VOLUME 01 // ISSUE 04
EXPERIENCE. COMMUNITY. PERSPECTIVE.
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FIELD NOTES To be successful in the post-pan-
old ideas in your subconscious mind.
Think about a negative action you
demic sports tourism industry, we
One way to do this is through vision-
are repeating and ask yourself what
all must take action by shifting our
ing statements. Find encouraging
habits are causing that result. De-
paradigm. But before we get started,
statements that mimic the values or
scribe the behavior in honest detail
let’s be clear on a few things.
actions you want to integrate and
on paper. Then write down what
then reread them.
behavior or habit is the opposite of
First, recollect that a paradigm is an
what you recognized. Trash the de-
array of habits that are embedded
Another powerful tool you can use is
scription that portrays the bad habit
in your subconscious mind. Second,
visualization, creating a new image of
as a freeing gesture. Review the posi-
you must shift your paradigm the
yourself being, doing, or accomplish-
tive habit each day over time. You will
same way it was formed—by the
ing the goals you are striving for. We
log that idea in your subconscious
repetition of information. Third, you
did this every season during my ath-
mind, and it will begin to take over.
must understand that to shift your
letic career, by visualizing every race
paradigm, you have to intentionally
to swim our goal times. Practicing
It takes a solid amount of energy and
and consciously supplant a bad habit
these multiple times weekly will go
awareness to stick with it, but your
with a good habit. If not, you will
a long way in helping get rid of bad
new optimistic outlook will be worth
form a new bad habit.
habits and refocus on the things you
the effort. These exercises can help
need to be successful in your career.
you remove stress, place your strug-
Start your process by intentionally
gles into perspective, and work to
choosing new viewpoints associated
If you are struggling with these first
find a new focus on our ever-chang-
with the habits you wish, and then
two tactics, try the following exer-
ing industry due to external factors.
replacing them in the location of the
cise:
X Matt Dunn EXPERIENCE. COMMUNITY. PERSPECTIVE.
CONTENTS 1093 A1A BEACH BLVD. #118 ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, FL 32080
EMAIL INFO@RACONTEURS.US FACEBOOK @RACONTEURS.US INSTAGRAM @RAC.ON.TEURS TWITTER @RAC_ON_TEURS
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POST COVID-19 CONSULTING
06 10
WEBSITE
CONFERENCE PREVIEW
WWW.RACONTEURS.US/ PUSH-MAGAZINE FACEBOOK @PUSHSPORTSMAGAZINE INSTAGRAM @PUSH_SPORTS TWITTER @PUSHSPORTS
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DMO/SPORTS COMMISSION PROFILE
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Will COVID-19 lead to a 4 day Work Week?
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20
WORK FROM HOME
29 10 TIPS TO BE BETTER WITH YOUR MONEY
CHANGES TO EXPECT IN THE WORKPLACE AFTER COVID-19
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DON’T IGNORE YOUR SUPERPOWERS
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INDUSTRY CONFIDENTIAL EXPERIENCE. COMMUNITY. PERSPECTIVE.
DUIS VENENATIS NIBH IN TUR MAIORE REIUM RE NOBIT HARUM
AMANDA HEIDECKER What is your title, and how long have you held the position with Visit Tallahassee?
DMO/Sports Commission Profile
I’m the Senior Director of Sales and Sports for Visit Tallahassee. I joined the team as the Assistant Director of Sports in 2013 and became the Director of Sports in 2017. Recently, I was promoted to the Senior Director of Sales and Sports. It is an honor to do what I love every day and share all that Tallahassee has to offer to visitors in our community. What is your current organizational structure?
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Visit Tallahassee is part of Leon County Government
events is a core part of what we do. Our grants program
that operates as the Division of Tourism.
supports community events of all genres and sizes. We also host ticketed concerts year-round at the outdoor
What is the structure of your Board of Directors?
amphitheater and sponsor a series of free community concerts that add to the quality of life in our community
We report to two separate boards – the Tallahassee
and attract visitors.
Sports Council and Tourist Development Council. The Tallahassee Sports Council is an 18 member fact-finding
What would you say are your “bread and butter”
committee that provides community input, technical
sports?
resources, and help staff develop recommendations regarding sports tourism-related matters. The Tourist
Cross-country, softball, and basketball are top-perform-
Development Council is a 9-member council authorized
ing sports in Tallahassee. They would best describe our
under Chapter 125.0104 Florida Statutes to oversee the
“bread and butter” sports. However, in addition to these
Tourist Development Tax expenditure and report to the
sports, we host over 100+ local, state, regional, and
Leon County Board of County Commissioners.
national championship sporting events a year across 32 different sports types.
