Conference Review - Sunshine Sports Council's Innovation Think Tank

CONFERENCE REVIEW

Illuminating Success: An Overview of the Sunshine Sports Council’s Innovation Think Tank in Lakeland, FL

In the heart of Florida, the Sunshine Sports Council’s Innovation Think Tank emerged as a beacon of inspiration for sports enthusiasts, professionals, and industry leaders. Co-founded by Matt Dunn, Kevin Smith, and Ravi Rajcoomar, the conference sought to revolutionize the landscape of sports tourism for those conducting business in Florida.

Held in the vibrant city of Lakeland, the event showcased groundbreaking ideas, fostered collaboration, and left a lasting impact on Florida’s sports tourism industry.

Before delving into the conference details, it is crucial to understand the roots of the Sunshine Sports Council and its co-founders’ motivations.

The founders joined forces in 2020 to create a platform redefining sports tourism collaboration in Florida. Their mission is to generate opportunities that develop and inspire cooperation among Florida’s sports tourism organizations through information gathering and exchange, networking opportunities, industry education, legislative issues, and public relations.

Planning and execution of the Innovation Think Tank conference were evident when attendees stepped into the venue. With its central location and state-of-theart facilities, Lakeland provided the ideal backdrop for this gathering of sports tourism industry leaders.

The organizers spared no effort in curating an agenda covering a broad spectrum of topics, from technological advancements, leadership and growth, Olympic year and women in sports challenges and successes, and even sustainable event management practices.

One of the conference’s highlights was the stellar lineup of speakers and panelists who shared their insights and experiences. Industry icons, such as Brian Gainor (Gainor Sports), Amy Boek (Zartico), Olympic year panelists Justin Travis (USA BMX), Pete Isais (USA Wrestling), and Adam Andrasko (USA Artistic Swimming), Women’s Sports panelists Casey Taker (IRONMAN), Luisa Andrade (Orlando City/Orlando Pride), Dr. Katherine Loh (Florida Southern College), and Raelyn Dessart (Visit Central Florida Sports) all spoke on a robust day one.

John David (Sports ETA) provided a 2024 State of the Industry Outlook that captured the conference attendees’ attention, followed by many insightful questions. Roundtable topics and general discussions explored topics like leveraging data analytics in sports tourism, enhancing fan engagement, implementing eco-friendly initiatives in event planning, and so much more.

The Sunshine Sports Council’s Innovation Think Tank prioritized fostering connections and collaborations among attendees.

The organizers incorporated various networking sessions, from informal meet-and-greets to structured discussions. From golf to dining, from ax throwing to a virtual shooting range, these opportunities allowed professionals from different sectors to exchange ideas, explore potential partnerships, and lay the groundwork for future collaborations.

The synergy generated during these interactions was palpable, contributing to the event’s overall success. The Sunshine Sports Council’s Innovation Think Tank conference in Lakeland, Florida, was a resounding success, leaving an indelible mark on Florida’s sports tourism landscape.

The Innovation Think Tank co-founders envisioned a platform that showcased the latest and future trends in sports and fostered collaboration, community engagement, and long-term initiatives. As the industry continues to evolve, the legacy of this conference serves as a guiding light for future endeavors, demonstrating the potential of sports to unite, inspire, and innovate.