SportsEvents is edited for those who plan tournaments or other sports events.
Issue link: https://sportsevents.epubxp.com/i/634578
we launch into 2016 full speed ahead, most of us are already so busy planning our next great event that we barely have time to celebrate last year's victories or refect upon the great accom- plishments made throughout our industry at all levels of competition. That's why now is the perfect time to honor and recognize our industry's best and brightest—inspiring us all to explore fresh ideas, pursue personal and profes- sional development and strive for excellence in all areas of the sports events industry. So with no further ado, please join us as we recognize excellence in the sports events industry with our annual "éclat" awards—honoring industry professionals who, just as the word is defned, have exhibited brilliance of performance, dazzling achievement and whopping success in the planning of their events. Not only are we recognizing sports event planners for their contribution to the sports events industry, but we are also shining a spotlight on several parks and recreation professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that their beloved felds and courts are in top-notch condition for our events. The people named in this special issue were selected by their peers for tak- ing sports initiatives to new heights, challenging tradition or paving the way for others in the industry to achieve excellence. Some have been in their roles for a while, while others are just beginning. Regardless of sport, tenure or role, all of the honorees in this issue have a passion for producing outstanding sports events We also applaud the winners of SportsEvents' Readers' Choice Awards. These destinations were nominated and selected by SportsEvents readers who recognized them for their professionalism, excellent service and commitment to hosting sports events that provide a uniquely memorable and outstanding experience. Congratulations to all our 2016 award winners! January 2016 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 Offce, P.O. Box 16868, North Hollywood, CA 91615. 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 2016 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 (251) 968-5300 / Fax (251) 968-4532 102 South Tejon Street Suite 1100 Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (719) 644-7000 MAILING ADDRESS P. O. Box 2267 Gulf Shores, AL 36547 E-MAIL info@sportseventsmagazine.com WEBSITE www.sportseventsmagazine.com PUBLISHER J. Talty O'Connor EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Carrie O'Connor DIRECTOR OF SALES Shellie Kichler MARKETING SERVICES Kelsey O'Connor MANAGER MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Kayla Head DESIGN SERVICES Kelly Williams MANAGER MANAGER, TRAFFIC Stephanie Eckman & PROMOTIONS FINANCE MANAGER Mandi Morrison CIRCULATION MANAGER Ashley Brokowsky CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Marcia Bradford Tammy Leytham Janis Helton Michelle Ryan Paige Townley T. Wayne Waters 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, CSEE Huddle Up Group EDITOR'S PLAY-BY-PLAY Editorial Coordinator As Inspiration For The New Year!