What is the % breakdown of your revenue? Are they so because you have state of the art Visit Tallahassee is 100% funded by a 5% Tourist De-
facilities catering to those sports? What annual
velopment Tax (aka bed tax) on commercial lodging in
projects/events do you work on, and how do you
Leon County.
enhance them from year to year?
Is your organization focused on the quality of life
Our team prides ourselves on creating relationships
events, room night creation, or both?
with event organizers and helping their event grow year
Visit Tallahassee’s primary focus is economic develop-
repeatedly hear that the number one reason visitors
ment through tourism by promoting visitation to the destination and generating room nights. However, in-
after year, becoming an annual event in Tallahassee. We and event organizers come back is the level of hospitality and attention to detail we put into each event.
creasing the quality of life through financial support for
EXPERIENCE. COMMUNITY. PERSPECTIVE.
Describe the seasonality of Visit Tallahassee tour-
struction enhancement project, including the addition of a
ism and how you use it in your approach to recruit
multipurpose building and restroom facility, a permanent
and create new events.
finish line structure, an awards stage, sidewalks, landscaping as well as wildlife viewing platforms.
Although Tallahassee is mainly known for football (Florida State University and Florida A&M University) and the
Future events at the park include the 2020 Amateur Ath-
legislative session, the reality is that we are a year-round
letic Union Cross-Country National Championships, the
destination with spring festivals and summer sports tour-
USA Track & Field Club Cross-Country National Champi-
naments providing fairly consistent visitation levels each
onship, the 2021 National Collegiate Athletic Association
quarter.
Division I Cross-Country National Championships, and the 2022 National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association
Tell us about the process you undertook years ago
Division I & II Cross-Country National Championships.
to build the country’s best cross-country facility and turned that vision into a cross country event
Amanda, what are you most proud of throughout
factory.
this professional experience?
I am so proud to be a part of the success that has made
The support and healthy relationships with all our
Apalachee Regional Park arguably one of the best
community partners have established Tallahassee/Leon
cross-country courses in the nation. As a Division 1 Track
County as a significant force in sports tourism and a na-
and Field athlete, I had the fantastic opportunity to take
tional leader in cross-country through the emergence of
my love for the sport to help develop Apalachee Regional
Apalachee Regional Park. With the community’s support
Park with our community partners. In 2009, Apalachee
over the past eight years, I’m honored to lead the expo-
Regional Park hosted its first meet. Since that time, the
nential growth of sports tourism in Leon County.
course has hosted over 50 large scale state, regional and national championships. These events have generated
I’ve focused on and take great pride in the commonly
over $30 million in direct spending to the local communi-
asked question by event organizers, “Why Tallahassee?”
ty. They are expected to create another $24 million over
The answers time after time are the same. That is, you
the next five years.
and your staff take the attention to detail to the next level and have the ability to exceed the participants and the
The success of these events has led to the most signifi-
organizer’s expectations consistently.
cant renovation of the park to date, a 3 million dollar con-
FUN PERSONAL QUESTIONS Running has been a big part of your life outside
What’s the most prized possession you have in
of work and family responsibilities. How has
your office?
the sport impacted your life, and what positive attributes do you take from it?
First, of course, a picture of my children. Second a photo of my Florida State Track and Field family, which
Sports have been part of my life for as long as I can
consists of lifelong friends from across the world. This
remember, and behind being a mother and wife, I
team never saw lines, and we were a family no matter
identify with being an athlete. Sports have molded me
where we came from or the color of our skin. The
into the person I am today and made me a dedicated
photo gives me hope that there can be change and
and driven professional.
acceptance of all in the world.
Besides your hobbies, what do you enjoy doing
What is your favorite sporting event annually?
when you are not working? The Florida State Cross Country Invitational, as it
8
Spending time with my three super energetic kids
marks the start of the cross-country season and is
puts a smile on my face no matter what type of day I’m
one of the largest events we operate throughout the
having.
year.
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EXPERIENCE. COMMUNITY. PERSPECTIVE.
CONFERENCE PREVIEW
Like most organizations, Sports Events & Tourism Association found itself exploring options to hold their annual Symposium, planned for Kansas City originally in April, and then postponed to August. The Symposium typically draws over 1,000 attendees and is a highlight for members. However, as COVID-19 restrictions expanded, it became rapidly apparent to organizers than even the August postponed dates were not going to be feasible. “Not only were we dealing with very real legal restrictions on holding large events,” shared Sports ETA CEO Al Kidd, “but we also knew that many of our member organizations were dealing with budget cuts and travel restrictions.
”Even if legal restrictions to meet were lifted, we wanted to respect the
Even if legal restrictions to meet were lifted, we wanted to respect the situation our members were experiencing and offer real solutions.”
situation our members were experiencing and offer real solutions.”
