PUSH Magazine Volume 4, Issue 6

Field Notes

Here we sit in the blossoming month of March, we are filled with anticipation for the arrival of spring and the promise of new beginnings. This is a time when nature awakens from its winter slumber, and we, too, are inspired to embark on innovative journeys and embrace new ideas.

In the world of sports tourism, Spring holds special significance as many of our colleagues are preparing for Sports ETA’s Annual Symposium, one of the industry’s largest annual gatherings.

This collection of the brightest minds and innovators in our field promises to be a hub of knowledge exchange, networking, and inspiration.

In this issue, we delve into topics that resonate with the themes of the Symposium, exploring cutting-edge technologies, trends, and strategies that are shaping the future of the sports tourism industry.

From insightful interviews with industry leaders to in-depth analysis of emerging trends, our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and insights you need to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

As we embark on this journey together, let us embrace the spirit of collaboration and learning. Let us seize the opportunities that lie ahead and chart a course towards a brighter, more sustainable future.

Wishing you a March filled with growth, learning, and new beginnings.

x Matt Dunn

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Rights Holder Spotlight

Justin Travis USA BMX

11 Ideas to sleep better on a plane

4 Financial Steps to take prior to leaving your job Industry Spotlight

RIGHTS HOLDER SPOTLIGHT

What’s your current position?

I am currently the Director of Business Development. I’ve been with USA BMX for 12 years and earned my current title in February 2023. Recently, I took on all of the national event partnership work that John David was doing before he went to Sports ETA in May of that year.

Since this is a publication within the sports tourism industry, it’s much easier to give an overview of my work than when I’m trying to explain what I do to my in-laws.

I have three primary responsibilities; the first is creating and nurturing DMO relationships for our national events and, in some states, our growing state series.

The second is working within (or creating new) partnerships between DMOs and park

Justin Travis

and recreation departments to create new facilities and programs nationwide. To accomplish this, I spend equal time at national/state park and recreation conferences as I spend at tourism conferences. I hold the CPRP (Certified Park and Recreation Professional) from the NRPA, the park and rec industry equivalent of the STS certification.

The last responsibility is the “business development umbrella,” which realistically covers any idea or concept that could drive new business.

An example is a meeting I recently had with a new technology company/app that closes the event attendee data tracking gap better than any other service provider I have reviewed. They approached us with the idea of creating a partnership to showcase the service to cities and DMOs for the ability to track data at all sporting events. I also

sit on the advisory board for a group called the YCC (Youth Cycling Coalition), which is a group of 10 non-profit national cycling organizations that collaborate to get more kids on bikes around the country.

What would you say most motivates you to do what you do?

The interesting part about motivation is that there are two types: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is derived directly from passion. Community participation in the sport of BMX racing is my passion and my intrinsic motivation. I grew up racing BMX and playing baseball, didn’t make the high school team, and tried out for basketball but didn’t make the team.

I kept racing, not because I was better at racing, but because nobody told me I couldn’t. Now, my father, who is 66 years old, my son, who is four years old, and my wife all race at the local track. My motivation and my goal are for every kid and every family who doesn’t fit into the team sports mold to have the option to experience BMX racing and to be able to share that time with friends and family the same way that I did.

What led you to this job?

Whether through racing, coaching, volunteering, or working in bike shops, I’ve always been involved with the BMX racing industry. Before USA BMX, I was a Track Operator, worked for a previous sanctioning body, and spent ten years as the director of a residential summer training camp for action sports. Working at USA BMX was a natural evolution in my career.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in western New York state, in the rural/early suburbs east of Rochester. Growing up there was a typical experience. Racing BMX became difficult when our local track closed, and we had to travel to Buffalo every Friday night in the summer so we could continue racing.

I took AP and college courses in high school and graduated with the equivalent of an associate’s

degree. Then, in my infinite 19-year-old wisdom, I decided to take some time off to pursue racing professionally with the intent of going back. I never made it. I believe in lifelong learning, have completed many certification programs, and always work for constant improvement professionally and in life.

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in, and what you’re committed to in your work and life?

When you sit back and reflect on the people in life who have profoundly influenced you to the point of shaping who you are, if you’re lucky, that list will be long. If you’re even luckier, you can call those people friends and family.

