Volume 3 // Issue 3 THE WOMEN’S ISSUE
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x Matt Dunn
It has occurred to me several times while putting together this current issue that we are living in some weird times. With life now moving at such a fast pace, it can be challenging to find motivation, identify role models, and feel connected to a purpose. Are we taking enough time to check in on one another? Are we celebrating each other’s successes?
Celebrating joy and success has a ripple effect on those in our respective circles, which in turn has an untold positive impact on others. Control what you can control. Hard work matters and makes a difference. Please enjoy The Women’s Issue!
The Women’s Issue is a perfect end of the summer ode to appreciating a select few col leagues doing it right and highlighting their accomplishments. Tammy Dunn, Sarah Kirchberg, and Amanda Shank have exciting, on-going projects that lead by example. They are trend setters, and their level of focus and commitment is inspiring. If you’re looking for an escape from the negativity in our world and daily grind, spend some time re-evaluating and finding motivation by reading their spotlight articles. In this issue, you’ll also find arti cles including suggestions to help find balance and make life a bit easier as we head into the busy Fall months of conference and trade show travel, all the while hosting events. As we head into a hectic fall season, let’s keep a few things in mind. While it is necessary to stay informed on issues regarding society, health, and safety, it is also important to appre ciate the moments we share, the people we meet, and the experiences and memories we create. So, we must be cognizant of our surroundings, be positive, and we must celebrate.
Field Notes
5 Table of Contents 363228262016127 Rights Holder Spotlight 15 Actions to Take Before Flying Beat the Sunday Night Blues Destination Spotlight TSA PreCheck Renewal Savings Be an Extraordinary Public Speaker Facility Spotlight Industry Confidential
What“WOW”.did you want to be when you grew up?
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RIPKEN BASEBALL
ShankAmanda
Vice President, Business Development. I’m focused on Ripken Baseball’s growth, includ ing new venues, new programming verticals, partnerships and retail.
My first full-time job in sports was in play er marketing at the NFL Players Association. I worked there for over 11 years, eventually transitioning to digital and unconventional licensing, where I got to work on EA Madden NFL as well as mobile gaming, digital goods, daily fantasy, and emerging technologies.
What aspect of your job do you like most?
Our team at Ripken Baseball is fortunate to work with an indelible brand that really stands for its core values. I love working with our team to translate The Ripken Way into ex periences for kids. With every new venue or event, I want a 12U baseball team and their families to walk onto our complexes and say
I was confident I was going to be the first woman to play in the NBA (the WNBA didn’t
RIGHTS HOLDER SPOTLIGHT
What was your first job in the industry?
What is your job title and responsibilities?
sports, but I’m proud of our new programming se ries Ripken Select. We’ve taken our signature weeklong tournament experiences and brought them to new markets for the first time, starting with one event in 2021 and three this year. We’ve found a way to deliver a Ripken-worthy experience at fa cilities that aren’t ours by staffing with our incred ible Ripken traveling team and partnering with the right destinations who share our vision for the Most Memorable Experiences in Youth Sports. I’m excited for it to continue to grow and evolve.
How do you stay on top of sports tourism industry Itrends?readas much as I can – Sports Business Journal, Front Office Sports, SportsTravel, Sports Desti nation Management – and participate in a lot of industry events and webinars. It’s important to read and network outside of our segment of the industry too, because inspiration can come from exist yet). That didn’t happen. How did you get into this line of work? Sports were always a huge part of my life, both as an athlete and a fan. I went to college for journal ism and wanted to write features for Sports Illus trated. The more internships I did, the more I was drawn to the business side of sports. Do you belong to any civic or volunteer organiza Itions?belong to a Naval Academy community group that supports military charities. My entire family served in the Navy and my brother is an Academy grad, so military causes are important to me. On the professional side, I’m on the Business of Diversity in Sports & Entertainment committee for the National Sports Forum. It’s focused on creating access for diverse candidates into revenue-gener ating positions in sports, which tend to be less di verse than other areas of sports organizations.
There really are no accomplishments in
individual
How do you manage your daily tasks? I live and die by “To Do” lists. Between Outlook flags and my notes, I create a to do list each morn ing and try to knock out the quick items first and leave the afternoon for my deep work.