Sports ETA reviewed various options for moving forward. Post-Symposium surveys conducted every year emphasize that the most critically valuable element of the Symposium are the business-to-business marketplace appointments. Event owners, faced with postponing or
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REGISTRATION COMPLIMENTARY FOR SPORTS RIGHTS HOLDERS AND EVENT OWNERS $395 FOR SPORTS DESTINATIONS $595 FOR INDUSTRY PARTNERS/VENDORS Important Deadlines:
June 17 - Registration opened
July 6 - Registration closes
July 10 - Appointment portal opens
July 22 - Appointment portal closes
July 29 - Appointment schedules distributed
August 3 - Event kicks off
For more information and to register: SportsBIZXChange.org
canceling a season’s worth of events, need an
Scheduling Solutions) as the technology partner
efficient means to rebook. DMOs need to lay a
for SportsBIZ XChange. A central appointment
foundation for future event bookings. Getting
platform provides links to the variety of digital
back to business and confirming future events is
communication channels for each type of ap-
a top priority. Ultimately, rather than move the
pointment.
entire Symposium to a virtual format over three days, Sports ETA created a three-week virtual
One-on-one appointment times are expanded to
marketplace called SportsBIZ XChange, spread
20 minutes, allowing for more in-depth conver-
over three afternoons per week, focusing on
sations between sports destinations and event
getting the business of sports tourism moving
owners. Appointment links can be shared with
again. The format allows for easy integration
destination partners such as sports venues and
around regular business hours, longer appoint-
headquarter hotel representatives to increase
ment times, and platforms for sharing informa-
these appointments’ value.
tion. Thirty-minute group presentations offer a oneSportsBIZ XChange includes both one-on-one
to-many platform, in which sports event owners
appointments and one-to-many group pres-
have the opportunity to introduce their sport to
entations by event owners to introduce their
destinations. By sharing video and other assets,
sport to destinations interested in hosting.
event owners can provide a clear picture of the
Virtual networking will take place before and af-
requirements to host.
ter appointment blocks. Interactive networking activities, speakers, and small group discussion
The platform provides Event Owner “locker
tables round out the offerings.
rooms” where RFPs, images, video, and other
Technology Platform Sports ETA is partnering with CSS (Conference
assets are stored. These assets will be accessible to all registered attendees, whether or not they have an appointment with that event owner. EXPERIENCE. COMMUNITY. PERSPECTIVE.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS August 3-21 Mondays: 1:00 - 2:00PM ET 2:00 - 4:00PM ET 4:00 - 5:00PM ET
Welcome, Announcements and Networking One-on-one appointments Keynote Speaker
Wednesdays: 1:00 - 2:00PM ET 2:00 - 4:00PM ET 4:00 - 5:00PM ET
Welcome, Announcements and Networking Group Presentations by Sports Event Owners Interactive Networking
Fridays: 1:00 - 2:00PM ET 2:00 - 4:00PM ET 4:00 - 5:00PM ET
Welcome, Announcements and Networking One-on-one appointments Interactive Networking, Virtual Happy Hours
Additional schedule offerings will include: Sports ETA Board of Directors Town Hall An opportunity to hear the Board of Directors’ vision for the future with Q&A Facilitated Table Topic Discussions Participate in a variety of table topics critical to the sports tourism industry, such as online learning; servicing sports events; diversity, equity and inclusion; event development; and the bid process - to name a few. Technology Demos and Sponsor Presentations Sponsored Lounges and Group Presentations will provide attendees with the opportunity to connect with vendors and test drive technologies.
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PRODUCTIVITY RISK Will COVID-19 Lead To A 4-Day Workweek?
In 2019, Microsoft’s Tokyo office experienced a 40 percent increase in overall productivity following a shift to a four-day workweek. The switch gained headlines around the world as another encouraging example of a shorter workweek trial. Accounting and tech firms, full-service marketing agencies, and even municipalities have significantly decreased hours resulting in revenue and efficiency skyrocket. And, as expected, employee retention has risen as well. At first brushstroke, these articles sounded like some-
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thing out of a dream world; however,
Companies have eliminated a day of
research indicates an abundance of
the week while others have reduced
downtime in the workday of most
hours each day. Another building
experienced workers. Employees
trend resulting in fewer hours at the
are seldom constructive through
office is rotating and overlapping
all hours of the workday. A reduced
hours to create variety in office
workweek drives efficiency, encour-
structure and still provide flexibility
aging more work in less time. An
to your workforce.
additional day off opens more time for hobbies and events that fulfill us.
Offering two six-hour, overlapping
It also provides us the freedom to
periods, or even overlapping days,
flourish over the long run and not
would give organizations the ability
burn out.
to maintain an eight-hour day and have the doors open every weekday.