My list is so long that I’m afraid going through it would bore most people and border on the edge of being completely cliché. However, on the professional side, John David was a key mentor in the sports tourism industry, as we worked together at USA BMX for over a decade. Sherry Butcher is not only the owner of the skydiving center where I instruct, but she is also the national vice president of the USPA and a real estate mogul.

Chris Ashcraft, the owner of Ohio Dreams Action Sports Camp; Kirk Morrison, the owner of J&R Bicycles, the largest BMX mail-order shop in the country; Colin Stiles, the man who introduced me to coaching and gave me my first experience with autonomy in business.

Personally, the list is even longer. From other instructors who might not even know I look up to them (Ed, Scott, and Shannon at Mad River Mountain, Dave, Peter, Blink, and Jay at AerOhio) to my wife, father, and mother, the entire extended family, and the friends I choose to surround myself with who all make me want to be better, I honestly try to learn something and find something to appreciate in everyone I interact with.

What projects are you working on now?

My key project is more of a mission. My mission is to either introduce or change the perception of BMX racing in every recreation department that doesn’t currently have a BMX racing program.

Essentially, I have to compile the data, create the messaging, and tell the story of BMX racing in a way that educates local government leadership about the absolute benefits of providing a venue and organized program to every person who knows how to ride a bike.

Were there any key turning points in this project?

A major turning point is anytime I learn there is a better way to tell the story.

We used to rely on a local advocate who wanted to start a track, and I would guide them through that process but have them do most of the local leg work. That had various results, and I spent too much time chasing “tire kickers” down rabbit holes who were not interested in sticking with the process over the long haul.

One of the first key turning points was using sports tourism as a hook. I learned quickly that a contact at a DMO (who is always motivated to bring people to town) could help navigate the local political climate and connect us with the movers and shakers to move things along.

The next major turning point was diving into the parks and recreation world through the NRPA. Since most sports facilities end up on park property, having the support of the local park director is crucial, and the best way to do that is to speak their language. The parks world is generally less concerned with “out of area” tourism and economic impact and more concerned with community usage rate and quality of life. Being able to portray this to a park director accurately is crucial as although they are some of the most selfless people I’ve met in this world, they also tend to be the most cynical. That’s a good thing; they have to protect their often very limited space and budgets, but it means providing enough data and education

for them to fully commit to supporting a facility.

The most recent turning point happened about two weeks ago when we launched an initiative (for now) called “advocate armies.” This initiative came about from a challenge that we were encountering with storytelling.

Some cities are very receptive to all sports, even those they don’t completely understand, because they still see the value. (It’s not like BMX racing is an entirely new sport; it’s been around in an organized fashion since the early 1970s.) However, some places ignore the data and local advocates while still investing millions of dollars in new facilities for other sports that are not growing, let alone the large number of community members who are not using those facilities.

In many meetings with “those types” of cities, when I asked what the catalyst was for other development, the answer was that large groups of community advocates made themselves known to the park board or city council at multiple meetings. Then, the city did what cities are supposed to do and listened to and supported their communities.

After this happened too often, we decided to add a second approach. When a park director, city, or

DMO starts showing a cognitive bias not to support BMX racing (which I understand, to many of them, I am just a guy in an office somewhere trying to explain to them what BMX is), I start a local group to create an army to attend city council meetings to demonstrate to them that the community does indeed want this and that it is a positive idea to support.

One of the most memorable recent encounters was when I was warned by city staff, not the council, not to proceed with having local advocates approach the city council because a BMX track was outside the 5-year plans for the city or parks. Having something not in a 5-year plan is normal because those plans are typically created on 5, 10, and even 15year timelines and can become hilariously out of date before they ever come to fruition.

In this particular instance, however, a second reason was also given; not only is BMX not in the 5-year plan, but we have to build pickleball courts, which weren’t in the plan either. I love pickleball and any sport that gets people outside and active, but my next question was obvious: “How did a pickleball facility get added if it wasn’t in the 5-year plan?” The answer was “the local pickleball advocates created a large group that routinely attended city council meetings until their facility was included.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at the irony of what I was being asked not to do. In this situation, the city council were the good guys. Enough of the community asked for something positive, and the council responded by supporting them. Our local advocates only want the same thing; why should that be discouraged?

