PUSH Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 1

VOLUME 01 // ISSUE 01

SPORTS DIVERSITY SUMMIT

SPORTS LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

CONNECT SPORTS

WOMEN IN SPORTS TOURISM

For more info about these 2020 shows, contact Connect Sports Executive Director Holly Anderson at hsanderson@connectmeetings.com.

INDOOR SPORTS SUMMIT

experience. community. perspective.

F I E L D N OT E S Wi k i p e d i a d e f i n e s F i e l d n o t e s a s “ q u a l i t a t i v e n o t e s r e c o r d e d by s c i e n t i s t s or researchers in the course of field research, during or after their observ a t i o n o f a s p e c i f i c p h e n o m e n o n t h e y a r e s t u d y i n g. T h e n o t e s a r e i n t e n d e d to be read as evidence that gives meaning and aids in the understanding of the phenomenon.”

A s w e e n t e r 2 0 2 0 , i t m a r k s m y t w e n t y f o u r t h ye a r w o r k i n g i n t h e t o u r i s m a n d s p o r t s t o u r i s m i n d u s t r i e s . D u r i n g m y t i m e l e a r n i n g, w o r k i n g, g r o w i n g, a n d b e i n g h u m b l e d by t h i s b u s i n e s s , I ’v e o f t e n s a t b a c k a n d o b s e r v e d c o l l e a g u e s , c l i e n t s , h o t t o p i c s e v o l v e, a n d t r e n d s t h a t c o m e a n d g o . I t ’s t h i s c o l l e c t i v e o b s e r v a t i o n t h a t g av e m e t h e i d e a t o s t a r t a n i n d u s t r y m a g a z i n e ov e r t w o ye a r s a g o . A n i n d u s t r y m a g a z i n e t h a t ’s f o c u s e d o n YO U, t h e t o u r ism and sports tourism professional.

I t ’s m y i n t e n t t o k e e p e v e r y o n e o f yo u t o p o f m i n d w h e n c r a f t i n g e a c h i s s u e. A s I h av e m e n t o r e d , a n d b e e n m e n t o r e d , I ’v e c o m e t o l e a r n a r e a s o f interest, successes, critical needs, continuing education and even persona l o b s t a c l e s t h a t d r i v e, a n d w e i g h d o w n , e a c h o n e o f u s i n t h e i n d u s t r y.

I t ’s t h i s e x p e r i e n c e i n t h e f i e l d l e a r n i n g a n d o b s e r v i n g t h a t ’s d r i v i n g t h e c o n t e n t o f P U S H M a g a z i n e t o b e c o m e e n o r m o u s l y r e l e v a n t t o YO U a s w e continue our jour ney together through the ups and downs of the industry l i f e s t y l e.

I ’ m c o n f i d e n t t h i s s u b j e c t m a t t e r w i l l r e a c h yo u i n a w a y t h a t w i l l e n h a n c e yo u r l i f e b o t h p e r s o n a l l y a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l l y. I t r u s t t h a t yo u w i l l f i n d i t d i f f e r e n t , i n a s p e c t a c u l a r l y u n i q u e s o r t o f w a y. L i f e e b b s a n d f l o w s , a n d as we say at the beach, “it changes with the tides.” So, if this hand-crafted c o n t e n t h e l p s P U S H yo u r l i f e f o r w a r d , t h e n w e ’v e a c c o m p l i s h e d o u r g o a l .

P l e a s e r e a c h o u t a n d l e t m e k n o w w h a t yo u t h i n k , o r i f yo u h av e a n y s u g g e s t i o n s f o r f u t u r e i s s u e s . I ’ m av a i l a b l e t o a l l o f yo u a t a n y t i m e, m a t t @ r a c o n t e u r s . u s o r 9 0 4 - 3 0 3 - 0 5 5 2 . L e t ’s m a k e 2 0 2 0 t h e b e s t ye a r ye t !

X M AT T D U N N

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experience. community. perspective.

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S 08

DMO/SPORTS COMMISSION SPOTLIGHT

15 18 23

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RIGHTS HOLDER SPOTLIGHT

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STATE SPORTS TOURISM SPOTLIGHT

experience. community. perspective.

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TIPS FROM THE PROS

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INDUSTRY CONFIDENTIAL

MAILING ADDRESS

1093 A1A BEACH BLVD. #118 ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, FL 32080

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WWW.RACONTEURS.US/ PUSH-MAGAZINE/

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NAS PENSACOLA BLUE ANGELS

experience. community. perspective.

R AY PA L M E R

DMO/Sports Commission Spotlight

W h a t i s yo u r t i t l e a n d h o w l o n g h av e yo u h e l d yo u r position with Pe n s a c o l a Sports?

My “Title” is President a n d C E O, i m p r e s s i v e, r i g h t ?

But my job is “whatever it t a k e s . ” Fo r e x a m p l e, a t a new half marathon event this weekend, I’m to arrive at Whataburger at 5:30 am on race morning to pick up breakfast for our volunteers!

I s t a r t e d a t Pe n s a c o l a Sports on March 1, 2002.

I had no experience other t h a n s e r v i n g o n t h e Pe n s a c o l a S p o r t s Vo l u n t e e r B o a r d of Directors, and no traini n g i n t h e i n d u s t r y. I d i d , h o w e v e r, h av e a p a s s i o n f o r my community and a belief t h a t s p o r t s p r ov i d e a p l a t for m for a good quality of

l i f e.

W h a t i s yo u r c u r r e n t o r g a nizational structure?

Pe n s a c o l a S p o r t s i s a p r i vate 501(4) not-for-profit organization incor porated in 1956, making us one of the very oldest sports organizations in the count r y. We m a n a g e t w o m i s sions. Our community side is in the creation, support, and management of local events, supported financially through a membership prog ram, participation fees, cor porate sponsorships, etc.

The other side focuses on sports tourism and mark e t i n g, a n d a l l t h a t e n c o m passes including facilities, event recruitment/development, knowledge of indus-

try trends and issues, etc.

We a r e a c o n t r a c t e d a g e n c y t h r o u g h o u r D M O ( Vi s i t Pe n s a c o l a ) f o c u s i n g o n sports tourism.

We h av e a n a c t i v e B o a r d of Directors that represent a d i v e r s e g r o u p, i n c l u d i n g business leaders, professionals, sports enthusiasts, colleges, local school district representatives and parks a n d r e c r e a t i o n . We h av e a full-time staff of six, two part-time staff and often inter ns. Our board meets m o n t h l y, s o m e t i m e s a t o u r events or a family-friendly s e t t i n g. T h i s ye a r w e a r e planning to meet at a new a x e t h r o w i n g p l a c e. T h a t ’s f a m i l y - f r i e n d l y, r i g h t ?

We h av e a 5 0 1 ( c ) 3 Fo u n d a t i o n t h a t p r ov i d e s l o c a l

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g r a n t s w i t h a f o c u s o n yo u t h and amateur sports initiat i v e s . T h e Fo u n d a t i o n h a s a seperate 15 person Board of Directors.

T h e Fo u n d a t i o n h a s a w a r d e d ov e r $ 7 0 0 , 0 0 0 dollars to local organizations since its creation in 1984.

What is the % breakdown of yo u r r e v e n u e ?

We h av e s e e n s i g n i f i c a n t changes in these numbers ov e r t h e p a s t f e w ye a r s a s o u r e v e n t s h av e e v o l v e d a n d t h e awareness and commitment to t h o s e e f f o r t s h av e i n c r e a s e d .

Our revenue is one-third privately generated funds and t w o - t h i r d s p u b l i c m o n e y.

I s yo u r o r g a n i z a t i o n f o c u s e d on the quality of life events, room night creation or both?

Pe n s a c o l a S p o r t s h a s b e e n

a part of our community for 6 9 ye a r s . O u r n u m b e r o n e f o cus has been, and probably a l w a y s w i l l b e, i m p r ov i n g a n d enhancing our area and the quality of life for the citizens.

The tourism industry has recognized the importance of i nv e s t i n g i n t h e l o c a l c o m m u nity as a driver to increase v i s i t o r s . I f p e o p l e l ov e w h e r e t h e y l i v e, t h e y a r e g o i n g t o t e l l others. All the paid media in the world will never be as influential as a personal recomm e n d a t i o n . We a r e f o c u s i n g o n i m p r ov i n g o u r c o m m u n i t y through the power of sport, p hy s i c a l l y, e m o t i o n a l l y a n d e c o n o m i c a l l y. Ro o m n i g h t s , a n d t h e m o n e y g e n e r a t e d by tourist development taxes, are the fuel that powers those eff o r t s . We h av e t o a l w a y s k e e p that in our sights.

