March 2015

Inside this issue:

Industry Trends: What to Watch in 2015 Record Attendance Expected for 23rd annual NASC Sports Event Symposium NASC Announces Dates for 2015 Fall Meetings

Your Resource for the Sports Tourism IndustryCourtesy of VISIT Milwaukee

#SportsTourism

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Industry Trends: What to Watch in 2015 .............4

Call for Volunteers ............................................5

Record Attendance Expected for 23rd annual NASC Sports Event Symposium ...................... 6-9

NASC Launches New Career Center in the Sports and Athletics Career Network ..........................10

Running Rebels Community Organization is 2015 Sports Legacy Fund Recipient ...........................11

NASC leadership attends ACES Conference and National Sports Forum ......................................12

NASC Announces Dates for 2015 Fall Meetings .................................................. 13

To Ticket or not to Ticket Your Sporting Events ...14

Timeless Ticket or Unique Crowdfunding? ..........15

National Headquarters9916 Carver Road, Suite 100Cincinnati, OH 45242

Telephone/Fax(513) 281-3888/(513) 281-1765

Websitewww.SportsCommissions.org

StaffDon Schumacher, CSEE, Executive DirectorLori Gamble, Associate Executive DirectorElizabeth Young, Director of Membership & MarketingMeagan McCalla, Member Services Coordinator

Board of DirectorsOfficersKevin Smith, CSEE, Director, St. Petersburg/Clearwater Sports Commission, Chairman Greg Ayers, CSEE, President & CEO, Discover Kalamazoo, Vice Chairman/Chair-ElectRalph Morton, CSEE, Executive Director, Seattle Sports Commission, Treasurer Mike Anderson, CSEE, Executive Director, Myrtle Beach Sports CommissionTerry Hasseltine, CSEE, Executive Director, Maryland Sports, Immediate Past Chairman

DirectorsJohn David, CSEE, Chief Operating Officer, USA BMXTammy Dunn, CSEE Sports Marketing Manager, Snohomish County Sports CommissionGreg Fante, CSEE, Director of Sports Development, Louisville Sports CommissionKindra Fry, CSEE, SMP, Vice President of Sales and Marketing Bryan-College Station CVBJohn Gibbons, CSEE, Executive Director, Rhode Island Sports CommissionRick Hatcher, CSEE, Executive Director, Treasure Coast Sports CommissionBrian Hickey, CSEE, Director of Sports, Visit Tallahassee/ Tallahassee Sports CouncilMike Hill, CSEE, Senior Director, Sports Sales, Hilton Worldwide - Sports SalesJeff Jarnecke, Associate Director of Championships and Alliances, NCAAMichael Price, CSEE, Executive Director, Greater Lansing Sports AuthorityJanis Ross, Executive Director, Eugene, Cascades & Coast SportsJanis Schmees Burke, CSEE, Executive Director, Harris County - Houston Sports AuthorityBenjamin Wilder, CSEE, Director, Savannah Sports CouncilNancy Yawn, CSEE, CDME, Director, Round Rock CVBMarc Zimmerman, CSEE, Sales & Events Manager, Central Florida’s Polk County Sports Marketing

Media & Public Relations AdvisersJackie Reau, Game Day Communications Betsy Ross, Game Day Communications

www.SportsCommissions.org

Looking to share your expertise?

Information-sharing is a founding principle of the NASC, and the industry knowledge among the NASC membership lends itself to unprecedented expertise.

The NASC encourages members to share information with your peers. Contact Elizabeth Young, Director of Membership, and Marketing, at elizabeth@sportscommissions.org to learn more about how you can contribute to a future edition of the NASC Playbook.

And don’t forget to share your news to be included in NASC Get in the Game eNews each week. Just have your media relations department add info@sportscommissions.org to its distribution list.

Annual Membership BenefitsThe NASC continues to develop benefits and services to make your organization more efficient and effective in the sports tourism industry each year including:

• OnlineDirectories• OnlineEventRFPDatabase• NASCEconomicImpactCalculator• IndustryResearchandReports• NASCCareerCenter• ModelsandSamples• CSEEProgram

• CarRentalandAirportShuttle Discounts • PremiumItemDiscounts• SportsBusiness Journal subscription discount

• BestPracticesWebinars• EventWebinars• MarketSegmentMeetings• SportsEventSymposium• ConsultingServices• ShippingDiscounts,courtesy of PartnerShip®

Industry Trends: What to Watch in 2015 By Don Schumacher, CSEE, Executive Director, NASC

In 2015, I think one of the most interesting trends, for those of us who working in the sports commission and CVBindustries,isthefactthatparkandrecreation departments are becoming increasingly interested in the NASC.

