CO N F E R E N C E R E V I E W S P O R TS EXP R ES S
Staff Writer: Matt Dunn, Raconteurs & Salty Sports Society
A
fter having co-created a new events company in the Fall of 2019, I was looking for opportunities to showcase our new brand and highlight our collective experience within our segment of aquatic sports. In October, I spoke with Roy Edmonson about the possibility of attending Sports Express. His enthusiasm for what he and his team set for the conference, combined with a short drive, it seemed like a no brainer. I also needed to be down in the Ft. Myers Beach area for a site visit in the same month. Something about two birds and a stone? However, several questions came to mind. First, who’s attending? Will I be able to connect with destinations that have a safe body of water we can use? Second, with the holidays having just ended and the start to a new year, will it be well attended? And third, are we a good fit for the conference. If they’re going to kindly host us, can we do them justice and show a benefit to the conference organizers? 10
|
PUSH MAGAZINE
Then I reminded myself of several things: At our organization, we keep preaching the value of communication, and maybe I should put up or shut up. It would be an opportunity to meet new folks in the industry and continue cultivating current relationships. As we’re preparing to make several significant announcements on the growth of our efforts, maybe the timing would be an ideal opportunity to spread the word to respected and serious industry professionals, all in a beautiful setting. I’m happy to say my second thoughts were right on all counts. Just when I thought I’d encountered every concept and conference planning technique under the sun, the team at Sports Express succeeded in creating a schedule and participation concept that was surprisingly versatile and efficient. Quickly for me, this conference became all about what sets it apart. My first pleasant encounter was the remote resort selected for the show. If you truly want to unplug and get off the grid, then the South Seas Island Resort should go to the top of