In a nutshell, for many organizations,
A segment of your team can work
the four-day workweek has been on
Monday through Thursday, and
the minds of executives for quite
another portion can work Tuesday
some time. The pandemic creates
through Friday. Mixing in working
a perfect opportunity to make the
from home one to two days a week
transition to reduced weekly hours.
can offer the quality of life employees are looking for post-virus.
Craft a schedule that works for your team
Do not waste the opportunities that the crisis presents. Undoubtedly, the
Revamping work schedules by
coronavirus has created turbulent
reducing hours, without pay cuts,
times, but it could also offer employ-
may be the pace companies need to
ers the ideal opening to creatively
discover their new normal. Finding
refocus employee schedules that
this pace sooner rather than later
have required a refresh for some
will undoubtedly help businesses
time.
prepare for the future. EXPERIENCE. COMMUNITY. PERSPECTIVE.
POST COVID-19 CONSULTING Do you work with consultants, or do you have a consulting
1. Consulting Strategy
firm? If so, the consulting environment is changing quickly.
In this time of change, consultants can be hired for strategy
Threats and opportunities exist everywhere. It is how you
or their resources. The pandemic and uncertainty that
respond that matters.
has followed have strengthened the notion that having a strategic mind and path forward is needed more so now
Evolving technologies and antiquated business models
than ever. Organizations now have a strong need and will
have altered the consulting industry. However, the swift
continue to pay for strategic planning, detailed go-to-mar-
overnight changes to society and business practices
ket scenarios, and business insights.
caused by the pandemic will transform the consulting
“The biggest challenge currently is the lack or misunder-
sector even more.
standing of how the virus can affect an area. Communities want to get back to what they envision as normal, and that
Work from home settings, reduced budgets, and the
varies from area to area. Just wanting to host an event is
immediate need for contingency plans are three huge
one thing, to understand the implications and concerns of
emerging trends. That said, we reached out and inter-
all the stakeholders is going to be the key to success,� said
viewed The Collective Partners, Mike Chandler, Matt Dunn,
Mike Chandler.
Ravi Rajcoomar, Kevin Smith, and Kris Smith, to discuss four additionally significant trends that will affect the industry. 16
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2. Leadership and Expertise Void
One of the results we see in the marketplace are voids in
“We have been able to lead conversations and bring to
leadership and expertise. This blind spot can come from
the surface challenging problems and viewpoints during
various places, including lay-offs, retirements, organiza-
the pandemic by facilitating mastermind-type calls and
tional changes, business need pivots, and often deter-
webinars and see that only becoming more effective
mined by a reduced headcount.
moving forward,” noted Ravi Rajcoomar who’s Executive
Kris Smith stated, “Leaders are skilled at triage, able to
Coaching Practice - The Moonshot Collective uses this
stabilize their organizations to meet the crisis at hand
process for both individual and corporate clients.
while finding opportunities amid difficult constraints.” Strong, meaningful leadership is the hallmark of a suc-
3. Digital Delivery
cessful organization. A third party can often fill the role
Companies were forced to immediately embrace remote
of team builder, confidante, and expert advisor.
work and associated technologies in the early days of the
We have seen this model grow in the last few years and
pandemic, and these are likely to stick. It is expected that
spike during the pandemic as managers and leaders
organizations will insist consultants, and consulting firms,
are looking for assistance. Masterminds and regularly
transfer performance, methods, and work processes to
scheduled cross-functional and multi-industry meet-
be delivered through digital technology remotely.
ings are great examples of tools that we see work quite
How do you deliver a strong, cooperative strategy or
effectively.
build key performance indicators on a digital platform? EXPERIENCE. COMMUNITY. PERSPECTIVE.
“We believe that every organization in the sports tour-
they have had the advantage of working with many
ism industry is challenged with combining technology,
different organizations or projects, they can bring a
data, and software into convincing user experiences
variety of solutions to the table to help. In some cases, a
that support their business strategy. Our job is to help
consultant can fill a short-term gap role of staff to help
them think through it and come up with solutions.
bridge an organization’s staffing shortages. They bring
Structure and purpose are now identical and united.
contacts, resources, and industry knowledge to an
The combination of research and gut instinct, informed
organization to help keep things running smoothly or, in
by actionable strategy and technology, leads to remark-
some cases, help right the ship,” said Kevin Smith.
able client and customer experiences, said Matt Dunn.
Post-coronavirus clients will demand digital delivery,
Digital delivery must reach further than usual video
and those consultants that create scalable best-practic-
conferencing and standard tools. These methods and
es that deliver value far beyond cost will excel.
offerings will differentiate one consultant from another.