As someone who has fought the underdog fight my entire life, the one phrase that motivates me the most is, “you can’t do that because that’s not how we’ve always done it.”

We’ve now launched three of these advocate army initiatives; although one is still growing, two of them have already gathered enough support that cities have reached out to us to say, “Wow, this is really cool. We didn’t realize so many people wanted to do this. How can we help?”

Justin, USA BMX has undertaken an aggressive facility development pursuit. Yet, you are always looking for more to help expand the sport and the offerings at USA BMX. How do you and your team handle the workflow day to day?

Thankfully, USA BMX has the staff to dedicate to this, and I collaborate with others. Within our structure, we have a few different “teams.” Events, Membership, Accounting, Track Support, Development, Headquarters, and the USA BMX Foundation. Each team is focused on its purpose, but as a company, I have never worked with a group of people who are more dedicated to an overall mission than our staff is. If help is needed, support is always available on any project or event, as everyone is ready to jump in and assist.

What gets you out of bed every day to continue your drive? What motivates your work ethic?

I can’t state this enough: I love what I do, and I feel like I have a real purpose. I believe that work ethic is a term created for people who are doing something without a purpose. Once you find your purpose and you believe in it, there isn’t a need for a work ethic; work isn’t stressful. I get up and am excited to do what I need to do, which is what I want to do.

What would you say are your best skills?

In today’s world, the term “skills” is ever-changing. Technology has reduced the need for so many “hard skills” that what used to be “soft skills” are now more critical than ever.

My best skill is being me; specifically, “being me” can be broken down into passion, personability, reliability, and loyalty. BMX racing isn’t the only thing I do, but everything I do I am passionate about. Without passion, the ability to stick with something long enough to be successful dwindles quickly into “just another thing you did.” If I’m working with you on something, you can guarantee that I’m passionate about it and will stick with it, often to the point of stubbornness.

Personability: I love people, I love learning about people, and most of all, I love interacting with people. It’s incredibly surprising every day when a simple interaction causes somebody else happiness, even when you didn’t mean to. Broken down, being kind, and making people feel good is 90% of creating a relationship, and it’s just something I enjoy doing.

Lastly, when I speak of reliability and loyalty, it’s about taking pride in doing exactly what you say you will do. I’ve found the best way to do this is to underpromise and overdeliver. Loyalty doesn’t need a description; you’re either loyal to people or you are not, and everyone knows who is loyal and who isn’t.

I know it sounds cliché, but being passionate, personable, reliable, and loyal is how someone who never graduated from college has navigated the professional world and found success, all while being surrounded by people much smarter than myself.

What’s next?

My goal is to bring BMX racing programs to 100 new communities. Why 100? Because it’s a nice round number, it’s lofty but realistic. It takes 3 to 4 years to develop a facility from “Hey, that’s a good idea” to opening day. If we put ten new facilities a year into the hopper, it should take 15 years to see that come to fruition. There are 14 projects under contract at the time of writing this, so I’m on track (pun intended) to reach that goal by 2038.

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Tim Trumble

11 Ideas to Sleeping Better on a Plane

Traveling long distances by plane can be exhausting, but there are ways to improve your chances of getting some rest on a flight. Here are some tips to help you arrive at your destination feeling more refreshed:

1. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants before your flight, and consult with your doctor before taking any sleep aids or supplements.

2. Dress comfortably in layers to adapt to changing cabin temperatures.

3. Pack essentials like a neck pillow, headphones, and an eye mask to block out light and noise.

4. Consider upgrading to first class or premium economy for more comfortable seating options.

5. Choose your seat strategically to minimize disturbances from other passengers and the cabin crew.

6. Adjust your sleep schedule before the flight if crossing multiple time zones, or choose a flight that aligns with your natural sleep patterns.

7. Secure your seatbelt over your blanket to avoid interruptions during turbulence.

8. Stick to your regular sleep routine, including pre-sleep rituals like meditation or stretching.

9. Fly directly whenever possible to maximize your sleep time.

10. Avoid crossing your legs for extended periods to maintain proper blood flow and comfort.

11. Stay relaxed, and don’t stress if you can’t fall asleep immediately; try to rest as much as possible before you land.