What has been your biggest accomplishment thus far in your career?
at a new job, find the teachers. There are people at every organization that are willing to pour into you. In my first job, our general counsel took the time to explain every element of our player endorsement contracts. I’m still a go-to set of eyes on contractual lan guage now because of the time he spent with me as an administrative assistant. Give your best effort to every task. During an internship, I was digitizing historical game re sults from the late 1800s to early 2000s that had been kept only on note cards in a filing cabinet. It wasn’t glamorous, but it had an impact, and my supervisor from that internship was one of my refer ences for my first job. Be open-minded. Most careers are not a straight line. Try new things and enjoy the journey.
start with listening. We’re having a lot of conversations with municipalities about their goals for sports tourism in their com munity and how they measure success. We’re the only multi-venue operator that programs 100% of our own content and we have a track record of driving significant economic impact with no ongoing subsidy from communities. Our model won’t be right for everyone, but if we begin ev ery conversation by listening to what that city or developer is hoping to achieve, we can see if it’s a Whofit.was your greatest mentor?
It’s impossible to pick just one – I’ve been re ally lucky to have great mentors and leaders throughout my career. George Solomon, Steve McDaniel, and Joe Weber at the University of Maryland; Karen Austin, Teresé Whitehead, Joe Nahra, and Keith Gordon at the NFLPA; John Bramlette, Diane Erickson and Mike Kenney at Ripken. I’ve also had a lot of hype people who’ve believed in me and celebrated my wins, and I try to be that for others.
What are the top 3 things you’d want to pass on as advice to a young, up and coming industry
Whenprofessional?youstart
What are you most passionate about and how did you get started with it? My number one passion is my family and being a mom. Outside of that, it’s travel. We moved a bit as a military family and living overseas at a young age changed my worldview. I try to take a longer trip ev ery few years, usually with my dad, and I don’t bring my cell phone. Our last two trips were three weeks in China and a month in Chile, Argentina and Brazil. Disconnecting from the day-to-day and exploring a new place really reaffirms what’s important.
Howanywhere.areyou developing key partnerships in the Themarketplace?bestpartnerships
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Air travel can be stressful, juggling the weight of your suitcase, airport parking, and rushing to your flight’s gate. However, you can set your self up for success. We asked our colleagues what their favorite habits and things are to do in preparation for flying so that they can be whol ly prepared and relaxed.
Actions to take before flying
Do you prefer the window or an aisle? How about the middle seat? Most of us also avoid seating near the plane’s bathrooms or even the galley area to avoid their accompanying smells and disturbances.
9. Detach Your Luggage Batteries
Rack up airline points, including other perks, by obtaining an airline credit card. These credit cards offer cardholders advantages such as freeof-charge checked bags and priority boarding. Never a bad idea to have comfort that you will always find space in an overhead bin by being among the first passengers on a flight.
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1. Use the App Are you checking a bag? If not, there is no reason to stop at an airline’s check-in desk or deal with a filthy kiosk in the terminal. Before traveling, download your airline’s app, confirm your reservation appears, and use it to check in at security and for boarding. Doing so will save a ton of time and allow you to head straight to security once you arrive at the airport. Also, many airline apps now offer complimentary entertainment.
Regarding frequent flier status, if you want to upgrade, ensure your number is included on all airline reservations. If forced to travel with a different airline, check if affiliate points are available. This will help you earn miles with ev ery flight you take and allow you to take advan tage of other discounts.
Laptops, tablets, phones, cameras, GoPro, chargers, power cords… it all adds up. We are all carrying more gadgets than ever before. Work to lighten your load and purchase a case to organize your devices and power cords.
searches by obtaining a Known Traveler Num ber (KTN#) via a TSA PreCheck screening and account. TSA PreCheck initially costs $85 ($70 online renewal). Or spend $100 for Glob al Entry, which usually awards PreCheck and accelerates customs entry. Many credit cards will refund you the application fee for these programs.
Airlines fear bags that include battery packs could create an onboard fire, thus banning them over four years ago. You may be required to show that your battery has been removed be fore it is checked or before boarding an aircraft. However, do not leave the battery pack behind. We all expect power outlets at our seats, but many airlines still fly jets without them, or they often do not work.