When asked about value, Kris Smith replied, “the value of a consultant is being able to combine experience
4. Scalable Business Models
with critical thinking, creating thoughts, systems, and
The long-standing consulting business model in sports
processes unique to your organization, while providing
tourism has been based on leverage. Historically, there
a high return on your investment. We provide supple-
have not been that many players in the game. Firm
mental human resources and intellectual capital in
owners solidify projects that are usually delivered by
critical times of need.”
newly minted consultants or are farmed out. Billable margins can be substantial when considering the pro-
Pandemic or no pandemic, every industry is disrupted,
ject word load.
good or bad, at some point. It is a matter of time.
“Consultants often have a deeper understanding of the marketplace because of their years of experience. Since
18
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EXPERIENCE. COMMUNITY. PERSPECTIVE.
WORK FROM HOME Now that your employees have been
All leaders confronted with a new
an extensive list of rules and policies.
working remotely, you may have
existence, and particularly for those
And certainly not possible conse-
observed infrastructure dilemmas.
whose leadership style tilts towards
quences.
With client and coworker phone calls,
control, abruptly having to manage
texts, emails, and video conferencing
dispersed staff can be very awkward.
A new remote working policy should
platforms connecting and cooperat-
However, it can also deliver the pic-
be short, concise, and succinct:
ing may not be ideal. But then again,
ture-perfect opportunity -- because,
Finish your work.
you have made it work thus far.
honestly, you do not have a choice
Be accessible.
other than to switch to a more effi-
Communicate often.
cient leadership style.
That is all.
Therefore, do not think of creating
How your employees work, when
It is natural to start thinking of the process and the next steps, including forming a new remote work policy. 20
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they crank out work, whether they
leader by managing expectations
foot forward.
are incredibly efficient and able to
and deadlines, not by clocking idle
Other than that, consider your
complete their work in six hours,
time. The important thing is what
employees like the talented group
or inefficient, and it takes them ten
gets done.
they are. Trust that they know the
hours, what does it matter?
conditions and what is at stake. They This philosophy is also true for
will rise to the occasion.
I have heard tales in the industry of
accessibility and interaction. It is a
managers standing at the office door
common thought that employees
Should one employee falter, then
each morning and negatively com-
should be accessible during the
handle performance issues as an
menting on each employee walking
workday. It is a common thought
isolated scenario, not as a justifica-
in a few minutes late. Sooner or
that employees communicate with
tion to add clauses to your remote
later, they will realize that managing
their managers and coworkers, in
work policy.
by productivity is far better—also,
addition to idea creation. So speak in
better use of a manager’s time.
those terms and convey that we are
Great employees do not need policy
Therefore, do not be so focused
all faced with challenging circum-
handbooks. They are focused on
on the total number of hours each
stances and situations and that
the task at hand, wherever they are
employee works. Instead, be a
everyone needs to put their best
working. EXPERIENCE. COMMUNITY. PERSPECTIVE.
DON’T IGNORE YOUR SUPERPOWERS You’ve been training for this your whole life. We live in bizarre times. Our present scenario brings different challenges for each of us. For the sports tourism professional, this period of shutdown, quarantine, and event cancellations presents immense obstacles. We’re living separated from the organizations, offices, co-workers, and event projects that have always motivated us. These times call for drastic measures. They call for our superpowers.
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This piece is not focused on making significant changes.
“Grit can be handy, and a massive benefit during trying times.”
It’s focused on realizing the life skills you already possess. Your co-workers, friends, and family have helped you develop superpowers that continue to serve you throughout life. What we refer to as “going to work” or “brainstorming” or “prepping for a conference” are all significant actions. They are the training ground where you build powers unreachable to many of your colleagues. Let’s take a look at your unique superpowers. Perspective You’ve learned from the sports tourism industry that progress is not guaranteed. By now, you’ve also realized that our goals are not always met precisely the way we imagine. However, you persist. We’ve all experienced difficult times in the past and, undoubtedly, we’ll all experience them again in the future. So, we look to perspective. We consider the big picture. Organization In life, you have many balls in the air. You know the challenges of working on several projects each day, living within your annual and event budgets, and creating and maintaining relationships. Throughout your career in sports tourism, you’ve been a committed professional. Early mornings and late evenings, challenging daily and weekly schedules, all while delivering projects on time. Your experience in unique work hours is vast. Now a new challenge. Stay-at-home orders. Excel at work from home. Live the life of a dedicated professional, possibly without full access to office resources and without most of your typical routines. Has this been different? Oh yeah. Does it involve adversity? Frequently. Still, you are flexible. Remember, you’ve created company standards that work, and they will support you in this time of struggle. Focus on what’s Controllable We’ve learned much from our experiences. Our families and mentors can help remind us to stay focused on the activities we can control. Let go of the rest. The later is
it unsettle us. Focusing on what’s controllable is where we should concentrate our time, energy, and resources. It means not wasting time, wishing things were different. It means selecting achievable goals. Adapt to the Unexpected Now and again, we all experience scenarios that throw us a curveball on a substantial project. A notice that your event t-shirt order is delayed or a contact isn’t responding in a timely manner, slowing down your progress, there’s an endless supply of examples. These can send us into frustration and affect our mood. We tend to blame ourselves for allowing this. However, you know what? We made it through the dilemma. We altered our course and made it happen. We survived and often flourished. Occasionally, having to go through and overcome those obstacles ended up being one of your best efforts and significant successes. These days obstacles are popping up one after another, and they will continue to arise. As these obstacles present themselves, you will stay diligent and adapt to the situation, just as you’re used to doing. True Grit More than just staying the course, grit tenacity is the desire to push through discomfort. To endure in the name of our passion.