Following these tips can improve your chances of getting much-needed rest on your next long-haul flight.

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4 Financial Steps to Take Prior to Leaving Your Job

Money and employment experts advise on four financial moves to consider before leaving your job for good.

Many Americans find themselves living paycheck to paycheck while dreaming of quitting their jobs, perhaps to pursue full-time freelancing. However, there’s often little support for leaving a stable job with benefits, and waiting for a windfall, like an inheritance or lottery win, isn’t a practical exit plan. For most people, the time between considering leaving their job and actually doing it can span years or even decades.

Experts suggest that you can immediately start. It’s now easier than ever to create a plan to resign from your current job, leave on good terms, and establish a steady income. Here are four things to do before quitting your job and moving on.

Maximize Your Current Job Benefits

Do you know the importance of and fully understand your current employee benefits?

Before leaving, take full advantage of the resources available in your current job. Utilize training, assessments, and on-the-job opportunities that can help set you up for your next move. Even if your current job isn’t everything you want, you can

still find valuable resources to take with you when you leave.

Apart from using paid time off or even sick time, it is crucial to understand your retirement savings or pension benefits. After resigning, you may be able to retain some benefits, while others may need to be transferred or forfeited.

Being prepared to replace employer-based life and health insurance is also essential. This planning takes research and can be daunting for many employees, especially those supporting a family. Plan to reduce stress.

If you’re not transitioning to another job that offers these benefits, it’s wise to explore options on HealthCare.gov to see if you qualify for tax credits. Begin by researching health insurance options well before you need them so you can accurately factor the cost into your budget.

Use Your Job to Finance Your Startup

If possible (and within the parameters of your current employment), start your business while still employed. View it as using your day job to finance your startup.

Not being stressed over your mortgage or bills puts you in a better position to price yourself and negotiate offers. This financial stability will empower you to avoid deals that compromise your integrity or values. Starting your business while employed also gives you time to work out the potential curve balls thrown at you, such as hiring an accountant, opening a business bank account, hiring a bookkeeper, and ensuring your idea is viable.

Keep all your business expenses separate from your personal expenses. This separation will prevent headaches for you and your accountant during tax season. Maintaining this separation will also help you determine the right time to leave. When your business earnings rival or exceed those from your day job, it’s time to plan your exit.

Establish an Emergency Fund

Inevitably, some internal or external factor will ap-

pear to derail your plans. However, remember that the money you are managing is your own. There’s no need to rush. Take your time to carefully plan your financial steps without feeling anxious.

First, save a substantial emergency fund and place it in a high-yield savings account. You should have six to nine months of expenses, including health insurance. This savings will help you avoid stress in case of unforeseen circumstances.

It is essential to build an emergency fund to help reduce financial pressure. Once you have obtained your emergency fund target, you will have the freedom to make life decisions without financial worries, alleviating your angst about departing your current gig.

Be Open Minded

The day has arrived to submit your resignation letter. Make sure to resign following any required policies, procedures, and timeframes. Most employers prefer 30 days of notice, but the number varies by industry. Some organizations may ask you to leave immediately, so be ready for this and don’t take it personally.

Instead, create a plan to be gracious. Have thankyou cards prepared for those you care about most. Share your personal contact information with cherished colleagues and make a note of any emails or phone numbers you may need in your post-job life. Express gratitude for everything you learned, obtained, and accomplished while working for the organization, thus leaving professionally and hopefully on good terms.

You may never wish to work there again, but you may have family or friends who might. As a colleague, you may be able to refer others or need a reference. As an entrepreneur, you may, and likely will, find yourself in consulting roles within the same professional circle.

Business networks and professional reputations matter for numerous reasons. Therefore, when departing, do it with your head held high, but be mindful not to burn bridges.

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Brian Gainor

What’s your current position?

I am the founder of Gainor Sports, a premier sports marketing and sponsorship advisory firm dedicated to empowering sports, entertainment, and tourism entities worldwide. Our mission is to help these organizations drive significant new sponsorship, revenue, and fan/visitor growth.

In a dynamic landscape where sports, events, and tourism continually evolve, I specialize in helping organizations grow, adapt, and formulate strategies to drive greater revenue, elevate their positioning/storytelling, and attract new audiences and visitors to their events.