R AY ’ S TO P 3 W h a t d o yo u e n j o y d o i n g w h e n yo u a r e n o t w o r k i n g ?

I f I h a d o n e p l a c e t o b e a n d o n e t h i n g t o d o w h e n I a m n o t w o r k i n g i t w o u l d i nv o l v e b e i n g o n a b o a t , p r e f e r a b l y w i t h m y w i f e, c h i l d r e n , a n d g r a n d c h i l d r e n . G o l f h a s n o w t a k e n up a spot fairly high on the things I enjoy as well.

Yo u r t o p 3 f a v o r i t e b o o k s ?

I g e n e r a l l y r e a d s e l f - h e l p b u s i n e s s t y p e b o o k s . C u l t u r e by D e s i g n by D av i d Fr i e d m a n .

T h e O l d M a n a n d t h e S e a , E r n e s t H e m i n g w a y.

W h a t i s yo u r f a v o r i t e s p o r t i n g e v e n t a n n u a l l y ?

Any major in-season event, but my passion for basketball brings me to March Madness.

I also enjoy night matches at the US Open and the drama of The Masters on Sunday is g r e a t e v e n i f yo u h av e n o i n t e r e s t i n t h e g a m e.

experience. community. perspective.

Based on facility assets, w h a t w o u l d yo u s a y a r e yo u r “bread and butter” sports?

Our most impactful sports with the largest number of participants is pretty typical of a mid-size comm u n i t y, e s p e c i a l l y i n t h e south with generally warm enough weather to play outs i d e ye a r - r o u n d . T h e s e i n c l u d e s o c c e r, b a s e b a l l a n d of course the g rowth of lac r o s s e i n t h e r e g i o n . Vi r t u ally any outdoor sports that d o n’ t r e q u i r e h i l l s o r s n o w c a n b e h o s t e d . We a r e b l e s s ed with tremendous natural r e s o u r c e a s s e t s , a g r e a t b a y, intercostal waterway as well as immediate access to the Gulf of Mexico.

Describe the seasonality of Escambia County tourism a n d h o w yo u u s e i t i n yo u r approach.

We h av e a h e av y t o u r i s t season in March and the s u m m e r m o n t h s o f Ju n e, Ju l y, a n d A u g u s t . H o w e v e r, our weather is really special in the shoulder months.

While our primary visitor months are taken into consideration as we consider event development and recruitment, the actual location of the event within the County is equally as importa n t . T h e g e o g r a p hy o f t h e area is very diverse with the beaches along the south, while the central and northern sections of the county are inner-city and rural.

T h e e n t i r e C o u n t y i s ov e r 4 0 m i l e s l o n g. E a c h a r e a h a s its own venue assets, hotels, and attractions which allow

us to host events throughout t h e ye a r.

W h a t a r e yo u r g o a l s i n 2 0 2 0 s u r r o u n d i n g yo u r w o r k o n t h e S p o r t s E TA B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s a n d yo u r C o m m i t t e e work?

Being a part of the Sports E TA b o a r d h a s b e e n o n e o f the most rewarding tasks I h av e e n g a g e d i n d u r i n g m y c a r e e r i n t h i s i n d u s t r y.

The transition of new senior management and the o r g a n i z a t i o n’s r e c e n t l y e x panded reach has been very c h a l l e n g i n g, a s e x p e c t e d , b u t a l s o v e r y r e w a r d i n g. M y goals are to continue helping l e a d e r s h i p by c h a l l e n g i n g the board to become more i nv o l v e d a n d e n g a g e d w i t h the membership at every opp o r t u n i t y. T h e o r g a n i z a t i o n belongs to the members and I feel very strongly it is the b o a r d ’s j o b t o b e av a i l a b l e and visible to the members h i p.

My main committee ass i g n m e n t t h i s ye a r i s w o r k i n g w i t h t h e a d v o c a c y g r o u p.

This is a new g roup that f a c e s d e f i n i n g i t s p u r p o s e, short and long ter m goals.

There are so many issues in o u r i n d u s t r y. D e t e r m i n i n g those that impact our members and developing a strategy of action is a huge chall e n g e. I a m l o o k i n g f o r w a r d to seeing how we do.

What local challenges are yo u f a c i n g ?

Pe n s a c o l a a n d E s c a m b i a County are truly a wonderful place that are on a g reat path of g rowth but

m o r e i m p o r t a n t l y i m p r ov e ment of “place”. “Place” is the current catchphrase f o r i m p r ov i n g t h e q u a l i t y of life for current and potential residents of an area.

A s A m e r i c a ’s f i r s t E u r o p e a n s e t t l e m e n t i n 1 5 5 9 , w e h av e h i s t o r y s e c o n d t o n o n e. O u r cultural assets and natural resources are virtually unmatched for a community o f o u r s i z e. B u t e v e n w i t h a l l t h o s e p o s i t i v e s , w e h av e struggled to diversify and solidify our tourism product p o r t f o l i o . Ye s , o u r b e a c h es are second to none and they are and always will be our number one attraction.

H o w e v e r, t h e i m p a c t o f n a t ural disasters, as well as, man-made actions, should make it clear that there is a need for a commitment to developing other facilities to off-set these types of events. Our beaches can only hold so many and are only a prime welcome mat f o r a p o r t i o n o f t h e ye a r.

Fo r n e a r l y t e n ye a r s , Pe n sacola Sports along with the County and many other int e r e s t e d p a r t i e s h av e w o r k e d on the development of an increased sports tourism plan. The work has included multiple studies conducte d by v a r i o u s o u t s i d e a g e n c i e s a n d a l l h av e c o m e t o the same conclusion. Our area is prime not to be just a home run, but a g rand s l a m i n t h e i n d u s t r y.

The s t u d i e s s h o w Pe n s a c o l a i s a p l a c e p e o p l e w a n t t o c o m e, b u t n o t i f w e d o n’ t h av e t h e assets they want and need.

The development of an in-

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door multi-use facility is consistently the number one recommendation as it is the most glaring weakness in our portfolio of existing facilities and not just for tourists but for our community a s a w h o l e. S u c h a f a c i l i ty would drastically impact the shoulder season of our fourth largest industry and the only industry at the top o f t h e l i s t w e r e a l l y h av e a n y i n f l u e n c e ov e r. We h av e v i r t u a l l y n o c o n t r o l ov e r o u r h e a l t h c a r e o r g ov e r n ment and absolutely none ov e r t h e a c t i o n s o f o u r m i l i t a r y i n d u s t r y. I nv e s t m e n t in our tourism products and services is 100% in our control. The dollars generated from the tourism industry should be treated with great respect and used to continue the g rowth of this important economic contributor to all the citizens of Escambia C o u n t y.

PENSACOLA BEACH FIREFIGHERS CHALLENGE

“OUR AREA IS P R I M E D N OT TO BE JUST A HOME RU N, BU T A G R A N D SLAM IN THE INDUSTRY” - R AY PA L M E R Yo u r e c e n t l y t o o k u p g o l f , w h a t d o yo u e n j o y m o s t about the game?

The golf initiative has p r ov i d e d m e w i t h a v a r i e t y o f e x p e r i e n c e s . I l ov e t h e competition and I really l ov e t h e f a c t t h a t t h e c o m p e tition is with myself and the g o l f c o u r s e. I n o t h e r s p o r t s I h av e p l a ye d c o m p e t i t i v e l y, i f I o r m y t e a m p l a ye d well, I generally am accepti n g o f t h e r e s u l t s . Wi t h g o l f , it is virtually all about my p e r f o r m a n c e. Ye s , m y o p -

p o n e n t ’s p l a y m a y f o r c e m e t o t r y s o m e t h i n g a b ov e m y ability level, but ultimately I am responsible for the execution. The game is so h u m b l i n g ye t s o a d d i c t i v e. I h av e m a n y f r i e n d s w h o a r e golfers and I never understood the passion they had for spending at least four h o u r s p l a y i n g t h e g a m e. I am not sure I now unders t a n d i t a n y b e t t e r b u t I h av e t h e f e v e r a n d I h av e b e e n w a r n e d t h e r e i s n o c u r e, e x cept more rounds of golf. I h av e a l w a y s c o n s i d e r e d m y self a decent athlete and honestly believed with just a n a b ov e - av e r a g e l e v e l o f commitment, I could surely score in the high 80s to 90s in a reasonable amount o f t i m e. T h e b a l l i s s i t t i n g s t a t i o n a r y a f t e r a l l . I h av e l e a r n e d o t h e r w i s e, a t l e a s t f o r m e.

WOMEN’S SPORTS AWARDS CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY

Join us!

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2020

GRAND BALLROOM | KANSAS CITY CONVENTION CENTER The WIN for KC Women’s Sports Awards Celebration presented by Burns & McDonnell recognizes local girls and women for their contributions and achievements in sports in our community.