While our industry and, yes, travel are fun, much of our work’s thrill is classified as Type-II Fun. The at times
typically the toughest though often, the most effective.
brutally hard, but astonishingly pleasing kind that ac-
By letting go of what we cannot control, we stop concen-
uncomfortable, but at times to force it on yourself.
trating on the negative and look towards the positive. We take what’s unmanageable, as it comes, but we don’t let
companies perseverance. It’s a readiness not just to feel Grit can be handy. And a massive benefit during trying times.
EXPERIENCE. COMMUNITY. PERSPECTIVE.
Competitiveness
will be stressful days but refrain from feeling rushed.
We compete in our industry. Whether it’s competition in
Support and cheer on the people around you. Stay con-
the form of a bid package, competition for sponsorship
nected with co-workers and strengthen those unique
dollars, or competition set in the way of goal setting.
bonds. You may just come out of this whole thing a
Transmit your competitiveness during your time in
stronger unit.
quarantine. What actions would you take if your goal was to exit the pandemic ahead of where you went in? And
Hopefully, it’s clear now that superpowers are attributes
what about tomorrow? What would every day look like if
you spent years cultivating, resulting from adversity and
you continue working toward your goals?
relentless work. Superpowers are built through good times and bad. Appreciate that you’re able to survive
The pandemic will end. We’ll come out of our neighbor-
what you must. Remember, you’ve done the work to
hoods and return to work, restaurants, and socializing.
develop your superpowers, thus making you prepared.
We’ll return to some variation of how things were. And
Most important, remember this: you don’t need to dis-
some of us will be thriving. Set your mind on being one
cover or devise a new talent to carry on. You just need to
of those people.
remember you already possess the talent to blossom.
Teamwork
Don’t waste your superpowers.
Make the most of this time we have at home and spend more time with family. Appreciate the lost art of corresponding with loved ones in old fashioned ways like mailing a letter or even sending someone flowers. There
IN GREATER LANSING— WE ALL LOVE THE GAME Did you know that over the last 10 years the Greater Lansing Sports Authority has grown sports events in our area by 272%? The GLSA is a full-service sports commission with a passion for bringing in and supporting sports events of all kinds. Offering premium venues, team-friendly dining and convenient lodging the Greater Lansing area is the best choice for your next event. Contact us and work with the GLSA today!
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517.377.1411 lansingsports.org #LANSINGSPORTS
EXPERIENCE. COMMUNITY. PERSPECTIVE.
CHANGES TO EXPECT IN THE WORKPLACE AFTER COVID-19 Do not be reactive and wait for reentry. Leaders must prepare by setting expectations for updated workflow methods that benefit an organization down the road.
Due to the pandemic, the workplace environ-
serve their clientele remotely, and these meth-
ment you were used to will never be the same.
ods will continue. Industries of all types have
Even the description of the word “workplace”
initiated their digital makeover. Therefore, the
unexpectedly seems archaic, as the actual loca-
search for extremely skilled remote employees
tion we now work has blended with the spaces
will continue to rise. With an increase in quali-
in which we relax, spend time with family, cook,
fied candidates in the market due to furloughs
sleep, and more.
and layoffs, organizations, if able, should prepare to enlist these individuals immediately and
For organizations, the virus has been steering
effortlessly. This scenario allows a business to
change on how employees communicate and
capitalize on cost savings and access talent.
operate with each other, in addition to clients and colleagues. Now that businesses are mov-
2. Concentration on yields instead of face-
ing past their initial reaction to the virus, we
to-face time
have entered a short-term transitional phase.
Arriving first to the office and being the last one
Nevertheless, what will the impending effects of
to leave is no longer a gauge of dedication and
our new existence be on the workforce?
accomplishment. Post virus, your coworkers will be evaluated by what gets accomplished and
Successful organizations will be those who mix
the value of their work instead of on solo tasks
and control a digital existence, implement com-
and project timelines. The C Level must provide
munity-building initiatives, and cooperate. To
sharp, progress-driven expectations so that
thrive, companies must plan right now for five
their employees can accomplish tasks. Encour-
crucial moves:
aging employees to work efficiently will require clear metrics. Companies must set expectations
1. Digital conversion, aided by a virtual
for what pushes an organization’s goals, rather
workforce
than mundane tasks.