Ifindthisparticularlyinterestingbecausewe’re discovering that many park and

recreation departments actually create, promote and run their own events, which makes them even more similar to a sports corporation. I am sure that many of our sports commission and,perhapsCVBmembers,havecloseworkingrelationshipwith their parks departments so we look forward to highlighting these relationships in future programming.

WeareexcitedtowelcomeadditionalparkandrecreationdepartmentstoourNASCmembershipaspartners.We’reatsomething in the range of 20 departments now, and we will continue to take steps during the year to increase that number because they bring a lot to the table. And they’re truly qualifiedasactivemembersofourassociation,becausethey’re so involved with the production of their own events.

The second trend is the issue of hotel room rebates as it relates tobidpackages.Wecontinuouslyhearthedebateonroomrebates from both our membership as well as hotel partners to the sports events industry. I remember being surprised when rebates were in the $5 to $10 range per room. Today, I am shocked that we have managed to get into the $50+ range in some cases around the country. So I encourage you to keep an eye on how to manage room rebates in your market. NASC will continue to monitor the situation to share insights with members.

4#SportsTourism

And from that standpoint, I think it’s good to look back 20 years ago when sports commissions were the primary organization to bid on an event. There was a tremendous focus on quality of life as the reason for the bid effort. Destinations were looking for events that were going to make something exciting happen in their communities. And yes, television exposure was very important, and still is to markets—big and small.

Forexample,theNCAA,oneofthemajoreventownersin the United States, has moved to a commission on all room nights for all NCAA championships, across all divisions. That was a seismic shift and we’ll see how that works out for all concerned, including the spectators and ticket buyers of these championships.

Finally,there’satrendinourindustrythatdevelopedatthe end of 2014. There is a shrinkage and/or consolidationof some of the events that take place every year in the sportstravelindustry.Forexample,theUnitedStatesOlympicCommitteerecentlymadeadecisiontoassignthe rights to the SportsLink Congress to Connect Sports in anot-for-profittransferoftherightstoafor-profit.Withthis in mind, I can tell you that the NASC will maintain its independence-inthisissue,weareannouncingourFallMeeting Schedule to be held in Colorado Springs – while still attending several industry events in support of our membership.

In 2015, we look forward to working with you as your industry association to share insights and trends at our CSEE sessions, NASC Symposium, Market Segment Meetings in addition to our weekly digital correspondence.

Donald G. Schumacher, CSEEExecutive Director

Staff TravelMarch 22 – 24 Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism Elizabeth Young

March 30 – April 1 Southeast Tourism Society Spring Symposium Don Schumacher, CSEE, Elizabeth Young

April 12 – 14 OregonGovernor’sConferenceDon Schumacher, CSEE

April 25 – 30 23rd annual NASC Sports Event SymposiumDon Schumacher, CSEE, Lori Gamble, Elizabeth Young, Meagan McCalla

June 2 – 5 ACES Spring Meeting Don Schumacher, CSEELori Gamble

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Volunteers are the foundation of the NASC. In the last year, more than 100 committee volunteers contributed to progress and growth of the NASC in many ways including:

•Referringindustrycolleaguestojoin the Association•Recommendingeducationalcontent

and programming for the annual NASC Sports Event Symposium, the original conference and longest-running reverse tradeshow for the sports tourism industry• Enhancingmentoringactivitiesfornewmembersandfirst time Symposium attendees• Establishingnewcategoriesandservingonjudgingpanels for the annual member awards• DevelopingCSEEmodules• CreatingtheinauguralNASCSportsLegacyFund communityserviceproject

Weinviteyoutorespondtothisyear’scallforvolunteers.Weneedyourskills,passion,andperspectivestobuildavibrant, inclusive, and multicultural group of volunteer leaders throughout our committees.

TheNASCisYOURassociation;committeeparticipationisone of the best ways to be engaged and help contribute to the decision-making that continues to position the NASC as the most valuable resource available to sports event professionals.

Members, including new committee members and those who currently serve, must respond to the call for volunteers by May 8, 2015. Thank you for your consideration!