7. Size Up Your Bag
2. Order an Airline Credit Card
Enjoying free Wi-Fi, food, and beverages is always better in a lounge than at a gate. Many premium credit cards include access to hun dreds of priority lounges worldwide. Frequent fliers can also research airline-specific credit cards to gain entry into clubs. Agents assigned to these lounges will likely help you faster when in need than the terminal and gate agents to get you rebooked if need be.
10. Grab Lounge Access
3. Frequent Flier Status
5. Liquid Regulations All liquids you bring through a TSA security checkpoint should be less than 3.4 ounces and put in a clear bag no larger than quart size.
Unearthing a new method for revenue, airlines have implemented carry-on bag size limits. Be fore traveling, measure your bag’s dimensions and be sure it sticks to your airline’s parame ters. If traveling overseas, European limits may vary from U.S. policies. Metric system… ugh hh!
It is so lovely to avoid removing your shoes, leaving belts on, placing your laptop and liq uids in your bag, and skipping the full-body
4. Select Your Seat Preference
8. Limit Your Tech
6. TSA PreCheck
12. Avoid Neck Cramps
It seems airline seating space is getting smaller and smaller to fit more passengers. Fortunate ly, travel pillows are sold everywhere and have never been better or provided more options. Invest in a quality travel pillow to help avoid neck and back pain that is so common, espe cially on long flights.
We have all been there; airplane cabin tem peratures can fluctuate between an iceberg and a heat box, usually with no comfortable tem perature. And who wants to touch those air nozzles, which possess germs and only blow a small draft of air anyway? Dress for the unex pected by wearing lightweight layers.
Airplanes and airports can be filled with germs from the number of passengers touching ev erything. Protect your health by disinfecting everything as much as possible, including your own hands and your seat once settled. Since sanitizing wipes are not liquid, they do not count toward your carry-on liquid limits. 15. Rockstar Parking
One of the most stressful experiences when traveling can be finding a parking spot in an air port’s parking garage. Surface lots can also fill up quickly, especially during the most in-demand travel times and dates. Give yourself enough time to find parking without the fear of being late.
11. Bring Extra Comfy Clothes
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gle-use plastic. Many collapsible bottles are sold to help save space when not in use, as we have seen an increase in airport filling stations for convenience. 14. Wipe it Down!
13. Travel with a Reusable Bottle
A bottle of water in airport terminals is getting so expensive, and for water?! Come on. Bring a reusable bottle with you and help avoid sin
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The period between Friday evening and Monday morning is all yours.
“What time is that presentation in the morning? I need to finish preparing tonight.”
“What does my schedule look like tomorrow?”
“What deadlines do I have this week?”
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For some, when Sunday afternoon comes, rather than appreciating time with family, friends, your significant other, or your favorite furry friend, in stead, several stressful and negative thoughts race through your head.
You’re not the only one. Stress caused by the Sunday Night Blues can wreak havoc on our health. Job stress is by far the most significant source of stress for the American workforce, and it has soared gradually over the decades. Therefore, it is no surprise that Sunday Night Blues, the anxiety you feel on Sunday when thinking about the upcoming work week, is very real.
Does this sound familiar…
It is possible to look forward to and en joy your Mondays by altering your mind set. Never settle; your time is too valuable.
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Switch it up - If you are continuously suffering from Sunday Night Blues, it might be time to consider switching up your job or your career. Begin by an alyzing why you are experiencing those feelings.
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Below are five helpful approaches to beat Sunday evening anxiety and enjoy your entire weekend.
Once you find the cause of your stress, you can act. Maybe it is time to consider starting your own business to experience freedom, flexi bility, and fulfillment of individual success.
Truly concentrate on your relationships. Being in the moment with those you share personal time with, instead of your thoughts being focused on another topic, will lead to healthier experiences with those you care about.