With over two decades of experience, I’ve worked with 200+ professional sports teams, leagues, sports commissions/destinations, sponsor brands and organizations globally. I love being able to help organizations problem solve and take inspiration from other leading sports, entertainment & tourism properties around the world who all share similar business goals and objectives.

What would you say most motivates you to do what you do?

I am a lifelong learner and am constantly exploring innovative best practices in sports, entertainment, and tourism. I believe there’s always “a better way,” and I love helping great people and organizations find a new and better way to grow their business, creatively generate revenue, attract more fans/visitors, and create more impact and incredible fan/ event experiences.

My wife Laura and I moved to Florida to be closer to family, embrace a pickleball lifestyle, and play a central role in the explosive growth happening in the world of sports & entertainment and pickleball here in the state. Laura is the founder of the world’s first pickleball marketing agency, Vossberg Gainor, and the creative force behind a pickleball lifestyle brand, Pickleball in the Sun, so it’s been a lot of fun to be entrepreneurs pursuing our goals together.

What led you to this line of work?

I’ve known since my time in college that I wanted to work in sports and was particularly drawn to working in sports marketing with a goal of helping leading brands leverage sports & entertainment to grow their business.

I started my career working on the team/property side with organizations like the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and NFL Europe. I then shifted to the agency world, where I’ve spent much of my career advising sports and entertainment properties and brands at Legends, 4FRONT, and GMR Marketing.

Over the years, I’ve had an opportunity to work with (and learn) from various incredible organizations worldwide, including Cirque du Soleil, the Harris County Houston Sports Authority, Green Bay Packers, Cricket Australia, Chelsea FC, Space Center Houston, and more. These enriching experiences have allowed me to gain invaluable insights and perspectives that I now have the privilege of imparting to the partners I work with and help them problem-solve, think differently, and accelerate their organizations.

I launched Gainor Sports to help more organizations

worldwide creatively generate more revenue, fans, and impact. We’re living in an exciting time with incredible opportunities to create and attract new international events, audiences, and attention. We love helping partners think differently and develop new strategies to grow and evolve their businesses.

In early 2023, I co-founded a Jacksonville Sports & Entertainment Networking Group, aiming to unite and raise the profile of our sports and entertainment community in our region of Florida. I am excited to play a key role in helping to continue to grow and elevate the Jacksonville sports and entertainment community and help leaders in the area create a positive impact in our community and new, best-in-class fan experiences.

Where did you grow up?

I’ve had a chance to live in many places throughout the U.S. and Germany, but I grew up in Miami, FL. Miami was a wonderful place to grow up in the ‘90s as it was fast-growing, a cultural melting pot, and an incredible sports city.

I attended the University of Florida as a business/ marketing major and went on to get my MBA/MSA degree at Ohio University, which has the world’s #1 sports administration program.

I loved my time at the University of Florida and had an opportunity to work in the athletics department all four years I was a student, gaining incredible experience and friendships that helped create opportunities for me to work with the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Orange Bowl, SEC tournaments and NFL Europe.

Attending the Ohio University Sports Administration program for my Masters was one of the best decisions I have ever made in life. The program offers an incredible alumni network and experiences for students, and I am proud to be the current Chair of the Alumni Advisory Board to help continue to grow and evolve the program and its reach.

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in, and what you’re committed to in your work and life?

From a personal perspective, my parents have been incredible mentors who have taught me a lot about putting family first, treating people with respect, and prioritizing the things that matter most in life. My dad was the CEO of International Dairy Queen and had an opportunity to work directly with Warren Buffett, so I have learned so much from him over the years.

From a professional standpoint, Dan Migala has been such an incredible friend, mentor and leader that I’ve learned so much from over the years. Dan is one of the most creatively brilliant people in our business and has taught me how to passionately lead by always putting people first, being curious, and challenging the status quo.

I also learned so much from Jan Katzoff, founder of SportsMark, about how to lead with transparency, authenticity and candor. Getting to work with genuine, authentic leaders like Jan over the years has taught me so much.

What projects are you working on now?

I am working on several projects that help partners reimagine their approach to sponsorships—from evolving their go-to-market story (“their why”) to creating new sellable platforms and assets, enhancing their prospecting approach, creating 365-day activation opportunities,

evolving the way they manage and measure their partnerships, and more. We (the sports tourism industry) must evolve with the ever-evolving needs and interests of brand decision-makers, especially in a post-COVID environment.