Yours in Sport,

Greg AyersGreg Ayers, CSEE, CTAPresident & CEO, Discover KalamazooChair-Elect, NASC

Awards Committee The Awards Committee is responsible for developing award categories and criteria for the annual NASC Member Awards. Thecommitteealsoservesasjudgesforthevariouscategories.

Membership Committee The Membership Committee oversees membership retentionand recruitment. The committee contacts inactive and cancelled members on behalf of the association to encourage them to renew. The committee also evaluates membership benefitsandresourcesonanannualbasis.

Mentoring Committee The Mentoring Committee cultivates relationships with newmemberstohelpguidethemthroughtheirfirstyearofmembership. The committee is also responsible for planning andhostingfirsttimeattendeeactivitiesattheannualSymposium. Pre-requisites: A minimum of four years of NASC membership and industry experience

Professional Development Committee The Professional Development Committee assists with the development and implementation of the CSEE Program. Committeemembersarerequiredtojoinandfullyparticipatein monthly committee calls, assist in the development of modules and continually evaluate the program to strengthen the CSEE brand. Pre-requisites: Must be currently enrolled in the CSEE Program and have attended at least two modules

Sports Legacy Committee The Sports Legacy Committee manages the Sports Legacy Fund.Thecommitteeestablishesthecriteriaandeligibilityrequirementsforbeneficiariesofthefundandselectsthebeneficiaryeachyear.Thecommitteealsocoordinatesallaspects of the annual fundraiser, including promotion, solicitation of donation items, and ticket sales, as well as equipment donations.

Symposium Committee The Symposium Committee assists in the planning and execution of the annual NASC Sports Event Symposium. Committeemembersarerequiredtojoinandfullyparticipatein monthly committee calls, recruit event owners, develop education sessions including review of topics, examination of proposals, and selection of speakers, and promote the Symposium through word of mouth marketing to industry peers and colleagues.

6#SportsTourism

The Schedule is Set for 2015 Symposium(subject to change)

A record number of sports tourism professionals are expected to be in attendance for the 23rd annual NASC Sports Event Symposium scheduled for April 27 - 30 inMilwaukee,WI.Morethan825serious-mindedprofessionals, including over 150 individuals from 96 event owner organizations were already registered by the early registration deadline on March 13.

Register by April 3rd in order to pre-schedule appointments in the NASC Sports Marketplace.

NEW IN 2015 - GROUP APPOINTMENTS

Wearenowofferingtheoptiontoparticipateingroupappointments in addition to one-on-one appointments. BothNASCSportsMarketplaceafternoonsessions(Tuesday,April28,4:30pm–6pmandWednesday,April 29, 4:00pm – 5:30pm) are reserved for group appointments. Exhibitors (event owners and vendors) will meet with up to four (4) individuals per time slot.

Sunday, April 264p.m.Registration5p.m.NASCBoardofDirectorsmeeting

Monday, April 27 6:30a.m.NASCCommunityServiceProject8:30a.m.Registration8:30 a.m. NASC Sports Marketplace booth setup11:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 2015 Spring CSEE Module SOLD OUT5p.m.FirstTimeAttendeeReception7p.m.Beer,BratsandBowlingtourSOLD OUT8p.m.Bourbon,BlueGrass,andBelles

Key Highlights

NEW NASC COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT LAUNCHES THIS YEAR

Monday, April 276:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (CT)Transportation provided from host hotels. Departures begin at 6:45 a.m.

The NASC Sports Legacy Committee will be launching anewcommunityserviceprojectthisyear.Inadditiontoprovidingthe2015beneficiarywithacashdonation,thishands-oncommunityprojectisawayforsportstourismprofessionals to give back to the host city of the annual Symposium and leave a lasting impact in the cities we visit.

More than 100 Symposium attendees have already volunteered for the inaugural event. Volunteers will assist in painting picnic tables, mulching around trees, cleaning uptheplaygrounds,renovatingsoccerfields,andmore.Light breakfast, transportation, and a t-shirt will be supplied.Thereisnofeetojoin,onlyacommitmentofyour time and energy.

CSEE SPRING 2015 MODULE

Building Your BrandPresented by Stacey Watson, Senior Director, Retail Development and HDCX Services, Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Monday, April 27 11:45 a.m. -4 p.m. (CT)

Transportation provided from Wisconsin Center. Departures begin at 11:30 a.m.

The focus for CSEE in the spring module will be branding. WherebetterinMilwaukeetolearntheinsandoutsofbrand development, extensions, protection and expansion than at the home of one of America’s most iconic brands: Harley-Davidson.