WHO YOU TEAM UP WITH IS EVERYTHING. A successful event demands seamless coordination. Sports Salt Lake is a full-service team, partnering with event planners and rights’ holders to make your job Fromeasy.dynamic bid packages to partnering with local clubs, our attitude is always the same: whatever it takes to win. For more information, cpartain@sportssaltlake.comcontact
Plan ahead - “It’s not possible to disconnect from email!” It may seem so, but if you work to plan your week, you may see a difference. Set aside a block of time on Friday afternoons to set and check on goals and deadlines for the following week. If possible, wipe out your inbox so you can begin fresh the following week. Use current technology to draft emails and schedule to send them on a future day. Organizing your ideas and preparing for upcoming presentations and meetings will help create the best setting for a fun, relaxing weekend. Be mindful - Becoming mindful helps us recognize more and live in the present rather than being focused on the future. Here are a couple of examples that can help you get prepped for a successful workweek:
Plan fun activities - Do you spend Sunday couch surf ing? If so, it will be more likely that those unnerving thoughts will enter your thought process. Instead, plan an activity or distraction to keep a focus on positive en ergy. Set time aside for your hobbies, spend time outside breathing fresh air, or grab coffee or drinks with your loved ones. Take a day trip or plan a weekend getaway. For the next few weeks, work on paying attention to the moment you begin feeling stressed so you can focus on activities during that time and keep anxiety at bay. Disengage from your email - If your direct report is emailing on a Sunday, it doesn’t mean you must do the same. Don’t set a precedent because it will be come an expectation once you respond to an email on a Sunday. Instead, set a standard for checking email during weekdays and leave weekends for per sonal pursuits. Create boundaries and maintain them. By recharging your batteries on the week end, your Mondays will be much more productive.
Are you stuck in your current role? Bored by Overwhelmedit? with the workload? Are you dealing with a toxic Supervisor or Buildco-worker?alist of what triggers these feelings.
While enjoying your favorite activities, whether walking, playing tennis, dining out, or attending a baby shower, genuinely enjoy the experience by be ing mindful. Take each experience slowly and al low yourself to enjoy it. Focus on your activity and be aware of the sensations, smells, surround ings, noise, and even subtle movements that keep your focus and enhance your experience.
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DunnTammy
SPORTS
What aspect of your job do you like most?
SNOHOMISH COUNTY
Recreation (I prepped the fields for sports teams and tournaments). I did all three jobs for 6 months as each job was part-time.
Executive Director, oversee the operations of the Snohomish County Sports Commis sion. My responsibilities include building relationships with partners, locally and na tionally, creating strategies with the team to make Snohomish County the premier sports destination in the Pacific Northwest, and ensuring the administrative work is co
Whatordinated.was your first job in the industry?
The opportunity to learn about a sport that I may not be familiar with and helping our local sports organizations host a great tour
DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT
Whatnament.did you want to be when you grew Iup?wanted to be an accountant when I was growing up. This changed when I was in college. I worked in the restaurant industry as a college student and continued working
COMMISSION
Sports Marketing Manager for the Snohom ish County Tourism Bureau, Box office staff member at the Angel Of The Winds Arena, and seasonal worker for the Everett Parks &
What is your job title and responsibilities?
22 in the industry. How did you get into this line of work?
I volunteered for the Everett Sports Council in 2003/2004 to help the organization with bringing sports events to Everett. I was working for a Papa John’s Pizza Franchise at the time. One of my soft ball players worked for the Tourism Bureau. She asked if I was interested in a project. I was and I was hired as a contractor to update the Tourism Bureau’s sports facility guide. This was in spring of 2005. In April of 2005, I at tended my first Sports ETA Symposium in Port Iland.became passionate about the sports tourism in dustry at that conference. After 17 years, I love what I do.
Do you belong to any civic or volunteer organiza Itions?amthe
president of the Rotary Club of Everett. Most of my volunteer work is helping our local sports organizations with their sports events. Last year I was a facilitator for Leadership Snohom ish County. The class I facilitated was Economic & Workforce Development. I have served on the Camp Fire of Snohomish County as a Board of Director. Plus been involved with Sports ETA as a committee member and former Board Member. What has been your biggest accomplishment thus far in your career?
I don’t have just one biggest accomplishment. There are several accomplishments I have cher ished over the 17 years. One accomplishment is hosting the Northwest Athletic Conference Men & Women Basketball Championship, 2016 – 2021. It was a joy to host a collegiate sports tournament and to make it a memorable tournament for the student athlete and their family members. An other accomplishment is hosting the 2018 Skate America. Another great event which showcased the City of Everett and Snohomish County to the World.
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How do you manage your daily tasks?
This may be the biggest accomplishment – help ing the Angel Of The Winds Arena in hosting the 2020 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Qualifier (Billie Jean Cup). This event sold out on both days. We had the best of the best tennis players in Everett, Washington. These players included Serena Wil liams and Coco Gauff. The event was electric!