Businesses have swiftly thought out how to 26
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3. Regard for work-life blend
5. Increases in confidence, clarity, and
More so now than ever before, businesses
compassion
realize that working from 8:00 am to 5:00
We see massive changes to management
pm is unacceptable when considering
style. Behaviors like being candid, humble,
today’s workforce challenges. If executives
and listening skills have long been consid-
focus on flexibility for employees to achieve
ered essential qualities of great managers.
top performance, they can strengthen the
Now more than ever, the employer and
cultural swing of assessing staff on a per-
employee relationship must include under-
formance-based scale. These adjustments
standing and support. Individuals are more
can result in substantial advantages for an
forthcoming about their circumstances with
organization. Organizations should now
coworkers, and therefore, they are form-
support employees’ desires for self-care to
ing bonds by practicing compassion and
include exercising, meal prep, and family.
encouragement. Managers that express
Policies should suggest these changes, and
these characteristics and appreciate quality
managers must build a new work-life bal-
people in their environment will receive
ance, making it a focus of company culture.
confidence and devotion from their employees. Those leaders will hang onto their
4. Strengthen communications
staff for the long haul and see productivity
Now that many organizations are moving to
rise exponentially, regardless of what is
become entirely virtual, people are com-
happening in the world.
municating at a much more efficient rate using a networked ecosystem. To do this
Indeed, the coronavirus is forcing us to shift
properly, it takes teamwork to find oppor-
our activities, especially our work environ-
tunities for discussion in various formats.
ment. To prepare for our new existence
Leadership must make communication
after a vaccine, managers should embrace
easier for individuals. Removing outdated
today’s digital, quarantined practices and
obstacles and creating a structure that al-
incorporate them quickly. Instead of sitting
lows decision-making within all levels gives
back with a “wait and see” mindset, prepa-
employees the tools, tactics, and training
ration, and creating expectations should be
needed to inspire them for constant com-
top of mind to any leader. This proactive be-
munication.
havior will allow employees to concentrate on the priorities that drive success.
EXPERIENCE. COMMUNITY. PERSPECTIVE.
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TIPS TO BE BETTER WITH YOUR MONEY 1. CREATE A BUDGET 2. PAY OFF DEBT 3. DO NOT PURCHASE ON CREDIT 4. BEGIN INVESTING 5. AUTOMATE ALL BILLS 6. SLASH MONTHLY EXPENSES 7. REDUCE SPENDING 8. DISCOVER A SIDE HUSTLE 9. UTILIZE FINANCIAL APPS 10. INFORM YOURSELF
EXPERIENCE. COMMUNITY. PERSPECTIVE.
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. Join the conversation by tweeting us @pushsports. In this issue our guest writer discusses the subject of overcoming adversity.
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DUIS VENENATIS NIBH IN TUR MAIORE REIUM RE NOBIT HARUM
When we look back on this pandemic in the foreseeable
Meaning, we couldn’t predict the action, but we as an
yet distant future, we will have to look at what made this
industry measured and developed effects. This action
so different and whether the recovery was as predict-
led to higher security at events, better accountability for
ed. Depending on who’s camp you are in, the optimistic
athlete safety, and new jobs for retired law enforcement
hopefuls, or the cautiously pessimistic, you will need to
officers as security consultants.
use this experience as a framework for the challenge that follows next.
Jump ahead a few years (7 to be exact) things are good. The economy hummed along, but there was a storm
Those of us that make our living by advising others on
brewing that most either didn’t see coming or just
what the next path may be and trends in our market-
ignored. The bottom fell out of our market, and unfor-
places have never seen anything like this before. (Any
tunately, self-inflicted this time. Bottom line, no money.
consultant or advisor that says they have, you shouldn’t
People lost their livelihoods, many lost their homes, and
hire them.) But, we have survived the last two upheavals
again the tourism industry took it on the chin (beginning
to the tourism and sports industry and, therefore, have
to see a pattern?) Folks didn’t want to stop vacationing
more insight than some at this place in time.
they had too.