We celebrate barrier breakers, recognize female high school state champions, and honor passionate proponents in our community.

WITH SPECIAL GUEST

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Elena# Della Donne AND EMCEE, DANI WELNIAK (KCTV 5)

Purchase tickets and tables at winforkc.org

experience. community. perspective.

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CONFERENCE REVIEW US Sports Cong ress

w w w. u s s p o r t s c o n g r e s s. c o m

Conference US Sports Cong ress Dates Dec. 8-11, 2019 Host Destination Columbia, SC Re v i e w e r C a s e y Ta ke r I RO N M A N G r o u p I’ll fully admit that heading into US Sports Congress for the f i r s t t i m e t h i s ye a r, I c e r t a i n ly had my questions. The idea of a sports tourism conference without the built-in guarantee of scheduled appointments was d i f f e r e n t . I w a s n’ t s u r e w h a t t o expect, nor the potential impact I could make for my comp a n y. T h o u g h h e s i t a n t , I k n e w

t h i s c o n f e r e n c e h a d ov e r a d e c a d e o f e x p e r i e n c e, s o l o o k o u t C o l u m b i a , I w a s c o m i n g.

Arriving around noon on S u n d a y, I h e a d e d s t r a i g h t t o Colonial Life Arena. Columbia S p o r t s h a d i nv i t e d r i g h t s h o l d ers to join them at the USC basketball game against the Houston Cougars.

The Col u m b i a S p o r t s t e a m p r ov e d a g reat host as they made their r o u n d s e n s u r i n g e v e r yo n e i n t h e s u i t e k n e w o n e a n o t h e r. O f f to a good start.

In my book, there are a few things that can make or break a c o n f e r e n c e, a n d f o o d i s definitely one of them. Lou Mengsol, President, US Sports Cong ress, spared us the typi-

c a l c o nv e n t i o n g r a y m e a t a n d m y s t e r y s a u c e. I ’ m p r e t t y s u r e I left Columbia with a bit of e x t r a b a g g a g e. N o t o n l y d i d they ensure we were treated to delicious local chef creations throughout the weekend, sponsors stepped up and had their l o c a l f av o r i t e s s h i p p e d i n . B u f f a l o ’s w i n g s a u c e, s p i k e d c i d e r from Richmond and a little bourbon cream from Lexingt o n . I a m n o f o o d i e, b u t g o o d food is good food, and this team knocked it out of the park.

Wa k i n g u p M o n d a y, I r e a l i z e d h o w e x c i t e d I w a s t o N OT worry about appointments. I looked at the event schedule in a new light. I had an option to completely customize exact-

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ly what I wanted my confere n c e t o b e. I t ’s t h e e n d o f t h e ye a r, e v e r yo n e h a d a s c h e d u l e s t a c k e d w i t h t r av e l a n d “ g e t t i n g i t d o n e ” . N o w h e r e w e w e r e, a s m a l l s e l e c t g r o u p, i n t h i s amazing walkable downtown, with the freedom to connect at will. There were speakers I w a n t e d t o s e e, r o u n d t a b l e s h o s t e d by p e o p l e I w a n t e d t o meet, people I just wanted to goof off with, and I could actually do so because there was a s c h e d u l e t h a t d i d n o t h av e u s c r a n k i n g 1 5 h o u r s a d a y.

T H AT I b e l i e v e i s t h e m a g i c o f t h i s c o n f e r n e c e, a n d i t ’s well-positioned placement in t h e c a l e n d a r.

T h i s i s yo u r c o n n e c t i o n c o n f e r e n c e, t h e l o n g c o nv e r s a t i o n c o n f e r e n c e.

This conference reminds us all to get out of our little bubbles and remember how “in this together” we a l l r e a l l y a r e. B l a m e i t o n t h e southern cooking or the Christmas music, but this conference j u s t g av e m e t h e w a r m a n d f u z z ies. After 4 days of getting to just casually talk with dedicated members of my eco-system, I left this conference re-energized about the amazing peop l e I h av e t h e p o t e n t i a l t o w o r k with.

S o i n a n u t s h e l l , i f yo u h av e a chance to go, this conference is the perfect way to wrap up yo u r ye a r. D o n’ t c o m e i n g u n s a b l a z i n g r e a d y t o m a k e a s a l e.

I n s t e a d , d o yo u r h o m e w o r k , spend some time and come ready to ask a few great quest i o n s a n d h av e s o m e q u a l i t y c o nv e r s a t i o n . Yo u w i l l n o t b e disappointed with the company yo u f i n d yo u r s e l f s u r r o u n d e d .

Conference Highlights Columbus Sports, thank you for being an AMAZING host, and please tell the Blue Marlin to keep the collard greens warm, I will be back soon!

If you ever get a chance to see Lee Kitchen speak, do it. Better yet, bring your whole team.

Next time you see Kristie Hoover’s (Kayak Bass Fishing) name on a list of conference attendees, find her and introduce yourself. She’s amazing and is raising the bar for everyone.

VICTORY CELEBRATIONS HERE ARE EQUAL PARTS THRILL AND CHILL. In Reno Tahoe, you can find plenty of ways to up your game. From hitting the slopes or riding the rapids, there are no limits on what the day can bring. Dining like royalty and dancing through the nightlife is just another way to perfect your victory lap. Because here, hustle comes in all shapes and sizes.

Contact Shelli Fine, Director of Sports Development at 775.827.7790 or sfine@renotahoeusa.com

VisitRenoTahoe.com/Sports

85042 Reno Tahoe • PUSH Magazine Ad • Paddle Lanyard Ad • 7”x 9.5” • 12/11/19

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8 REASONS TO H I R E A N AC C O U N TA N T F O R YO U R TA X E S

We l l ov e r 1 3 5 m i l l i o n t a x retur ns were processed in 2 0 1 9 . Ju s t l i k e m o s t U. S. C i t i z e n s , yo u p r o b a b l y h av e yo u r 2 0 1 9 t a x s e a s o n f i l i n g o n yo u r m i n d .

W h e n f i l i n g yo u r o w n t a x e s o r c o m p a n y ’s , t h i s c a n b e a d r a g o n yo u r m i n d s e t .

C e r t a i n l y, f i l i n g yo u r o w n t a x e s c a n s av e yo u m o n e y, t h o u g h i t ’s n o t a l w a y s w o r t h i t . D o i n g yo u r o w n t a x e s c a n b e a m a j o r u n d e r t a k i n g, a n d the likelihood of making an error can skyrocket.

Instead of absorbing all yo u r s p a r e t i m e a n d yo u r s a n i t y, c o n s i d e r h i r i n g a n accountant. Here are eight r e a s o n s w hy yo u s h o u l d h av e a certified professional file yo u r t a x e s .

Certified Public Account a n t ( C PA ) v s. A c c o u n tant B e f o r e w e b e g i n , yo u should know the difference b e t w e e n a C PA a n d a n a c c o u n t a n t . I f yo u ’ r e a s k i n g : “ Wi l l a C PA a l s o f i l e m y t a x e s ? ” T h e a n s w e r i s ye s .

Both an accountant and a C PA c a n h e l p yo u f i n a l i z e yo u r t a x e s , b u t t h e r e a r e a few significant differences between the two. While an accountant cannot represent a client in a meeting with t h e I R S, a C PA c a n d o s o . I n contrast to an accountant, a C PA m u s t p a s s a n e x a m t h a t p r ov e s t h e i r e x p e r i e n c e a n d qualifications.

1. Lower the chance of an audit No person or business wants to be audite d . Re g r e t t a b l y, m a n y b u s i n e s s e s d o n’ t h i r e a C PA u n t i l i t ’s t o o l a t e. H o w e v e r, i f yo u h i r e a C PA , yo u c a n av o i d t h i s p r o c e d u r e a l t o g e t h e r.

Yo u r c o m p a n y c o u l d b e s u b j e c t t o a n a u d i t i f yo u h av e t o o m a n y m i s t a k e s o r write-offs. An accountant c a n h e l p av o i d t h e s e k i n d s o f m i s s t e p s o n yo u r t a x r e tur ns.

2. IRS Correspondence Re s p o n d i n g t o t h e I R S o n yo u r o w n i s n o t t h e b e s t i d e a . I f yo u m a k e a n e r -

r o r, yo u ’ l l b e f o r c e d t o p a y the consequences.

When yo u h i r e a t a x p r o f e s s i o n a l , yo u c a n b e c o m f o r t e d t h a t they’ll address the situation p r o p e r l y.