Harley-Davidson has had many ups and downs over the past century, but the brand remained paramount in every step taken to preserve the company and its products.These efforts had to survive the depression, a world war, and acquisition by another automotive brand. After regaining its independence, H-D has never looked back as it continues to grow and extend their brand.

The session will be held in a meeting room at the Harley-Davidson Museum®. After a presentation by StaceyWatson,Director,RetailDevelopmentandHDCXServices at Harley Davidson, participants will be sent on a series of tasks in the museum. Some of the issues discussed will include knowing what you are, the importance of experiential marketing, personalization of the brand, how to tell your story, building brand loyalty andrepeatcustomers.Oncethetasksarecompleteadiscussion will take place on key learnings, including the importance of engaging the customer in activities that reinforce the purchase decision.

Tuesday, April 28 7a.m.Registration8a.m.OpeningCeremonies,NASCMemberAwardsBreakfast9:45a.m.Breakoutsessionsincluding: •Destination&EventServices •EventManagementTrack •FinancialTrack •LeadershipTrack •Sales&MarketingTrack11:15 a.m. Sports Marketplace Individual Appointments12:45 p.m. NASC Membership Meeting Luncheon3:15p.m.Breakoutsessions(seeabove)4:30 p.m. Sports Marketplace group appointments6:15p.m.VIPTransportationDeparturesBeginforSponsors&EventOwnerstoWelcomeReception (invitation required)6:45p.m.TransportationDeparturesBegintoWelcomeReception7:00p.m.-9:00p.m.WelcomeReception9:00 p.m. - Midnight Extra Innings

Key Highlights

OPENING CEREMONIES & AWARDS BREAKFAST

Tuesday, April 288-9:30 a.m.

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GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Tuesday, April 2812:45-2:45 p.m.

VISIT MILWAUKEE BLOCK PARTYHarley-Davidson® Museum Center

Tuesday, April 28th7 p.m. - 9 p.m. (CT)

Get your motor running and head on over to the the iconic Harley-Davidson® Museum Center for the opening block party, sponsored by our host city VISIT Milwaukee.

Kickstart your evening with bikes, burgers, and beers in TheGarageattheMuseum.Fillyourtankwithfarethatwill consist of all-American classics inspired by the open road with a nod to our hosts, including tastings from Milwaukee’sownLakefrontBrewery.

LivemusicfromlocalartistBellaCain,Museumtours,monster trike races, and other exciting indoor and outdoor activities will keep you revved up well after the sun goes down.

#SportsTourism148

Wednesday, April 29 7a.m.Registration8a.m.ContinentalBreakfast8:30 a.m. Game Changers sessions10:15 a.m. Sports Marketplace individual appointments12:15 p.m. Keynote Luncheon2:15p.m.Breakoutsessions •LeadershipTrack •EventManagementTrack •Sales&MarketingTrack •FinancialTrack •Destination&EventServices4 p.m. Sports Marketplace group appointments5:30 p.m. Happy Hour

Key Highlights

KEYNOTE LUNCHEON Featuring John Furlong, Ceo, Vancouver 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games

Wednesday, April 29 12:15 p.m.-1:45 p.m.

JohnFurlongistheleaderbehindtheteamthatorganizedandstagedtheVancouver2010OlympicandParalympicWinterGames.Fromtheverybeginningoftheproject,FurlongenvisionedthattheGamescouldbeatruenationbuilder, helping to improve the fabric of Canadian society by connecting all Canadians through sport and culture.

WhatissoremarkableabouthismanyaccomplishmentswasthevisionthatallCanadians,notjusttheathletesandtheirfamilies and friends, would be touched by the 2010 Games. The entire country rallied behind John and his team, and the result was a spectacular Games, one that was faced and dealt with tragedy and unexpected weather conditions, among other challenges, to present Canada to the world as a true “can do” nation.

Yes,the2010OlympicandParalympicWinterGamestouched the very sole of every Canadian, but it also touched the rest of us with its outpouring of the very spirit of what it means to be Canadian.

John has often spoken of the need to reach higher, to challengetraditional thinking, and to dig deeper to achieve goals. His message is one of inspiration, but also of overcoming everyday setbacks and creating an event of inclusion for all.

Bysharingpartsofhisjourneyandanecdotesfrombehindthescenes,JohnFurlonginspiresusalltoachievethebestwe can.