Brian, you have worked with an impressive list of clients during your career. Yet, you continue delivering compelling campaigns that drive numbers and, more importantly, revenue. How do you keep the creative wheel turning?

I love helping organizations by starting with asking the following questions:

• If I owned & ran the organization, what would I do?

• Beginning with the end in mind, is there a new, better way we can evolve our approach?

• Who are mirror images (past clients/partners) with similar challenges and opportunities from which I can leverage what I have learned?

• How can we 1) stand for something, 2) take a risk, 3) own new moments in time, and 4) tell our story better?

• What are the top 2-3 audiences we deliver? Who are our 2-3 biggest growth audiences?

• If fans ran (insert organization), what would they do?

• What gets you out of bed every day to continue your drive? What motivates your work ethic?

I love helping great people solve their biggest challenges/opportunities and do things they never dreamed were possible. Over the past two decades, I’ve dedicated tens of thousands of hours to seeking out “new and better ways” to help sports and entertainment organizations creatively generate revenue, evolve their organizations, and grow their fans and visitor base.

I love waking up each day with an intense curiosity and drive to help partners creatively problem-solve and generate revenue in new ways.

My vision for Gainor Sports is to be recognized as a leading global sports marketing and consulting agency, collaborating with prominent organizations locally,

nationally, and internationally.

What would you say are your best skills?

My greatest skills are creativity, problem-solving, sponsorship strategy, and revenue generation!

What’s next for you in your work? What are you looking forward to in your career?

I am excited to take a more “glocal” approach to my business, working with new and diverse organizations and events around the globe while also having an opportunity to create more impact locally in growing the sports, entertainment, and tourism industry in the state of Florida.

As a soccer fan and global sports enthusiast, I’d love to be part of the upcoming 2024 Cricket World Cup, 2026 FIFA World Cup, and 2028 Olympic Games in LA in some way!

mindfulness

With the spring sports tourism season and families ready for a spring break upon us across the United States, you might be gearing up to activate your “out of office” message.

However, in a nation renowned for its work-centric culture and the absence of federal mandates ensuring paid vacation time, many Americans struggle to disconnect during their allotted time off. On average, they leave nearly ten vacation days unused each year, and even when they do take a break, a significant majority find it challenging to detach from work fully.

This challenge isn’t unique to the U.S. The European workforce, though thrilled at the guarantee of a large number of paid vacation days and mandatory time off in the summer months, still grapples with the urge to stay plugged in, finding the return to work after extended periods away overwhelming.

Use these tailored tips from our European friends for crafting your out-of-office strategy within the sports tourism context:

Align with Stakeholders: Proactively communicate your vacation plans to clients and key stakeholders in advance. Inquire about upcoming projects or events requiring your attention during your absence, allowing you to strategize and delegate tasks accordingly.

Delegate Responsibly: Foster a culture of mutual support within your team, ensuring clear protocols for covering responsibilities during vacations. Prepare comprehensive handover materials for colleagues, enabling seamless continuity in project execution even while you’re away.

Keep Supervisors Informed: As your departure date approaches, provide your supervisor with regular updates on ongoing projects. This will facilitate informed decision-making regarding task prioritization and ensure appropriate support is available in your absence.

Activate Out-of-Office Protocols: Implement a robust out-of-office auto-reply message, directing clients and colleagues to alternative contact points during your absence. Turn off notifications across all work-related platforms to minimize interruptions and maintain disconnection from professional obligations.

Embrace an out-of-office, European-inspired mindset towards work-life balance, prioritize your well-being, and the rejuvenating benefits of vacation time. Recognize that work, especially in sports tourism, should enhance rather than define your identity. Upon your return, leverage team collaboration to efficiently catch up on missed tasks and maintain a structured approach to workload management.

Integrating these principles into your out-of-office strategy can foster a healthier balance between professional commitments and personal well-being, contributing to a more sustainable and fulfilling sports tourism experience for yourself and your stakeholders.