3. Save money on software There are many accounting software prog rams o n t h e m a r k e t t h a t yo u c a n u s e f o r yo u r t a x e s , b u t t h e y a l l h av e o n e t h i n g i n c o m m o n : t h e y ’ r e c o s t l y. I f yo u purchase a more inexpens i v e t a x f i l i n g s o f t w a r e, yo u ’ l l m o s t l i k e l y m i s s o u t on several helpful features t h a t yo u m a y n e e d . A c c o u n t a n t s h av e a l l t h e n e c e s s a r y, a n d m o s t u p t o d a t e, s o f t ware needed.

4 . N o Re q u i r e m e n t t o L e a r n Ta x L a w C h a n g e s.

C PA s k n o w t h e i n s a n d o u t s of tax law adjustments from ye a r t o ye a r. A n d , t h e y ’ r e familiar with the laws and guidelines that alter and a d v a n c e yo u r c o m p a n y. I n m a n y c a s e s yo u c a n p o s s i b l y i n c r e a s e yo u r r e t u r n by

experience. community. perspective.

w o r k i n g w i t h a C PA . A c c o u n t a n t s c a n h e l p yo u t a k e advantage of the latest tax l a w c h a n g e s , c r e a t i n g s av i n g s t h a t c a n b e n e f i t yo u r r e t i r e m e n t p l a n s , s av i n g s account or organization.

even lunch meetings.

A tax professional will help yo u k e e p t r a c k o f a l l yo u r deductions during the cale n d a r ye a r a n d yo u ’ l l s e e t h e b e n e f i t yo u ’ r e e n t i t l e d to.

5. Save on Deductions As a busy sports tourism p r o f e s s i o n a l , yo u m a y p u t yo u r s e l f i n a p o s i t i o n w a i t ing until the last minute to finalize a list of deductions.

D o i n g s o w o n’ t a l l o w yo u the time to truly think of a l l yo u r p o s s i b l e e x p e n s e s t h r o u g h o u t t h e ye a r.

I n f a c t , m o s t f o l k s d o n’ t r e member to include some deductions like donations to c h a r i t y. O t h e r d e d u c t i o n s m a y i n c l u d e a d v e r t i s i n g, d r y c l e a n i n g, c o n t r a c t l a b o r, o r

6. Less Stress When mana g i n g yo u r o w n t a x e s , yo u always run the risk of an err o r w h e n f i l i n g. T h e s t r e s s d o e s n’ t s t o p a f t e r f i l i n g e a c h ye a r e i t h e r. I t c a n r e m a i n u n t i l yo u r r e t u r n a r r i v e s o r yo u r e c e i v e I R S c o n f i r m a t i o n t h a t yo u r t a x e s h av e b e e n f i l e d . I f i t ’s c o n t i n u a l l y o n yo u r m i n d , yo u a l r e a d y k n o w t h i s t y p e o f s t r e s s i s n’ t worth the angst.

7 . Ta x L o o p h o l e s W h e n using an expensive account-

i n g s o f t w a r e, yo u d o n’ t g e t the advantages of tax looph o l e s . I f yo u w o r k i n a h o m e o f f i c e yo u m a y b e a b l e t o r e ceive a sizable tax break on specific expenses. Business owners can deduct these costs from property taxes, mortgage interest, and even insurance premiums when w o r k i n g f r o m a h o m e o f f i c e.

Deductions can even be taken off of utilities, such as e l e c t r i c i t y a n d w a t e r.

Hiring an Accountant F i l i n g a n e r r o r o n yo u r t a x for ms could be damaging to yo u r f u t u r e. Av o i d t h e a d d ed stress during tax season and hire a tax professional.

Deciding to do so is the first s t e p i n p r o p e r l y ov e r s e e i n g yo u r f i n a n c e s .

Oak Marsh #9

from holes TO HOPS

TM

In the past decade, the rise of the Northeast Florida beer and distillery scene proves that it’s never too late to craft your image. Home to Anheuser Busch and over 15 artisan-owned breweries, Northeast Florida takes golfers from holes to hops all along it’s coast. www.florida-golf.org

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Go from world-class facilities

Premier Sports Campus

to world-class escape in no time.

The Bradenton Area is where champions train, play and relax all while taking the game to the next level.

MAKE YOUR NEXT SPORTS EVENT A GUARANTEED

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St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra may be a renowned vacation destination, but it’s also the perfect place for your next sports event. With our sports facilities, accommodations, and fun-filled attractions—you’re guaranteed to win.

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To book your event today, call Sean Walter (941) 742-4051

KNOXVILLE. WHERE CHAMPIONS ARE MADE

USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships return to Knoxville June 18 - 21, 2020

Sports.VisitKnoxville.com

experience. community. perspective.

Stop Selling. Start Helping.

Let PUSH help your organization stay relevant.

Request a Media Kit today: matt@raconteurs.us 904-303-0552

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Outsiders

WELCOME

See the stories: PureFlorida.com/play

experience. community. perspective.

K R I S T I E H O OV E R

Rights Holder Spotlight

W h a t i s yo u r t i t l e a n d h o w l o n g h av e yo u h e l d t h e p o s i tion with Kayak Bass Fishing?

I h av e b e e n w i t h K a y ak Bass Fishing LLC for 2 ye a r s . M y p o s i t i o n w i t h t h e company is VP of Sales and F i n a n c e.

What is the difference bet w e e n yo u r C h a l l e n g e, Tr a i l & Pro Series events?

The Challenge Series is an introduction to our tour naments. This series is a way f o r k a y a k a n g l e r s w h o h av e never fished competitively t o g e t i nv o l v e d w i t h t o u r naments but allows f lexibility to understand the rules, tournament management system and requires less t r av e l a n d s t r u c t u r e d d a y s

o f f i s h i n g.

The TRAIL Series produces our much-esteemed A n g l e r o f t h e Ye a r ( AOY ) and tour nament champions across our six regions in several premium events t h r o u g h o u t t h e c o u n t r y. A n angler competing in the TRAIL Series has learned the ropes through the Challenge Series and has committed to fishing several events in the region during the season.

The Pro Series is exactly as it sounds. This is the series of events that are truly on a Pro Level. The anglers competing in these events h av e a n i n t e r e s t i n f i s h i n g a s a f u l l - t i m e c a r e e r a n d h av e c o m m i t t e d t o t r av e l a n d competition across the na-

tion sure sors they

in order to bring expoto their current sponon the big stage when win a Pro Series event.

H o w h av e yo u b e e n a b l e to combine quality events, room night generation and advertising opportunities with destinations?

H o n e s t l y, w e r a n q u a l i t y e v e n t s f o r ye a r s w i t h o u t seeking partnership from a destination. In doing this we made mistakes, lear ned from the mistakes we made and collected economic impact data so that when we were ready to take the company to the next level I could go to destinations with a clear plan of exactly what an event would bring to the a r e a . We l e a r n e d t h r o u g h

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experience how to generate advertising that was the most valuable to an area and even though we will always b e i m p r ov i n g o u r p r o c e s s e s we know without a shadow of a doubt what we need to do to fulfill our promises to our destination partners.

H o w h av e yo u r m e d i a e f forts continued to increase ov e r t h e ye a r s a n d w h a t t o o l s a n d t a c t i c s h av e l e d t o this success?

Fo r t u n a t e l y, w e a r e n o t only a tournament company that brings a g reat event t o a n a r e a , b u t w e a l s o h av e an amazing media footprint i n t h e w o r l d o f f i s h i n g. We h av e c u r r e n t l y s t a r t e d f i l m ing our tenth season on WFN as well as our fourth season on Sportsman Channel and we now are airing on Fo x S p o r t s a f f i l i a t e s a c r o s s t h e U S. Wi t h a l o n g h i s t o r y in television and continued g rowth in viewership we had a strong digital media plan t h a t w e h av e i m p l e m e n t e d ov e r t h e l a s t s e v e r a l ye a r s a n d h av e s e e n o u r s o c i a l m e -

dia numbers g row exponent i a l l y. Ju s t l i k e w e b u i l t t h e tour nament platfor m before we sought out destination partners, we built our med i a p l a n t o b e a b l e t o h av e a powerful media footprint when we began seeking destination partners across the U. S. W h e n w e b r i n g a t o u r n a m e n t t o a h o s t c i t y, w e bring with it a huge social media following and anglers who understand the importance of posting and tagging t h e a r e a a n d t h e f i s h e r y.

What features work best f o r yo u r S e r i e s e v e n t s w h e n seeking a new destination a n d h o w c l o s e l y d o yo u work with a DMO or Sports Commission on scheduling these?

One major need is a body of water or multiple bodies of water that is big enough to host the number of anglers in the tournament. I also look for a DMO or sports commission that can p r ov i d e a g o o d v e n u e i n t h e area where we can host a captains meeting and awards

c e r e m o n y. U n l i k e t r a d i t i o n al boat fishing tour naments, we do not need an area to do a blast off or weigh in, so the possibilities are endless when looking at a host venue location. I work closely with the DMO or sports commission to set up host hotels for anglers to stay and fishing boundaries for the tournament.