I make a to do list and write down new tasks to the list. Once I complete the task, I ‘check mark it’ off the list. I review the list every day and throughout the Howday.do you stay on top of industry trends?
I stay on top of sports tourism industry trends by reading the sports tourism industry publications like PUSH Sports. I read Sports Destination Man agement, SportsEvents Magazine, and SportsTrav el Magazine. I also stay “tuned in” to social media – Twitter and Facebook and Linkedin. These so cial media platforms have trends mentioned on a daily basis. How are you developing key partnerships in the Wemarketplace?developkey partnerships by being involved in the community and attend networking opportu nities in our local community. It’s about building relationships within our local community so the businesses and residents know more about sports tourism industry. Also, we attend sports confer ences for the opportunity to meet with the event organizers ‘face-to-face’ and learn more about their events and about them as people. We strive to stay in touch with our partners. It’s just not about business, we build friendships with our partners. Who was your greatest mentor? My greatest mentor is my mom. She has always been there supporting me with whatever I had questions about, needed advice about, and need ed encouragement to live my spirits. Within the
24 industry, my mentor was Mary Lee Malmberg. I met her in April 2005 at the Symposium in Portland. From that conference, we became friends. I learned from one of the best in the sports tourism indus Whattry!
Be prepared when attending a conference. Also, make sure that your destination can host sports events that your community has facilities for. Have fun and make friends. The people you meet in the sports tour ism industry will be your friends for life including the people you meet within your own community. Ask questions and reach out to oth ers in the sports tourism industry. We are a community that is willing to share our knowledge including the challenges and best practices. We want everyone to success. What are you most passionate about and how did you get started with it?
are the top 3 things you’d want to pass on as advice to a young, up and coming industry Doprofessional?yourhomework.
I am most passionate about what I do. Sports is community. Com munity is sports. The two go hand in hand. I love helping our local sports organizations be success ful. I love supporting the Everett AquaSox Baseball team and Ev erett Silvertips Hockey team plus our other sports teams. I love “roll ing out” the red carpet for sports events organizers. To see the joy of the athletes faces after their win or race is priceless!
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Last year the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reduced the PreCheck online renewal fee for the expedited screening program from $85 down to $70. Those that choose to renew their TSA Pre Check option in person will continue paying the $85 renewal fee. Additionally, the initial enroll ment fee to join remains at $85 for five years.
TSA PreCheck Renewal Savings
Throughout 2022 over 95% of renewals have tak en place online. Travelers have found the on line option a convenient, quick, and easy way to continue membership in the program. Our colleagues that use TSA PreCheck will con firm it is effectively an easy pass through many air ports. TSA PreCheck allows evaluated travelers to be given simplified security screening at over 200 airports across the United States. TSA PreCheck passengers do not need to remove their shoes, lap tops, or liquids from carry-on bags. Nor must they remove belts or lightweight jackets. Over 80 airlines take part in the TSA PreCheck program. As if that’s not enough, the best feature of the TSA PreCheck program is the non-existent or re duced wait times for airport security. Especially welcome when traveling during the busy holiday seasons. TSA reports that 96% of all TSA Pre Check passengers waited less than five minutes in the past month when going through security. To obtain TSA PreCheck, travelers must fill out an application and apply online. Then visit an en rollment center for a background check and fin gerprinting. First-time enrollment requires an $85 fee that covers the first five years in the program. However, the $85 fee may not be required if you pos sess the right credit card. Credit cards from Chase, Capital One, and Citi cover the enrollment fees for cardholders. Check them out!
As we all begin Fall conference and trade show travel around the country, the option to include a bit of ease on your travel plans for an affordable cost is attractive.
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Recently I flubbed a public speaking engagement. It wasn’t all that bad, but not my best. I was in no way nervous; I had done so hundreds, if not, thousands of times before. I created a compelling presentation and knew my stuff.