Prepare to be

Caffeine,in Moderate Amounts, Can Be Good for You Here’s How to Tell If You’re

Overdoing It

If you’re a caffeine aficionado, you might find some comfort in knowing that moderate caffeine consumption can be beneficial. Gone are the days when we saw coffee as a warm morning beverage or a treat to start the day. For many of us, it’s more like a lifeline—a delicious crutch that keeps us going through the day, whether in the form of French press, pour-over, cold brew, or even cocktails.

We’ll admit we’re on the extreme end of the spectrum. We know we’ll eventually need to cut back, especially for the sake of our chronic insomnia. But here’s the thing: Caffeine isn’t necessarily bad for you when consumed in moderation. To understand what moderation means and caffeine’s health benefits (and potential drawbacks), we here at PUSH researched what all the top nutritionists are saying.

Health Benefits of Caffeine

Research suggests that caffeine can enhance mental performance and alertness by blocking a brain chemical associated with drowsiness. Many studies have shown that caffeine improves endurance and overall athletic performance. However, it’s important to note that caffeine won’t give you superhuman abilities but rather help you perform at your peak. Caffeine from coffee and tea, consumed in moderation, may also reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. These beverages contain polyphenols and antioxidants, which protect against chronic diseases.

Is Caffeine Harmful?

Consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is considered safe for most people. However, exceeding that amount can lead to health issues such as insomnia, anxiety, nausea, headaches, dizziness, restlessness or shakiness, and abnormal heart rhythm.

The FDA warns that consuming about 1,200 milligrams of caffeine can potentially cause seizures. This amount of caffeine is found in dietary supplements containing pure or highly concentrated caffeine. If you choose to consume these products, reading the label and measuring a safe serving is crucial.

Does the Source of Caffeine Matter?

Coffee, tea, and energy drinks—how do they compare healthwise? The body distinguishes between natural and synthetic caffeine. However, recent trends show that Americans believe natural and added caffeine have the same effect. According to the FDA and US Dietary Guidelines, it’s most important to stay below 400 milligrams of caffeine, as this amount is not associated with negative health effects in healthy adults. Individual sensitivities to caffeine and metabolism rates can vary widely.

What’s a Healthy Amount of Caffeine?

Nutritionists recommend a moderate caffeine intake of 300 to 400 milligrams per day. This measure is roughly equivalent to three cups of coffee, 5 ounces of espresso, seven cups of black tea, or 11 cups of green tea. You can use the International Food Information Council’s caffeine calculator if you need clarification about the caffeine content of common foods or beverages.

Tips for Cutting Back on Caffeine

Consider going half-caf. You only need a small amount (75-100 milligrams) for an effect, so if you’re having a 16-ounce cup of coffee containing about 200 milligrams of caffeine, consider making it half-decaf. Also, be mindful of hidden sources of caffeine. Synonyms for caffeine include Guarana, Yoco, Yerba Mate, Guayusa, Yaupon Holly, Kola Nut, Cocoa, and Green Tea Extract. So, watch out for these ingredients as they contribute to caffeine intake.

Perfect your game on Amelia Island, Northeast Florida’s tranquil barrier island where breathtaking views, moss-draped oaks and easy access deliver events where everyone wins. PLAN

Enhancing Conference Sponsorship Value Beyond Traditional Branding

Conference sponsorship has evolved beyond traditional branding to offer sponsors unique opportunities for exposure, engagement, and relationship-building. By tailoring sponsorship packages, involving sponsors in content creation, sharing data insights, facilitating connections, and offering long-term engagement opportunities, conference organizers can provide substantial value to sponsors beyond just logo placement. Here are some innovative ways to enhance the sponsorship experience for both sponsors and attendees:

1. Tailored Sponsorship Packages:

One size does not fit all when it comes to sponsorship packages. Customizing packages based on sponsor preferences, budget, and objectives can lead to higher satisfaction and engagement. Offering different levels of exposure, access, and engagement, such as keynote speeches, panel discussions, networking sessions, or workshops, can align with sponsors’ specific needs.

2. Involvement in Content Creation:

Involving sponsors in the content creation can help showcase their thought leadership and connect with potential customers. Sponsors can contribute to blogs, newsletters, podcasts, or social media channels before, during, and after the event. Co-creating or co-hosting webinars, podcasts, or live Q&A sessions with speakers or attendees can also be beneficial.