Reviewing the industry’s historical data has led us to be-
The one thing that emerged from this was that some-
lieve that it will make a remarkable rebound. Life will be
how, parents still found a way for their children to
good again, and people will travel all over the world with
participate in sports. The sport their kids were involved
sports leading the way (no shit). What I think needs to be
in became a catalyst for the family to come together and
examined is the path to how and when this will happen.
vacation, dubbed “Playcations” (I can’t make this shit up). Again, amid a severe economic downturn created by our
During the early 2000s (said like it was a lifetime ago), we
own greed, the tourism industry found its way back by
faced another type of crisis that shook us to the core of
developing opportunities to enjoy sports and vacations
our being. An attack on our home soil, we had a clear
in the same weekend. Brilliant!
enemy, and our response was to go off and fight. At that time, tourism took a wallop; people were afraid to get on
In this scenario, I would agree that sports led the way,
planes and felt unsafe in large crowds (sound familiar?).
creating stays based on shorter times but with more
However, protocols were put in place that mitigated the
frequency. With the meetings market done for a while,
threat. We found the long lines at the airport and arenas
this was a way for destinations to keep filling hotels, and
intrusive, but over time we adjusted, as humans do, and
it elevated the sport tourism industry to new heights. I
things proceeded back to normal (oops lousy choice of
remember receiving a 14% increase in my budget for
words) things moved on. The country was at war (still
sports events while my colleagues in the office took 14%
is), and we, as a society, accepted our new way of life.
budget decreases. I distinctly remember someone using
Travel picked up again with further adjustments, and
the term “we will do more with less,” well that’s just stu-
we went about sending our children and ourselves out
pid, you can only do less with less. My point is that out
into the world for sports and play. At the time, we didn’t
of the ashes of chaos, sports tourism and events rose to
necessarily think of sport leading the way, but it did.
new levels. We created metrics that are still in use today,
Professional sports went back to doing their thing; youth
room nights, economic impact, direct spending yada
sports continued; even the Olympics were held just a
yada. You get the point.
few years later. Crisis averted... until the next one. For the better part of ten plus years, we knew no What did we learn?
bounds. The recovery was slow, but we spent the money we had to create and support the organizers on our
First, sometimes shit is going to happen in this world
market fringe. Many new event organizations came
that you can’t control. A bunch of guys flying planes into
out of this period; I like to refer to this time as the “we
a New York skyscraper isn’t something you can predict
got a shit ton of money” period. But we got through it,
or see coming. It’s an unforeseen or uncontrollable
tourism again prospered.
circumstance with measured and controllable results. EXPERIENCE. COMMUNITY. PERSPECTIVE.
To recap so far, we have had a catastrophe we didn’t see coming brought on by people that shook the nation to its core and challenged us as a country to rise above. We did that, CHECK. We had a human-made calamity brought on by greed that shut down the country and created one of the most significant meltdowns of our financial markets. But we adjusted and came out on the other side as a healthy industry that employs millions. CHECK. Fast forward ten years, to a unique microscopic bug that is highly contagious and can be highly fatal. I want to stop my ramblings at this point to let that soak in. COVID19 – Coronavirus has devastated our way of life, our community and has brought the world to a standstill. All of the things I previously mentioned rolled into one big poop show. 2020 has delivered a period of fear, panic, market freefall, and death globally. Our industry, tourism, and sports have suffered tremendous losses to jobs, financial security, and in some cases, our health and well-being (physical and mental). What have we learned from this so far? Like the past tragic examples, this, too, will eventually end. We have to trust science and prepare for providing the next level of security for our friends, neighbors, and guests. We won’t like it at first, but as humans, we are adaptable, so
“In the chaos, there is an opportunity, time to reset our industry, take inventory, and prepare ourselves for what’s next.”
we will grow to accept it. As an industry, we may have to look inward again and redevelop our methods for success. Some may be more community-centric and engage with multiple other groups. I am beginning to despise the term “New Normal” there is nothing normal about this; it is, however, our “New Existence.” Using face masks, social distancing, and instructing people to wash their hands (still can’t believe we had to do that) are the beginning changes we have to adopt as our industry begins to recover. Each destination (city) will develop a plan of action for hosting indoor and outdoor events. It will be essential to initially hire a specialist in these areas to help navigate how these things will impact your end-users. Remember earlier I mentioned retired officers? This time, it could be nurses, doctors, and event logistics specialists hired to help reduce risks and develop how events will be conducted safely. The question to reflect on in the future will be, did you act or react to this crisis? Also, what have we learned? The new industry leaders that will emerge from this are individuals that acted; if you are wondering which one 32
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you are, then you are in the second group. I don’t know exactly how this story will end; there are still too many twists and turns in the plot to figure it out. What I do know is that the landscape of tourism has changed yet again, as it has before and will again. How we move forward as an industry and a tourism community will be measured by how we conduct ourselves amid a crisis. In the chaos, there is an opportunity, time to reset our industry, take inventory, and prepare ourselves for what’s next. These are my thoughts based on years of experience, not just in tourism. Some of you will like it. Some won’t. It doesn’t matter. What is important is that we take stock and learn.
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EXPERIENCE. COMMUNITY. PERSPECTIVE.
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