How do the main features o f yo u r s c o r i n g a p p w o r k t o p r ov i d e c o n t i n u i t y t h r o u g h out each tour nament and Series?

Our tournament management platfor m allows u s t o h av e a r u n n i n g b a n ner of upcoming and past events of the season. The h o s t c i t y n a m e i s d i s p l a ye d in the title of the event allowing for maximum exposure throughout the season for each of our destination partners. When the events a r e a c t i v e, w e i n i t i a t e a l i v e leaderboard so fans around the country can follow along in the excitement at our partner destinations.

K R I S T I E ’ S TO P 3 W h a t a r e yo u r 3 f a v o r i t e p o d c a s t s ?

U n a s h a m e d by P h i l Ro b e r t s o n , T h e C r a i g G r o e s c h e l L e a d e r s h i p Po d c a s t , a n d o f c o u r s e t h e K a y a k B a s s F i s h i n g Po d c a s t W h a t a r e t h e 3 t h i n g s yo u a l w a y s h a v e i n yo u r c a r r y o n b a g ?

Pe p p e r m i n t E s s e n t i a l O i l , B u s i n e s s C a r d s , M a s c a r a / L i p g l o s s ( t h o s e c o u n t a s o n e i t e m b e c a u s e yo u c a n’ t u s e o n e w i t h o u t t h e o t h e r ! )

experience. community. perspective.

A s yo u l o o k t o w a r d 2 0 2 0 , w h a t n e w i n i t i a t i v e s i s Kayak Bass Fishing undertaking?

One of our major initiatives is to take the focus back to the local areas and our partner g roups around t h e U S, C a n a d a a n d M e x i c o . I n d o i n g t h a t , w e o p e n a r e a s t h a t m a y n o t h av e b e e n e x p l o r e d i n t h e b a s s fishing world before but are phenomenal towns and fisheries that we hope more anglers will visit. In our championship events, we require a minimum size body of water to accommodate the massive number o f a n g l e r s a t o n e o f t h e s e e v e n t s . H o w e v e r, i n t a k ing the focus back to g rassroots, we can help g row attention to a smaller body of water that still has g reat fishing and has so much to offer to the families t r av e l i n g w i t h o u r a n g l e r s .

We a r e a l s o f o c u s i n g m o r e o n d i g i t a l c o n t e n t g e n e r a t i o n a n d l i v e s t r e a m i n g a s t o p r ov i d e o u r d e s t i n a tion partners content that lives on much longer than b e f o r e.

Start planning your trip today at VisitKingsport.com

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CONFERENCE PREVIEW

S p o r t s E TA Wo m e n’s S u m m i t

Conference S p o r t s E TA Wo m e n ’s S u m m i t t Dates April 1-3, 2020 Host Destination New Orleans, LA C o n t r i b u t i n g Wr i t e r D r. Je n n i f e r S t o l l , C S E E S p o r t s E TA Re s e a r c h & Education Stoll Sports Strategies, LLC Ro l l i n g i n t o i t s t h i r d e d i t i o n , t h e a n n u a l S p o r t s E TA Wo m e n’s S u m m i t h a s q u i c k l y become a not-to-miss event on the sports events and tourism conference schedule for women f r o m a c r o s s t h e c o u n t r y. E a c h ye a r, t h i s t w o - d a y c o n f e r e n c e is held in conjunction with t h e N C A A D i v i s i o n I Wo m e n’s F i n a l Fo u r t o u r n a m e n t l e a d up as will be the case when m o r e t h a n 7 5 o f t h e i n d u s t r y ’s brightest female leaders gather in New Orleans, Louisiana A pril 1-3, 2020 to network, lear n, and g row both personal-

l y a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l l y.

That has been the goal of the Summit since its inception in 2018. A small g roup of leaders, including Greater Columbus Sports Commission E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r, L i n d a L o gan, had the idea to develop a platfor m specifically for women in the g rowing and dynamic i n d u s t r y.

L o g a n n o t e d , “ O u r Wo m e n’s Summit was created to focus on leadership and career developm e n t w h i l e p r ov i d i n g a p l a c e to share insights on issues facing women in the workplace while also addressing matters that are specific to the touri s m , s p o r t s a n d e v e n t i n d u s t r y.

This initiative has already provided insight into trends and opportunities for the future while enhancing our networks and mentoring opportunities.”

Logan, a well-respected leader in the industry and one of only a handful of female past S p o r t s E TA B o a r d C h a i r s , f a c i l i t a t e d a Wo m e n’s C a b i n e t comprised of top female brass from organizations such as the

Inter national Association of Ve n u e M a n a g e r s ( I AV M ) a n d Meeting Professionals Inter national (MPI). Her city hosted t h e i n a u g u r a l Wo m e n’s S u m m i t c a p p e d o f f by o n e o f t h e b e s t Wo m e n’s F i n a l Fo u r t o u r naments in history as Notre Dame defeated UCONN in the c h a m p i o n s h i p g a m e.

Fr o m h e a r i n g E S P N ’s D e b b i A n t o n e l l i ’s h e a r t w a r m i n g s t o r y, t o l e a r n i n g a b o u t t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f m e n t o r s h i p, t h o s e of us in attendance in Columbus knew we were a part o f s o m e t h i n g s p e c i a l . We a l s o knew we wanted that experience to continue into the future of the association.

Wo r d s p r e a d l i k e w i l d f i r e, a n d t h e 2 0 1 9 Wo m e n’s S u m m i t i n Ta m p a , F l o r i d a w i t n e s s e d 50 percent g rowth in registration coupled with content chock-full of engaging topics i n c l u d i n g p e r s o n a l b r a n d i n g, communicating with confid e n c e, a n d e v e n a f u n a n d e d u c a t i o n a l l e s s o n o n e t i q u e t t e.

Momentum from the first two s u m m i t s i s c a r r y i n g i n t o 2 0 2 0 ’s

experience. community. perspective.

event, which promises to raise the bar for attendees. Sports E TA s t a f f a n d t h e e d u c a t i o n sub-committee dedicated to planning content for the 2020 S u m m i t h av e b e e n h a r d a t w o r k gathering attendee feedback and building a prog ram that aims to foster relationships w h i l e s i m u l t a n e o u s l y p r ov i d i n g top-tier education.

New in 2020, attendees will be privy to a workshop-style deep-dive session honing specific lear ning and actionable skills they can take back to their respective communities.

One such session will be led

by G a m e D a y C o m m u n i c a t i o n s p u b l i c r e l a t i o n s e x p e r t s Ja c k i Re a u a n d B e t s y Ro s s . T h e d u o will walk attendees through critical PR tactics – including

mock-interviews – when times are good and when things do not go as planned. This type of specific skill development is critical for attendees from all segments and experience levels o f t h e s p o r t s t o u r i s m i n d u s t r y, including destinations, rights holders, industry suppliers, and facility operators.

The planning g roup is also blocking time for small and large g roup discussions on topics presented and other hot-button topics on the minds of attendees.

S p o r t s E TA d e s i r e s t h a t e a c h participant to not only walk away from the Summit with n e w s k i l l s , a n d k n o w l e d g e, o u r aim is for them to walk away from this experience with an expanded network of contacts

– colleagues and friends – that they can call on throughout their time in the industry and b e yo n d . A l l o w i n g t i m e f o r i n d e p t h d i s c u s s i o n h a s p r ov e n to cultivate the elements of community we are striving to build.

“A s a f i r s t - t i m e a t t e n d e e newly promoted from services to development at my CVB, I f o u n d t h e S p o r t s E TA Wo m e n’s S u m m i t t o b e e x t r e m e l y v a l u a b l e l a s t ye a r, ” c o m m e n t e d Je r r i n e L e e, D i r e c t o r o f Sports Development at Richm o n d ( VA ) Re g i o n To u r i s m .

“Not only did I receive educ a t i o n t h a t I ’v e u s e d p r o f e s s i o n a l l y a n d p e r s o n a l l y, b u t I established relationships with female leaders in the sports tourism industry and built my

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very own network. I’m looking forward to g rowing this network in 2020!”

Attendees will participate i n a We l c o m e Re c e p t i o n t o meet other attendees, and n e w t h i s ye a r, t h e w o m e n can participate in a community service project ass e m b l i n g hy g i e n e k i t s f o r homeless women in the New O r l e a n s a r e a . Fo r t h o s e t h a t n e e d a m o r n i n g p i c k - m e - u p, there will also be sunrise yo g a a n d yo g u r t t o j u m p s t a r t t h e m o r n i n g.