Proud to be your host for the 2018 NASC Symposium!You’re passionate about your sport. We’re passionate about making your sporting event a sensation! Team up with Minnesota Sports.Learn more at MinnesotaSports.org L A N D O F 1 0 , 0 0 0 S P O R T S

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Thursday, April 30 7:30a.m.NASCBoardofDirectorsOrientation8:30a.m.Registration9 a.m. Sports Marketplace individual appointments 10:30 a.m. Sports Marketplace booth teardown10:45a.m.ClosingBrunch

Key Highlights

CLOSINGBRUNCH:ATOASTTOGRANDRAPIDS&CRAFTBEERTOURISMwith Mike Stevens, Co-Founder and CEO, Founders Brewing Company

Thursday, April 3010:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

As the 2015 NASC Symposium comes to a close, attendees will see what’s in store for the 24th annual NASC Sports Event Symposium, set for April 3-7, 2016 inGrandRapids,MI.CompletewithcraftbeersamplesandWestMichigancuisine,theclosingbrunchwillbetheperfecttoasttoGrandRapids.

Duringthebrunch,MikeStevens,co-founderandCEOofFoundersBrewingCompany,willtellthestoryofGrandRapids’mostfamousbrewery.Fromthevergeofbankruptcy in the early days to being recognized as a leaderinthecraftbeerindustry,thesuccessofFoundersBrewingCompanyisaperfectcasestudyabouttheimportanceoffindingyourniche.Learnabouttheimportance of collaboration and how to gain support from your local breweries to spur craft beer tourism in your community.

“Wedon’tbrewbeerforthemasses.Instead,ourbeersarecrafted for a chosen few, a small cadre of renegades and rebelswhoenjoyabeerthatpushesthelimitsofwhatiscommonly accepted as taste. In short, we make beer for peoplelikeus,”TheFoundersFamilyphilosophy.

This is a philosophy that destinations, event owners, and vendors alike can emulate to identify your value proposition. You’ll leave the closing brunch ready to experienceGrandRapidsin2016.

For more information, contact Daniel Rush, drush@mgmresorts.com.

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With over 2,000,000 square feet of function space, 3 arenas and 50,000 guest rooms, MGM Resorts is the ideal host for your next sporting event.

#SportsTourism10

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NASC Launches New Career Center in the Sports and Athletics Career Network

The new and improved NASC Career Center launched earlier this month. The NASCjoinstheSportsandAthleticsCareerNetwork (SACN), which integrates Career Centers of leading industry associations,

includingtheNCAA,NFHS,NJCAA,andNRPA.

Previously,theNASChostedastaticjobboardonitswebsite with limited functionality. The new Career Centerincludeshelpfulfeaturesthatallowjobseekerstoshareresumes,receivenotificationsaboutnewjobs,andapplyforpositionsdirectlythroughthejobboard.Employers will now pay a nominal fee for important additionalfeaturestofindthebestcandidates,includingtheabilitytomanagejobpostingsonline,monitoractivityreports, access a searchable resume database, and receive anautomaticemailnotificationwhennewresumesmatchjobcriteria.EmployerswhopostjobswillalsohavetheirjobsfeaturedintheNASCGetintheGameeNewsonceduring the 30-day post.

The NASC Career Center is powered by BoxwoodTechnology.

Formoreinformationvisit,http://careers.sportscommissions.org/jobs.

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Running Rebels Community Organization is 2015 Sports Legacy Fund Recipient

Withyourhelp,weraised$14,000forOklahomaCleatsfor Kids in 2014.

Helpusmakeanothersignificantcontributionthisyearbymakingadonationtothe2015SportsLegacyFund.Thisyear’sproceedsbenefittheRunningRebelsCommunityOrganization.

Since1980,theRunningRebelsCommunityOrganizationhas been dedicated to developing Milwaukee’s youth mentally,physically,andspiritually.Byofferingyouthprograms that focus on education and recreational activities,RunningRebelsprovidesMilwaukee’syouthwith positive alternatives to gangs and substance abuse.

“WeareproudtobeworkingwiththeRunningRebelsonthisimportantcommunityproject,”saidDonSchumacher,executive director of the NASC. “They play an important role in the development of youth in the Milwaukee area and we are excited to be a small part of their community outreach.”

The NASC Sports Legacy Committee organizes a silent auctionandraffletoraisemoneyfortheSportsLegacyFundattheNASCSymposiumeachyear.Proceedsfromtheauctionandrafflesupportthatyear’sbeneficiaryaswellastheNASCSportsLegacyFundEndowment.

