SportsEvents is edited for those who plan tournaments or other sports events.
Issue link: https://sportsevents.epubxp.com/i/439349
www.sportseventsmagazine.com December 2014 11 he goal of a sports event planner is obvious: to successfully plan and execute a sporting event while providing a great experience for participants and attendees. Though different, the mission of convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and sports commissions is not com- pletely unrelated: to attract visitors to the city to increase economic impact. This mission can significantly aid event planners throughout the process of planning and hosting an event—if the planner will simply reach out and ask for assistance. In the interest of brevity this story will refer to the local sports authority as a sports commission, regardless of whether it may be a division within a CVB, chamber of commerce or a stand- alone sports commission. By whatever name, leverag- ing the expert- ise and knowl- edge of the local sports commission can mean the differ- ence between an average and a thriving sport- ing event. "The sports commis- sion is a liaison for event rights holders when planning an event," said Lori Warner of the South Sioux City (Nebraska) CVB. "It's a one-stop shop to bring everyone together and create that great event." According to Jade Perkins of the Florence (Ala.) Area Sports Council, there is really no other potential partner that can be of more assis- tance to an event rights holder than the local sports commission. "The sports com- mission can pro- vide valuable information and support to sports event planners from the beginning stages of planning," she said. "Nobody has more information on a location or venue like the sports commission." ➤ SPECIAL FEATURE: Sports Commissions & CVBs T LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Leveraging the expertise and knowledge of the local sports commission can mean the difference between an average and a thriving sporting event. Why Your First Contact Should Be The Area's Sports Authority BY PAIGE TOWNLEY