3. Data Collection and Sharing:

Data is valuable for measuring event impact and providing feedback for improvement. Sharing attendee profiles, behavior, and preference data with sponsors can help them understand the reach and engagement of their sponsorship activities. Sponsees can use surveys, polls, quizzes, analytics tools, or mobile apps to collect and share data effectively.

4. Facilitate Connections:

Sponsors participate in conferences to network and build relationships. Providing opportunities for sponsors and attendees to interact and schedule meetings can be valuable. Dedicated online platforms, matchmaking sessions, speed dating events, or roundtables can facilitate these connections based on interests or needs.

5. Long-term Opportunities:

Offering sponsors long-term opportunities to stay in touch with the audience can extend their brand awareness. Creating a post-event community where sponsors and attendees can communicate and collaborate can be beneficial. Inviting sponsors to join or sponsor future events, webinars, or courses or partnering with them on other projects or initiatives can also provide long-term value.

Enhancing sponsorship value at conferences goes beyond traditional branding. By customizing packages, involving sponsors in content creation, sharing data, facilitating connections, and offering long-term opportunities, conference organizers can provide meaningful and lasting value to sponsors, enhancing the overall conference experience for everyone involved.

INDUSTRY CONFIDENTIAL

Check in every issue for the unfiltered thoughts of our guest writers and contributors as they discuss the hottest topics in sports tourism.

In this issue, our guest writer discusses the subject of recreating a good working relationship with a colleague.

The sports tourism industry is fluid and involves a fast-paced environment. Maintaining positive working relationships is crucial for success. However, conflicts can arise, leading to strained relationships with colleagues. Rebuilding a good working relationship with a colleague after a conflict can be challenging but is essential for fostering a positive and productive work environment. Here are some strategies to overcome these challenges and rebuild a strong working relationship:

Reflect on the Conflict

Before attempting to rebuild the relationship, take some time to reflect on the conflict. Consider your role in the conflict and how your actions may have contributed to the strained relationship. Reflecting on the conflict can help you gain perspective and identify areas for improvement.

Acknowledge the Conflict

Acknowledge the conflict with your colleague respectfully and professionally. Express your willingness to address the issues and work towards a resolution. Acknowledging the conflict demonstrates your commitment to rebuilding the relationship.

Communicate Openly

Effective communication is critical to rebuilding a working relationship. Be open and honest in your communication with your colleagues. Listen actively

to their perspective and try to understand their point of view. Clear and open communication can help resolve misunderstandings and rebuild trust.

Focus on Solutions

Instead of dwelling on past conflicts, find solutions to improve the working relationship. Collaborate with your colleague to identify areas where you can work together effectively. Focus on common goals and objectives to rebuild a sense of teamwork and collaboration.

Build Trust

Rebuilding trust is essential for a good working relationship. Be reliable and consistent in your actions and follow through on commitments. Trust develops over time through positive interactions and consistent behavior.

Show Empathy

Demonstrate empathy towards your colleague by acknowledging their feelings and perspectives. Show that you understand their point of view and are willing to work towards a resolution. Empathy can help bridge the gap between conflicting parties and rebuild a sense of mutual respect.

Seek Mediation if Needed

If you cannot resolve the conflict independently, consider seeking mediation from a neutral third party. A mediator can facilitate a constructive dialogue between you and your colleague and assist in finding a mutually acceptable solution.

Focus on Professionalism

Maintain a high level of professionalism in your interactions with your colleagues. Treat them respectfully and courteously, even if you disagree on specific issues. Professionalism can help create a positive working environment and rebuild trust.

Learn from the Experience

Use the conflict as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Reflect on the experience and identify ways to improve your communication and conflict-resolution skills. Learning from the experience can help prevent similar conflicts in the future.

Give it Time

Rebuilding a working relationship takes time and patience. Be realistic about the timeline for rebuilding the relationship and give it time to develop. Be persistent in your efforts to improve the relationship, but also be patient and allow for progress to occur naturally.

Rebuilding a good working relationship with a colleague after a conflict in the sports tourism industry requires effort, patience, and a willingness to communicate and collaborate effectively. By acknowledging the conflict, communicating openly, and focusing on solutions, you can overcome the challenges and rebuild a strong and positive working relationship.