The proceeds raised for the 2015 NASC Sports Legacy FundwillgotowardtheRunningRebelsbasketballfundamental program which will expand the number of youth served and aide in the development of year-round programming.Fundingwilloffsetoperatingexpensesfor the program including gym rental and referee fees, equipment, transportation, training for older youth to becomecertifiedreferees,andhealthysnacks.

www.SportsCommissions.org11

How you can help 1.Donateasilentauctionorraffleitem*2.Sponsorasilentauction/raffletable($100pertable)3. Donate basketball equipment, gym shoes, or old event t-shirts4. Purchase an “old-fashioned” throughout the week at the Hilton and Hyatt lobby bars, Happy Hour in the Sports Marketplace, or Extra Innings5.Bidonasilentauctionitem6.Purchaseraffletickets7.VolunteerforNASCSportsLegacyFundCommunity ServiceProject

*Inadditiontoyourdonationbeingtax-deductible,theorganizationwhoseauctionorraffleitemraisesthemostmoney will receive a complimentary registration to 2016 NASC Sports Event Symposium!

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NASC leadership attends ACES Conference and National Sports Forum

This winter, NASC staff met with colleagues from ACESandtheNationalSportsForum.Hereisarecapof the meetings.

The Association of Chief Executives in Sport (ACES) representstheCEOsandExecutiveDirectorsofalloftheNationalGoverningBodiesinOlympicandPanAmericansportsplusanumberofothermajorsportsorganizations.Due to the fact that virtually every domestic event held by ACES members takes place in an NASC member city, the NASC is a sponsor and partner of ACES. At its recent wintermeetingsinRenoACESmembersheardfromanumber of presenters on services of importance and critical issues facing sports organizations. Presentations on insurance, risk management, issues concerning athletes andotheritemsweresubjecttodiscussion.

Each ACES meeting provides the NASC with the opportunity to brief members on our activities. This year we focused on the 2015 NASC Sports Event Symposium inMilwaukee.SpecificallywetalkedaboutourSportsLegacyFund,itsongoingsuccesssupportingyouthsportsorganizations in our Symposium host cities, and also our firsteverworkprojectwherewewillhelpintheclean-upofaparkinMilwaukee.Youthsportsisamajorinterestofevery ACES member, and our support may even help produce an elite athlete or two over the coming years.

The NASC staff also attended and exhibited at the NationalSportsForuminCincinnatifromFebruary8-10where more than 900 industry leaders attended including representativesfromMajorLeagueBaseball,NBA,NFLandtheNationalHockeyLeagueaswellasdozensof colleges, brands working in sports sponsorship and media rights.

Staff from NASC exhibited in the Trade Show of the NationalSportsForumtopromotemembership.

R-L: Shintaro Sato and Hiko Harada from the Japan Sport Alliance with Don Schumacher of National Association of Sports Commissions and Brian Carley of Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.

A delegation from Japan visited with the staff of the National Association of Sports Commissions on March 2 in Cincinnati to discuss industry trends and bestpractices.MunehikoHarada,Professor,WasedaUniversity and President, Japan Sport Tourism Alliance along with Shintaro Sato, Vice President, Saitama Sports Commission, visited Cincinnati and Indianapolis on their U.S. visit from Tokyo.

2015 Schedule(subject to change)

The 2015 NASC Market Segment Meetings Preliminary Schedule is as follows:

Monday, Sept. 283:30p.m.NASCBoardofDirectorsMeeting

Tuesday, Sept. 297:00a.m.Registration7:15a.m.CSEEFall2015Module*11:45a.m.BuffetLunch12:45 p.m. Keynote Speaker1:30p.m.SmallGroupDiscussionsBySegment-Small&Mid-MarketCVBs-LargeMarketCVBs-Small&Mid-MarketSportsCommissions-NGBs/RightsHolders3:30p.m.RefreshmentBreak4:00p.m.RapidRFPReview5:00p.m.CocktailReception

Wednesday, Sept. 307:30a.m.BuffetBreakfast8:30a.m.SmallGroupDiscussionsBySegment-Small&Mid-MarketCVBs-LargeMarketCVBs-Small&Mid-MarketSportsCommissions

* Additional Fees Apply

RegistrationMarket Segment MeetingsActive Members: $395 per personRightsHolderMembers:FREEwhenyouparticipateinRapidRFPReview

CSEE Fall 2015 Module$350 per person

Formoreinformation,contactLoriGamble,AssociateExecutive Director, at Lori@SportsCommissions.org.

www.SportsCommissions.org13

NASC Announces Dates for 2015 Fall Meetings in Colorado SpringsSeptember 28 - 30, 2015Antlers Hilton | Colorado Springs, CO

GENERAL INFO

The NASC Market Segment Meetings create a platform for destinations with similar market size and organizational structure to share ideas. These are advance level discussions among peers in the sports tourism industry.

