Box 2267, Gulf Shores, AL 36547. Editorial ideas and manuscripts are welcomed. However, all unsolicited manuscripts and photographs must be sent with return postage; otherwise SportsEvents cannot be responsible for returning them. Copyright 2014 by Covey Communications Corp. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. EXECUTIVE OFFICES 2001 West First Street Gulf Shores, AL 36542 MAILING ADDRESS P. O. Box 2267 Gulf Shores, AL 36547 TELEPHONE/FAX (251) 968-5300 / (251) 968-4532 E-MAIL info@sportseventsmagazine.com WEBSITE www.sportseventsmagazine.com PUBLISHER J. Talty O'Connor ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Kristen S. McIntosh ASSISTANT EDITOR Marlane A. Bundock DESIGN SERVICES Kelly Williams MANAGER DIRECTOR OF SALES Shellie Kichler SALES MANAGER Christy S. Raley MARKETING COORDINATOR Hannah Zito MANAGER, TRAFFIC Stephanie Eckman & PROMOTIONS CIRCULATION MANAGER Ashley Brokowsky CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Marcia Bradford Selena Chavis Janis Helton Alison Mitchell D. Fran Morley Paige Townley EDITORIAL Jon Butler, ADVISORY BOARD Pop Warner Little Scholars Sally Johnson, National Council of Youth Sports Jamie Adams, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Alicia McConnell, U.S. Olympic Committee James Parker, Amateur Athletic Union Don Ruedlinger, Youth Basketball of America Jon Schmieder, Huddle Up Group EDITOR'S PLAY-BY-PLAY Sports In The Great Outdoors he participant experience is one of the most important—if not the most important—measuring sticks for gauging the success of a sports event. And for many events, there is no more beautiful a backdrop than the Great Outdoors, where participants can compete and enjoy their beautiful natural surroundings at the same time. Holding events in the Great Outdoors presents both opportunities and challenges. In this special annual focus on natural venues, we talk to sports event planners as well as representatives from host cities who are veterans at hosting events in natural venues. They share what they are doing to constantly improve the quality of their events, expand their reach and, most of all, address the challenges of holding competitions outdoors. Throughout this special section you will find breakouts labeled "Natural Venue Know How," in which planners provide their very best tips and advice. On pages 24-28 is our 2014 Natural Venues Resource Guide, which provides a snapshot of some of the sports events that are suited to natural venues and some of the sports-friendly destinations with a history of hosting such events. So Happy TogetherÉPros & Cons Of Piggybacking Events For many sports event planners, it makes sense to team up with other events. Piggybacking events, so to speak, can help create a built-in audience, give partic- ipants and spectators a reason to extend their stay, and provide greater marketing reach to both events. Sue Hollenbeck of the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau said this concept worked well for a USA Weightlifting event that was part of the Bart and Nadia Sports Experience in February. "Weightlifting does not have a large following, but by placing it within another established event, we could give it more exposure," she said. Hear from Sue and others who share their own experiences with piggybacking events. There are many benefits, but also some pitfalls to be aware of. Kristen S. McIntosh, Editor T Resource Guide To Natural Venue Destinations, Pgs. 24-28 Kayla Krempley