SportsEvents is edited for those who plan tournaments or other sports events.
Issue link: https://sportsevents.epubxp.com/i/595620
2016 Baseball/Softball Sourcebook 8 www.sportseventsmagazine.com program for operators, which will assist them in starting clubs, obtaining licenses and processing insurance certificates for t wo years. "They will also receive bonus assistance upon reaching certain mile- stones of membership," said Debra Horn, AAU senior sport manager. "It's a great new pro- gram for operators just starting out in AAU. There are also incentive milestones avail- able for existing operators." NATIONAL AMATEUR BASEBALL FEDERATION With a mission of inspiring everyone to play ball, the National Amateur Baseball Federation (NABF) is con- stantly trying to improve its offer- ings to provide the best experience possible. "We have an annual meeting where we make a point to discuss things we can do to improve our game, including the venues we use, our rules and all kinds of things," said NABF Executive Director Charles Blackburn. HOW CVBS & SPORTS COMMISSIONS CAN HELP To provide the best experience possible and attract more players to the game, leaders of the sport also know that pro- ducing fun and rewarding events is also a key for success. They recommended w orking with the local sports authority- for support from the host city's CVB or sports commission, whether that comes in the form of financial assistance, mar- keting skills or recruiting volunteers. "Sometimes we look to the CVB or sports commission for their expert mar- keting skills, and in some cases we need their event management skills," Key said. "Sometimes we just need their local help identifying facilities and hotels. S ome of our events are spread out over a large radius, and we need the CVB to help us secure enough hotel rooms and playing facilities for the hundreds of teams that will be participating in that event." Regardless of the specific assis- tance needed from the CVB/sports com- mission, one of the best ways to plan and host an event is by form- ing a strong rela- tionship with the local leadership. "We have seen this many times over," Riccobono said. "Local CVBs/sports commissions have a way to connect you and, most importantly, your participants with the best pos- sible experience. We don't take the viewpoint that the experience is just between the foul lines. The moment the par- ticipants get into town they are part of our event. So the experience as a whole— hotel, transporta- tion, amenities, facilities, etc.—all of these things play a major factor in the overall event we deliver. The local leadership in the CVB/sports commission can help make that the best experience possible." n K&K; Insurance Group, Inc. (K&K;) is a licensed insurance producer in all states. In Arkansas, K&K; operates under license # 240898. In California, K&K; operates under the DBA K&K; Insurance Agency, Inc., CA License # 0334819.