In addition to the Summ i t ’s c o n t e n t , t h e r e w i l l b e no shortage of fun for attendees in New Orleans. Attendees receive access to the N C A A’s B e yo n d t h e B a s e l i n e e v e n t a n d h av e t h e o p p o r t u -

nity to purchase discounte d t i c k e t s t o Fr i d a y n i g h t ’s semi-final matchups.

O p e n t i m e a t t h e Wo m e n’s S u m m i t g i v e s a t t e n d ees the chance to take in all the sights, sounds and food o f o n e o f o u r n a t i o n’s m o s t culture-rich cities. Listen to l o c a l j a z z , w a l k t h e Fr e n c h Q u a r t e r, o r d e r a h u r r i c a n e on Bourbon street, or enjoy C a j u n c u i s i n e, N e w O r l e a n s promises to offer something f o r e v e r yo n e.

Re g i s t r a t i o n f o r t h e 2 0 2 0 S p o r t s E TA Wo m e n’s S u m mit is open now and the hotel room block cut-off date i s Fe b r u a r y 2 8 , 2 0 2 0 . Vi s i t S p o r t s E TA . o r g f o r m o r e i n for mation.

Give your tournament the ultimate game plan – the new world-class, 160-acre Panama City Beach Sports Complex. Nowhere else combines sugar-white beaches and turquoise waters with the Southeast’s best state-of-the-art facilities. Which explains why when the game’s over, the fun is just getting started.

PlayPanamaCityBeach.com or contact Chris O’Brien, Director of Sports Marketing & Special Events, at 850.233.5070

experience. community. perspective.

Crafting unique open water swimming event experiences in memorable destinations.

www.saltysportssociety.com

THE SOUND OF

Adventure

THE SOUND OF

Entertainment

THE SOUND OF

Thrills

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1 5 M I N U T E H OT E L RO O M WO R KO U T Tr av e l f o r s p o r t s t o u r i s m i n d u s t r y p r o f e s s i o n a l s c a n b e g r u e l i n g. B e t w e e n t r a d e s h o w s , c o n f e r e n c e s , s i t e v i s i t s , e v e n t v i e w i n g, t r av e l f o r b i d p r e s e n t a t i o n s a n d m o r e, w e a l l s p e n d a s i g n i f i c a n t a m o u n t o f t i m e o n t h e r o a d i n a i r p o r t s , h o t e l s , c o nv e n t i o n c e n t e r s a n d in rental cars. Schedules can be non-stop and conference and client meals and entertainment can wreak h av o c o n yo u r c a l o r i c i n t a k e.

M o s t h o t e l g y m s a r e n’ t t h e b e s t a n d a r e l i m i t e d o n e q u i p m e n t . T h a t i s i f yo u g e t a c h a n c e t o u s e i t a s they can be crowded during more traditional worko u t t i m e s f o r b u s i n e s s t r av e l e r s .

T h e g r e a t n e w s i s t h a t i f yo u ’ r e r e a d i n g t h i s yo u h av e t w e n t y m i n u t e s , a n d i f yo u ’ r e i n a h o t e l r o o m yo u c a n s t i l l g e t a g r e a t w o r k o u t i n ! E s p e c i a l l y i f yo u ’ r e s o m e o n e w h o ’s t r av e l i n g a n d p l a c i n g a p r i o r i t y o n w o r k i n g o u t b e c a u s e yo u d o n’ t w a n t t o m i s s a l l t h e g a i n s yo u ’v e m a d e w i t h i n yo u r f i t n e s s r o u t i n e.

Always be sure to war m-up with some light stretchi n g t o g e t yo u r c o r e t e m p e r a t u r e u p a n d m u s c l e s l o o s e.

T h i s c i r c u i t o f e x e r c i s e s s h o u l d t a k e yo u r o u g h l y 3 - 4 m i n u t e s . D o yo u r b e s t t o c o m p l e t e t h e c i r c u i t a s many times as possible in 15 minutes, taking breaks in-between.

H o t e l Ro o m C i r c u i t Lunges: 10 reps (each leg) Push-ups: 10 reps Bodyweight Squats: 15 reps Crunches: 10 reps Ju m p i n g Ja c k s : 25 reps O n e - A r m L u g g a g e Ro w s : 10 reps Re v e r s e H i p R a i s i n g Crunches: 10 reps

If completed with perfect for m yo u s h o u l d b e s w e a t i n g l i k e c r a z y, A LWAY S r e m e m b e r t o s t r e t c h a n d hy d r a t e.

When making some healthier nutritious choices and perfor ming this w o r k o u t o n t h e r o a d , yo u ’ r e b o u n d to stay fit! *Always consult a doctor before s t a r t i n g a n y n e w f i t n e s s i n i t i a t i v e. nerdfitness.com contributed to this article

experience. community. perspective.

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PHOTO CREDIT: MARYLAND SPORTS

experience. community. perspective.

T E R RY H A S S E LT I N E

S t a t e S p o r t s To u r i s m S p o t l i g h t

W h a t i s yo u r t i t l e a n d h o w l o n g h av e yo u h e l d t h e p o s i tion with Maryland Sports?

1 1 . 5 ye a r s ; V P, M a r y l a n d S t a d i u m A u t h o r i t y 6 ye a r s ; President, Sport and Entertainment Corp of Maryland ( T h e S p o r t C o r p. ) 6 m o n t h s W h a t i s yo u r c u r r e n t o r g a nizational structure?

Maryland Sports is a Division of the Maryland Stad i u m A u t h o r i t y ( M S A ) . We h av e t h r e e d e d i c a t e d s t a f f members for Maryland Sports, MSA has 115 emp l o ye e s ov e r a l l .

We are a q u a s i - G ov ernment agency with a non-profit ar m: Sport and Entertainment Cor poration of Maryland established in 2019 through legislation

passed in 2017.

M S A’s B o a r d o f D i r e c tors serves as the MD Sports Board of Directors.

The Sport Cor poration has a Board of Directors of 7 g rowing to 11.

D o yo u h o s t yo u r o w n events or just support sports tourism efforts around the State?

Both, we own the rights to events that are large scale and multi-jurisdictional. These include the M D S p o r t s S p e l l i n g B e e, M a r y l a n d C yc l i n g C l a s s i c and Maryland 5 Star at Fa i r H i l l . We ’ r e t h e l e a d o n M a r y l a n d ’s 2 0 2 6 Wo r l d C u p e f f o r t s . We a l s o h o s t and coordinate the TEAM Maryland meetings.

What is the % breakdown o f yo u r r e v e n u e ?

We are 100% funded through non-discretionary funds of the MSA. A r e yo u g r a n t i n g f u n d s to partner/member-based sports tourism organizations?

Ye s , $ 3 5 0 , 0 0 0 f r o m o u r Inter national Stakes funds.

We a r e w o r k i n g t o g e t t h o s e f u n d s m ov e d u n d e r t h e Maryland Sports budget.

I s yo u r o r g a n i z a t i o n f o cused on quality of life events, room night creation or both?

We a r e d e d i c a t e d t o b o t h in addition to positive media exposure for our partn e r s a n d S t a t e.

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W h a t w o u l d yo u s a y a r e yo u r “bread and butter” sports?

Our bread and butter sports are L a c r o s s e, S o c c e r a n d S o f t b a l l . We attribute this to our state of the art facilities that cater to those s p o r t s . H av i n g r i g h t s h o l d e r s w h o call MD their home also contribu t e s s i g n i f i c a n t l y.

Describe the seasonality of M a r y l a n d ’s t o u r i s m s c e n e a n d h o w yo u u s e i t i n yo u r a p p r o a c h t o r e cruit and create new events.

We a r e a 3 6 5 d a y a ye a r s p o r t s destination. Mountains to the west, beach to the east and everything Americana in-between.

This is the mainstay of our TEAM M a r y l a n d i n i t i a t i v e.

PHOTO CREDIT: MARYLAND SPORTS

W h a t i n i t i a t i v e s a r e yo u s t r i v i n g for in 2020?

Maryland Sports has been a sign i f i c a n t c o n t r i b u t o r t o t h e ov e r a l l e c o n o m y i n M a r y l a n d f o r 1 0 ye a r s along with our TEAM Maryland partners: 3,500 events, generati n g ov e r $ 1 , 7 7 5 b i l l i o n i n d i r e c t spending (not economic impact).

This sort of effort deserves a dedi c a t e d l i n e o f g r a n t f u n d i n g. I n 2020, we will be seeking out dedicated g rant funding from Maryland legislators.

T E R RY ’ S TO P 3 W h a t d o yo u e n j o y d o i n g w h e n yo u a r e n o t w o r k i n g ?