Newin2015!LocalNGBsandrightsholderswhoparticipateinRapidRFPReviewwillreceiveacomplimentaryregistration to attend Market Segment Meetings on Tuesday.Thisincludeslunch,keynote,NGBroundtables,andcocktailreception.NGBswillalsoautomaticallyqualify for a travel stipend (limit one per organization) to attend the 24th annual NASC Sports Event Symposium, April3-7,2016inGrandRapids,MI.

Stay tuned for an amazing announcement about this year’s keynote speaker!

#SportsTourism14

To Ticket or not to Ticket Your Sporting Events

We’reallusedtobuyingatickettoasportsevent,whether it’s basketball, football or even our kids’ high schoolgames.Butwhatabouttheevery-dayeventswithwhich you are involved? How many of them require tickets to enter? And why or why not?

The genesis of this issue came from a discussion with colleagues who are involved in college sports. They are in the middle of deciding whether to stop requiring tickets for the women’s basketball games, as well as some of the “Olympic”sportslikesoccer,lacrosse,etc.

You’veheardtheargumentsbefore:Bymakingitaticketed event, you are putting a “value” on the game. This event is worth something and if you have to pay to attend, then you have invested in actually attending the event.Onceyoushowup,you’relikelytobuyconcessions, pay for parking and spend money that wouldn’t be spent if you stayed home.

Conversely, while it’s tempting to hand out free tickets to try to get bodies in the seats, the prospective attendees don’t have an investment in the event. If someone gives me a free ticket and I decide not to go, I don’t have a financiallossbecauseIhaven’tplunkeddownmy$5.Noconcessions, no parking, no souvenir shopping.

Does your gymnastics event require a ticket? How about your weekend high school basketball shootout or your cheercompetition?Ofcourse,you’realwaysgoingtogetfamily and close friends to attend, but does having a ticket (or not having a ticket) affect your walk-in attendance numbers?

Let us know about your ticketing policies and why or why notyourequireadmission.Bestpracticeshelpallofusput on better events. Post your comments on our Facebookpage.

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In January of 2015, the team had sold 240 Timeless Tickets. Multiply that by a thousand, and yes, you get $240,000 in the bank.

The tickets may become treasured heirlooms to be passed downamongBrewerfans,orindeedtheymaybecashedinforapostseasongame.Eitherway,theBrewershavecash up front for a game that may not be played for decades, and fans get a personalized memento from their favorite team.

And oh yes, they get lots of publicity for the team.

In a time where every sports entity is looking for creative waystosellticketstotheirevents,theBrewershavecomeup with one that can pay off now for them, and later for their fans.

Whatdoyouthink?Wouldsomethinglikethisworkinyour organization? Give your opinion on the NASC Facebookpageandletusknowhowyoufeel.

Timeless Ticket or Unique Crowdfunding?

TheMilwaukeeBrewersaremakingavailabletofansadeal they call the “Timeless Ticket.” In engraved brass, the oversized one-pound ticket will allow the ticket holder to attend any single game, anytime in the future.

So, you may ask, what’s the savings in that? A thousand dollars for one ticket?

Well,let’ssaytheBrewersmakeittotheWorldSeries(remember, it’s a “Timeless Ticket” good for anytime in thefuture).Facevalueticketsareexpensiveenoughto the postseason, and secondary market tickets can be outrageous. So, if you happen to have one of these Timeless Tickets, you can give the team a bit of notice andtellthefrontofficeyouwanttoredeemyourTimelessTicketforaWorldSeriesgame.Now,thecostdoesn’t seem so out of line.

Butwait!There’smore!

The team also says the package now includes ticket voucherstoattendnineadditionalBrewersregularseasonhomegamesoftheowner’schoice,excludingOpeningDay and Postseason.

THE RIGHT FITWest Michigan: the right venues,

the right entertainment, the right details, exactly

westmisports.com/rightfit