In no way did my passion for the work, positive attitude, expressions, and man nerisms come through. Even though I felt as though I was holding them up, I should have used a technique accessible to everyone… acting. Acting, rath er than my rushed emotions, would have allowed my characteristics to shine through. Folks say that skillful speakers are made, not born. Speaking can im prove with repetition. Be Whilepositive.watching the other presentations at the Board meeting, I was examing the body language of the Board members. Seeing their impatience, and the knowledge my presentation was the last one keeping them from their business that day, filled my head with insecurities. They don’t want to hear about my activities. I’ve never even met half of them. Who am I kidding? Do these thoughts ring any bells? You may have had similar thoughts just be fore one of your presentations. If so, your own body language and presentation skills will display your insecurities.
Be an Extraordinary Public Speaker Want to be a captivating public speaker? Act like one.
As a guest speaker that day, what threw me was the Board’s robust agenda. It contained many presentations before the Board’s actual business that day. My presentation was the last one before their consent agenda and general business began. Their lack of interest and desire to “get on with it” was painted all over their faces and body language. This thrust an overwhelming feeling that I need to be quick, short, and help them move forward. Again, it wasn’t all that bad, mostly I just speed talked my way through it.
Brieflystrengths.copy
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That day my thoughts got the best of me. Howev er, one topic helped me close better than the road I was headed down. I was providing justification for why specific steps were needed when I saw most of the board members perk up. This helped change my entire demeanor. My energy, posture, and voice turned strong and confident. For a short time, I got my mojo back knowing I was helping my clients due to experience. Filling your mind with positive thoughts prior to any speaking engagement will position you in a good place, and you will radiate confidence and positivity. One presentation to the next can change significantly by filling your minds with positive thoughts. Remind yourself to stand tall, hold your head high, and smile. When doing so your gestures will be greater and you will have a stronger, more confident tone. When in doubt, act it out, as you must put a spotlight on your another’s style.
Ever watch any TED Talks on YouTube? Many years ago, after receiving a promotion that would require a significant increase in public speaking, I sought out tips and examples from others. I watched hours of Ted Talk videos. Mostly on top ics I was interested in, but other than the subject matter, I watched the speaker’s style and delivery. Once I started to become more confident behind a podium and microphone, my own style began to Whendevelop.preparing your next presentation, visualize yourself speaking with the same delivery, same confidence, and even the same gestures of speak ers you look up to. Doing so will make a giant dif ference in your performance. After a few attempts, you too will witness your own style emerge. Make no mistake, there is a difference between acting confident and faking it. Do not pretend to be someone you are not. Doing so leads to exag gerating skills and or credentials. Feeling like a fake will show. Rather, act like the speaker you wish to become. You will experience a better reaction from your audience, in turn building your self-confidence.
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MGM RESORTS
KirchbergSarah
Criminal investigator, pilot, veterinarian… you name it, I dreamt it at one point!
Director, Global Sports Sales. Driving group business in the sports and sports tourism verticals to MGM Resorts owned and operated hotels and venues.
How did you get into this line of work?
The story starts while I was working in another industry. I was deeply unsatis fied and didn’t see the long-term growth opportunity if I stayed. That is when I ap plied for the sports management master’s program at FSU. I then spent the next 2 years continuing to work full time and at tend grad school. As I neared the conclu sion of the program, I landed an internship with the Florida Sports Foundation. I was able to extend that opportunity through a few different departments and teams at the Foundation, and when the opportunity was
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
What is your job title and responsibilities?
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What was your first job in the industry?
My first paid job was as the grants & special events coordinator at the Florida Sports WhatFoundation.aspect of your job do you like most? The Whatpeople!didyou want to be when you grew up?
Getting to watch those who have trusted me to lead them, and my former teammates, continue to grow, chase their dreams, and find their success. Getting to be a part of their journey will always be an honor and my proudest accomplishment. How do you manage your daily tasks?
industry publications, like PUSH, sub scribing to newsletters, and watching overall sports, travel and tourism trends and news. How are you developing key partnerships in the Curatingmarketplace?genuine relationships with others. De veloping that trust and understanding with one Whoanother.was your greatest mentor? I have had incredible advisors, mentors, and lead ers throughout my career. They came into my or bit at various stages and served my professional
34 available, I was offered a full-time role and “the rest is history” as they say. Do you belong to any civic or volunteer organiza Itions?have been a longtime member of the Junior League, currently serving the Las Vegas chapter. Additionally, I am current president of the FSUAA Las Vegas chapter and was recently inducted as a Nellis AFB Honorary Commander. What has been your biggest accomplishment thus far in your career?