Ya r d w o r k , H a n g i n g w i t h m y f a m i l y, Wa t c h i n g N o t r e D a m e f o o t b a l l .

Yo u r t o p 3 f a v o r i t e p o d c a s t s a n d / o r b o o k s ?

Playing for Pizza, ND pregame podcast, LinkedIn inf luencers.

W h a t a r e t h e 3 t h i n g s yo u a l w a y s h a v e i n yo u r c a r r y o n b a g ?

Meds, Change of clothes and mints.

experience. community. perspective.

NO 13

Some out-of-the-way places are easy to find.

NORTH CAPTIVA ISLAND, FL

Islandology is our way of life. It’s setting out without a set destination.

It’s closing the map and seeing what’s on the horizon. Because special places often show up out of the blue.

Plan your trip at FortMyers-Sanibel.com

TO P RETIREMENT S AV I N G A P P S FOR 2020

We u n d e r s t a n d . Re t i r e m e n t f e e l s l i k e i t ’s f a r o f f i n t h e d i s t a n c e, h o w e v e r e n j o y i n g t h e l i f e s t y l e yo u wish for in the “fourth quarter” of life demands clever retirement p l a n n i n g n o w. H e r e a r e s o m e c o o l r e t i r e m e n t a p p s t h a t c a n h e l p yo u get started.

W h e n s p e a k i n g o f r e t i r e m e n t s av i n g s , t h e s o o n e r yo u s t a r t s t a s h i n g m o n e y a w a y, t h e b e t t e r. C o m p o u n d interest has the capability to g row yo u r g r e e n b a c k s ov e r t i m e. N e v e r theless, most of us get distracted by o u r f r i e n d s , f a m i l i e s a n d c a r e e r s t h a t w e l o s e s i g h t o f c r i t i c a l i nv e s t m e n t s n o w. Wi t h s o m a n y o f l i f e ’s o b s t a c l e s d e m a n d i n g o u r t i m e, e n e r g y, a n d ( m o s t i m p o r t a n t l y ) m o n e y, h o w c a n w e e n s u r e t h a t w e ’ r e

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f o c u s i n g o n o u r r e t i r e m e n t s av i n g s ? M u c h l e s s s av i n g f o r a n e w r o o f , c a r r e p a i r s o r a r a i n y day fund.

S av i n g f o r r e t i r e m e n t i s a l o n g - t e r m c o m m i t m e n t , h o w e v e r s e v e r a l s av i n g s a p p s e x i s t t o h e l p yo u t a k e c h a r g e o f t h e p r o c e s s n o w. H av i n g t h e c a p a b i l i t y t o p i l e a w a y s o m e c a s h i n j u s t a f e w t a p s o f t h e t h u m b c a n b e m o t i v a t i n g t o h e l p yo u s t r i k e yo u r g o a l s . H e r e a r e s i x o f t h e t o p a p p s f o r s av i n g a n d c r e a t i n g s e c u r i t y f o r r e t i r e m e n t .

W h e n i t ’s c h a l l e n g i n g t o m a k e m o n t h l y e n d s m e e t , f i n d i n g a p o r t i o n o f yo u r p a yc h e c k t o s av e f o r r e t i r e m e n t f e e l s u n b e a r a b l e. A c o r n s b e l i e v e s t h a t “ a n yo n e c a n g r o w w e a l t h , ” n o m a t t e r t h e s i z e o f t h e i r p a yc h e c k . T h e y ’ l l h e l p yo u i nv e s t , s av e a n d s p e n d r e s p o n s i b l y f o r j u s t $ 1 , $ 2 o r $ 3 p e r m o n t h , t h e a m o u n t i s u p t o yo u . T h e a p p c o n n e c t s t o yo u r d e b i t a n d c r e d i t c a r d s a n d r o u n d s u p yo u r p u r c h a s e s t o t h e n e a r e s t d o l l a r, t h e n i nv e s t s yo u r “ s p a r e c h a n g e. ” S o , i f yo u r a i r p o r t m e a l c o m e s o u t t o $ 1 3 . 7 0 , A c o r n s a u t o m a t i c a l l y t r a n s f e r s 3 0 c e n t s f r o m yo u r c h e c k i n g a c c o u n t i n t o a n i nv e s t m e n t a c c o u n t . I t ’s t h e e a s i e s t w a y t o s t a r t s av i n g f o r r e t i r e m e n t w i t h o u t c h a n g i n g yo u r s p e n d i n g p a t t e r n s .

I d e a l f o r : I n d i v i d u a l s wh o wa n t t o s t a r t r e t i r e m e n t p l a n n i n g w i t h o u t t h i n k i n g a b o u t i t .

Re s e a r c h i n g t h e p r o c e s s t o d e t e r m i n e h o w a n d w h e r e t o i nv e s t yo u r m o n e y c a n b e d a u n t i n g. B e t t e r m e n t b u i l d s yo u a p o r t f o l i o a n d h a n d l e s a l l t r a d i n g. O n c e yo u t e l l t h e m w hy yo u ’ r e i nv e s t i n g, t h e y ’ l l r e c o m m e n d a p o r t f o l i o a n d m a n a g e i t f r o m t h e r e. T h e y t r a d e f r a c t i o n a l s h a r e s , w h i c h m e a n s a l l yo u r d e p o s i t s — a n d d i v i d e n d s yo u e a r n — a r e f u l l y i nv e s t e d i n t o t h e m a r k e t . M e a n i n g f a r l e s s c a s h d r a g g i n g d o w n yo u r r e t u r n s . I f yo u r a l l o c a t i o n o f s t o c k s a n d b o n d s d r i f t f a r e n o u g h f r o m yo u r t a r g e t , t h e y r e b a l a n c e yo u r p o r t f o l i o a u t o m a t i c a l l y. A p e r s o n a l i z e d r e t i r e m e n t p o r t f o l i o i s b u i l t f o r yo u , t a k i n g i n t o a c c o u n t yo u r a g e, i n c o m e, i nv e s t m e n t g o a l s , a n d r i s k t o l e r a n c e. T h e a p p o f f e r s b o t h t r a d i t i o n a l a n d Ro t h I R A s , a n d a l s o s y n c s u p t o e x t e r n a l a c c o u n t s ( s u c h a s yo u r e m p l o y e r - s p o n s o r e d 4 0 1 k ) , s o yo u c a n g e t t h e f u l l p i c t u r e o f yo u r f i n a n c e s . A n n u a l a c c o u n t m a n a g e m e n t f e e s s t a r t a t a l o w 0 . 2 5 p e r c e n t w i t h n o m i n i m u m b a l a n c e.

I d e a l f o r : Pe o p l e wh o wa n t a n e a s y a c c o u n t s e t u p, w i t h o u t a l o t o f r e g u l a r u p k e e p.

N e w t o i nv e s t i n g b u t yo u ’ r e p a s s i o n a t e a b o u t s p e c i f i c b r a n d s a n d u n s u r e w h e r e t o b e g i n ? T h e n S t a s h m a y b e p e r f e c t f o r yo u a s t h e a p p ’s n av i g a t i o n i s v e r y a p p e a l i n g. S t a s h p r ov i d e s g u i d a n c e o n b u i l d i n g a p o r t f o l i o o f f u n d s a n d s t o c k s t h a t c a n g e t yo u s t a r t e d o n a p a t h t o m e e t yo u r r e t i r e m e n t g o a l s . A l s o , yo u c a n o p e n a t r a d i t i o n a l I R A o r Ro t h I R A , i f yo u ’ r e o n e w h o s e e k s o u t s p e c i f i c t a x benefits. While Stash charges modest monthly fees on retirement accounts ($2 or 0.25 percent dep e n d i n g o n yo u r b a l a n c e ) , i t r e l i n q u i s h e s t h e m f o r c u s t o m e r s u n d e r 2 5 ye a r s o f a g e. M a k i n g t h e a p p a t t r a c t i v e f o r yo u n g e r i n d i v i d u a l s t h a t w i s h t o s t a r t i nv e s t i n g f o r r e t i r e m e n t e a r l y o n .

I d e a l f o r : I n ve s t o r s wh o wa n t t o k n o w p r e c i s e l y wh e r e t h e i r m o n e y i s g o i n g a n d wh y.

Pe r s o n a l i n c o m e t h a t v a r i e s p o s e s m a n y c h a l l e n g e s w h e n s av i n g f o r t h e f u t u r e. H o w i s i t p o s s i b l e t o k n o w w h e n i t ’s O K t o s av e w h e n yo u d o n’ t k n o w w h e n yo u r n e x t d e p o s i t w i l l c o m e ? D i g i t r e m ov e s t h e a n g s t o f t h e u n k n o w n by e v a l u a t i n g yo u r a c c o u n t b a l a n c e d a i l y i n c o m p a r i s o n w i t h yo u r s p e n d i n g p a t t e r n s a n d t r a n s f e r r i n g a d e p e n d a b l e a m o u n t i n t o a s av i n g s a c c o u n t s e v e r a l t i m e s p e r w e e k .