Calendar blocks, lists. I find real satisfaction in checking things off a list. How do you stay on top of sports tourism industry Readingtrends?
What are you most passionate about and how did you get started with it? Travel and mentorship. The experiences of other places, people, cultures and what they teach you cannot otherwise be duplicated. Learning from and modeling after compassionate, genuine lead ers and colleagues is our best way to pay it for ward.
and personal growth each in their own way and it is impossible to pick just one. What are the top 3 things you’d want to pass on as advice to a young, up and coming industry pro Firstfessional?and foremost, this industry is all about re lationships. The fluidity of the industry makes it important to realize the benefits of relationships. Just because you can’t work together in the imme diate, doesn’t mean that opportunities in the fu ture won’t change that. Final piece of advice is to protect your reputation, advocate for yourself and others and find your voice to tell your story.
No matter the industry, workloads differ throughout the year, especially in the sports tourism industry, as we head into the Fall months considering con ference and trade show travel.
ConfidentialIndustry
With what is happening in the world today, the importance of bal ance in our lives has never been more important than it currently is. Prioritize your “To Do” List. With what method do you prioritize your tasks and assignments? How can you differentiate between the “ASAP” tasks and
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 tweet ing us: @pushsports In this issue, our guest writer discusses workload balance.
How we handle the ebbs and flows can spell the difference between success and failure to accomplish annual goals. Those that manage a heavy workload might be able to avoid the feared burnout and find peace of mind.
Are they essential to building revenue? Are they deadline based? Set your priorities for the day, week, and month. Consider how they correlate to your overall individual, event, or annual organizational goals. Determining how your priorities align with your goals will aid you in deciding how important a task is at any given time.
those that can be shelved for a bit. Regardless of your process, breaking down your tasks more realistically and deliberately is critical to moving through your workload.
Realizing the benefits of saying no in specific scenarios can move you to wards a successful career if you decline the request appropriately.
Are they specific to only you and your individual goals?
You can handle the assignment and finalize tasks for a time, but the next time you say “yes,” the increased workload appears again. Slowly we learn that some times declining a request can help benefit a career by accomplishing quality work.
When thinking of a specific day, determine one task that should be your pri mary priority on that day. By the end of your work session, this one item must be completed, or for some long-term projects, at least started. Hopeful ly, this will help establish your focus and accomplish the highest priority task first.
With a bit of planning and ongoing priorities, items can be accomplished more effective ly and efficiently. Say no. Admit it, every one of us can sometimes be a “yes” person. We wish to tackle any challenge and be valuable to our employer and organization, no matter what is thrown at us. Previously, you may have agreed to every request when considering your career path. You may have said “yes” to a new project, which led to an overwhelming workload.
Think of the latest project you were tasked with. Does the project help your career develop?
Were you selected due to the value you bring?
Or were you chosen because it’s obvious you will say “yes” and do it anyway?
All tasks may seem daunting and essential, but it is necessary to recognize what level of importance they fall.
Are they significant to the objectives of your team?
At times, saying “no” can increase the value of the assignments we say yes to. Think about a project to determine what level of focus you can give. Does it speak to your pas sion, and will it make you happy?
Breathe. The most productive method to relieve stress is to take a break and en joy time away from your workload. Ten minutes can help focus your mind on something else that will not trigger or elevate your stress level. Take a walk around the office or city block, enjoy fresh air, and get your blood pumping. Bal ance includes experiences that calm you down and bring you back to yourself. Prolonged periods of dealing with a continually intense workload will drive you to burn out. It also forces you to spend more time working long hours and could impact your ability to relax outside the office. Therefore, managing a proper workload is instrumental to overall job satisfaction. Do your best to plan, prioritize, ask for help, delegate, and say no when necessary. The pressures of future deadlines come and go, but remember, it is never permanent.
Collaborate. Your co-workers can play a major role in helping you balance a comprehen sive workload. By tapping into their unique skills, you can apply another set of experienc es, know-how, and understanding to projects. Never shy from reaching out for help. Hav ing help may be the difference between you accomplishing your tasks or coming up short.
By recognizing the importance of help when you are bogged down, you will find the value and knowledge of your co-workers can aid in mov ing through your assignments and removing a heavy workload.
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