T h e t r a n s f e r s a r e u s u a l l y i n s m a l l a m o u n t s t h a t w o n’ t b e n o t i c e d , b u t ov e r t i m e c a n a d d u p t o a r e s p e c t a b l e a m o u n t o f m o n e y a t t h e e n d o f t h e ye a r. D i g i t c h a r g e s $ 2 . 9 9 p e r m o n t h a n d t h e a p p a l s o e x t e n d s a 1 p e r c e n t a n n u a l s av i n g s b o n u s p a i d o u t e v e r y n i n e t y d a y s . W h e t h e r i t s r e t i r e m e n t s av i n g s , c r e d i t c a r d d e b t , a n e m e r g e n c y f u n d , v a c a t i o n p l a n n i n g, c o n c e r t t i c k e t s o r s t u d e n t l o a n s , D i g i t ’s a l g o r i t h m s d o t h e h a r d w o r k s o yo u d o n’ t h av e t o c h a n g e yo u r l i f e s t y l e.

I d e a l f o r : T h o s e wh o d o n’ t h a ve a s t e a d y p a yc h e c k b u t wa n t t o b u i l d s t a b i l i t y.

Re a l S i m p l e c o n t r i b u t e d t o t h i s a r t i c l e.

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TO P I T E M S T H E P RO S B R I N G TO A T R A D E S H OW Kevin Smith M a n a g i n g D i r e c t o r, O n Po i n t S t r a t e g i e s C o m f o r t a b l e R u n n i n g S h o e s : I f yo u r d a y o n t h e f l o o r i s s u c c e s s f u l yo u a r e g o i n g t o p u t i n ov e r 1 5 K s t e p s . Fo r g e t f a s h i o n , c o m f o r t i s k e y.

Snacks: Energ y bars, B12 Supplement, Mints & Nuts Business Cards: I’m old school, there is still a value in card exchange Wo r ko u t g e a r: G r e a t w a y t o d e c o m p r e s s o r s t a r t yo u r d a y.

I a m a m o r n i n g g u y, a t l e a s t t h a t ’s w h a t I t e l l m y s e l f .

D a y P l a n n e r: D i d I m e n t i o n I w a s o l d s c h o o l ?

K athy Nelson P r e s i d e n t / C E O, K a n s a s C i t y S p o r t s C o m m i s s i o n A desire to lear n A passion for meeting new people Comfortable shoes A notepad/computer for note taking A g o o d n i g h t s s l e e p l e a d i n g i n t o t h e c o n f e r e n c e, w e a l l k n o w w e d o n’ t g e t m u c h w h e n w e a r e t h e r e

experience. community. perspective.

Ja n i s Ro s s Vi c e P r e s i d e n t , E v e n t s & E x p e r i e n c e s , S p o r t s E TA Business Cards Lip balm Branded giveaways Breath mints

Matt Libber E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r, M a r y l a n d S o c c e r P l e x Business Cards, lots of them N o t eb o o k Tr a v e l H u m i d i f i e r f o r H o t e l Ro o m iPad Battery Charger

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INDUSTRY 40

PUSH Magazine

CONFIDENTI Check in every issue for the unfiltered thoughts of our guests writers and contributors as they discuss the hottest topics in sports tourism. Join the conversation by tweeting us @pushsports. In this issue our guest writer discusses the subject of kindness in today’s society and our industry.

IAL

experience. community. perspective.

I was driving down the r o a d t h e o t h e r d a y, a n d pulled up behind a vehicle t h a t h a d a b u m p e r s t i c k e r.

The sticker read “My pet is smarter than the President.”

I w o n’ t t r y t o g u e s s a s t o which President they were referring to, but it made me wonder when we arrived at t h e p l a c e w h e r e i t ’s o k a y t o t r e a t o t h e r s s o p o o r l y.

S o d i s r e s p e c t f u l l y. We a r e teaching a generation of f u t u r e l e a d e r s t h a t h o w yo u t a l k a b o u t o t h e r s , h o w yo u treat others, does not matt e r a n y m o r e. Fr e e d o m o f s p e e c h i s a c r i t i c a l t h i n g, but so is kindness, and there d o e s n’ t s e e m t o b e m u c h o f it left in this world.

The world we live in now is much different than the world I g rew up in. It used to be that people of different opinions worked with each other to collaborate and solve problems. This was at the highest levels of g ov e r n m e n t a n d g l o b a l o r g a n i z a t i o n s . Yo u d i d n’ t a l ways ag ree with others, and sometimes the passion in the r o o m l e d t o u g l y c o nv e r s a tions, but things still got d o n e. P r o g r e s s w a s m a d e.

Are we making prog ress anymore? Sometimes, I guess w e a r e. B u t i t s e e m s t o b e “forced” prog ress, forced by t h o s e t h a t h av e t h e m o s t votes.

We c a n d i s c u s s w o r l d politics until we are blue ( o r r e d ) i n t h e f a c e. W h a t I find unacceptable is the way we are treating each other at the micro-level. Business to business relationships.

B u ye r t o s e l l e r. Te a m m a t e t o t e a m m a t e. E v e n f a m i l y members to family members. The world around us,

and the media that enflames the chaos, is shaping a new n o r m . A n o r m w h e r e i t ’s acceptable to treat people around us with disrespect.

Wi t h d i s d a i n . T h e r e i s a n absence of kindness.

If things are going to c h a n g e, l e a d e r s m u s t s t a r t striving for higher stand a r d s . To l e r a n c e f o r d i s respectful and disdainful b e h av i o r t o w a r d s o t h e r s i n t h e f a m i l y, i n t h e w o r k p l a c e, i n t h e c o m m u n i t y, s h o u l d n o l o n g e r b e o k a y. T h e very definition of tolerance i s t o “ a l l o w t h e e x i s t e n c e, o c c u r r e n c e, o r p r a c t i c e o f something that one does not necessarily like or agree w i t h w i t h o u t i n t e r f e r e n c e.

Wi t h o u t i n t e r f e r e n c e. L a c k of doing something about it.

So how do leaders stop t o l e r a t i n g d i s d a i n f u l b e h av ior within their circles of i n f l u e n c e, a n d s t a r t e n d o r s ing and enforcing a policy of kindness?

L o o k i n t h e m i r r o r. H o w can I expect others to c h a n g e a r o u n d m e i f I d o n’ t h av e t h e e m o t i o n a l i n t e l ligence to know that I am promoting a culture of unk i n d n e s s ? L e a d e r s h av e t o b e c o m e m o r e s e l f - a w a r e.

R e a l i z e t h a t w e d o n’ t a l w a y s h av e t h e n e c e s s a r y tools to change our culture ov e r n i g h t , s o g o f i n d t h e tools! Some great discussions are being had in our world these days about c i v i l d i s c o u r s e. We n e e d t o immerse ourselves in these topics. Lear n the leadership skills necessary to pilot our teams, our families, our communities to a place of changing habits.

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Create a standard of kindn e s s . We M U S T b e t h e a m bassadors of kindness! No longer can we allow those around us, those critical to our team successes, our family dynamics, to treat others with disdain. Constantly reinforce the importance of t r e a t i n g o t h e r s r e s p e c t f u l l y, a n d r e w a r d d e s i r e d b e h av i o r a t e v e r y o p p o r t u n i t y.

Educate those around us about the virtues of kindness.

Encourage team members to a t t e n d t r a i n i n g. B u y t h e b o o k Ho w to Win Friends and Influe n c e Pe o p l e f o r k e y m e m b e r s o f yo u r t e a m . A l t h o u g h t h e b o o k w a s p u b l i s h e d ov e r 8 0 ye a r s ago, it continues to be the

platinum standard of how to t r e a t p e o p l e.

a r e e a s y t o c o m e by, b u t w e can surely come up with one positive attribute regarding t h i s p e r s o n . Fo c u s o n t h e p o s i t i v e. Tr e a t t h e m b e t t e r t h a n they are treating us. Be the brand of kindness.

“ We m u s t be the a m b a s s a d o rs of kindness!”

L i ve by t h e G o l d e n Ru l e.

Tr e a t o t h e r s h o w yo u w a n t to be treated. It is such a simple concept, taught to us v e r y e a r l y i n o u r l i v e s , ye t s o h a r d t o f i n d i n t o d a y ’s b u m p e r sticker-filled world.

Make an effort to respect those that do not show us respect. Before the anger and frustration start when dealing with a difficult person, stop for a moment and take a breath. Negative thoughts

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April 24-25, 2020

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