SEEN Saturday Series
Sports ETA is the essential resource for sports commissions, sports destinations, industry partners and more.Since being established in 1992, our promise has been to deliver quality education, ample networking opportunities and exceptional event management and marketing know-how to our members - destinations, right holders, and industry partners - and to protect the integrity of the sports events and tourism industry.As the non-profit 501(c)3 trade association for the sports events and tourism industry in the United States, Sports ETA is the most essential resource for sports commissions, sports destinations, sports event owners, and industry partners. We believe sports tourism and...
Beyond Single-Use: Practical Paths to Sustainable Events
Sustainability doesn’t have to feel like a high-cost, overwhelming addition to your event planning checklist—it often starts with the everyday decisions you’re already making.
This week, host Kathrine Nero sits down with Jen Marhenke, Director of Sustainability at Rico Solutions, to break down what event sustainability actually looks like on the ground. Together, they explore how sports tourism and event organizers can shift from feeling stalled by complexity to taking practical, manageable steps forward.
In this episode, we cover:
Table Tennis, Unfiltered: Ghosting the Status Quo: Building a College Sports Movement with Willy Leparulo
What does it take to build, sustain, and grow a national collegiate sports organization powered entirely by volunteer passion?
In this episode, we sit down with Willy Leparulo from the National Collegiate Table Tennis Association (NCTTA). Willy shares the history and vision of the NCTTA, what drives their dedicated network of volunteers, and how college table tennis continues to create opportunities for student-athletes across the country.
Leading Through Uncertainty: Neuroscience, Resilience, and High-Performance Leadership with Jay Abbasi
In an era where the pace of change is accelerating, how do high-performing leaders guide their teams through constant uncertainty without burning out?
In this episode, TEDx speaker and former Tesla leader Jay Abbasi shares science-backed strategies to help leaders thrive under pressure and guide their teams without burning out.
Blending high-energy storytelling, neuroscience, and practical mindfulness frameworks, Jay delivers actionable tools to build resilience, maintain focus during high-stress moments, and lead effectively through constant change.
Tune in to learn how to reframe challenges, recharge your energy, and cultivate high-performing, psychologically safe teams.
The Anaheim Evolution: The OC Vibe and the Future of the Resort District
In this episode, we explore the major transformations hitting the heart of Orange County. From the versatile infrastructure of the resort district to the groundbreaking OCVibe—a $4 billion mixed-use corridor—Anaheim is proving it is much more than just a theme park destination.
We sit down with the team at Visit Anaheim to discuss their commitment to visitor safety, the "new look" of the city’s brand launching this year, and why the remainder of 2026 is set to be a milestone era for the community. Whether you're a meeting planner or a weekend adventurer, this is a master...
The Sports Biz Engine: Why Atlanta is America’s No. 1 Sports Business City
Sixty years after building a ballpark to entice the Braves to move south, Atlanta has officially been named the No. 1 Sports Business City in America by the Sports Business Journal.
Outperforming massive media markets and traditional sports hubs, the A-Town has become the ultimate global model for sports infrastructure, corporate integration, and event hosting. In this episode, we sit down with David Broughton, Research Director at Sports Business Journal, to unpack the massive data dive behind their 2026 rankings.
We discuss how SBJ evaluated over 2,300 markets, why Atlanta’s unique "teamwork" model and public-private partnerships set it a...
Beyond the Final Whistle: How Richmond Region Tourism Redefines Sports Partnerships
What happens when seven jurisdictions team up instead of competing against one another? In this episode, we sit down with Danny Bonifas (Director of Sports & Events) and Gerald K. Taylor (Sports Sales & Events Manager) from Richmond Region Tourism / Sports Richmond.
Danny and Gerald take us behind the scenes of RVA’s collaborative approach to sports tourism—from custom-fitting events across world-class venues like the Henrico Sports & Events Center, CarMax Park, and Diamonds at Iron Bridge, to driving lasting community impact through youth and adaptive sports. Plus, discover how Richmond asks “What does this event need to succeed?” rather t...
Gymnastic City USA: Greg Fante on Louisville’s Historic 2028 Olympic Trials Win
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
In this episode of Symposium Sessions from the Sports ETA Symposium in Las Vegas, host Kathrine Nero speaks with Greg Fante, President and CEO of the Louisville Sports Commission.
Greg shares the thrilling news of Louisville’s formal partnership with USA Gymnastics to host the 2028 Olympic Trials under the prestigious "Gymnastic City USA" brand. He breaks down the multi-event festival coming to the city, the strategy beh...
Tackling the Future: Mick Hogan on Bringing the Rugby World Cup to the US
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
In this special episode of Symposium Sessions recorded at the Sports ETA Symposium in Las Vegas, host Kathrine Nero sits down with World Rugby Consultant Mick Hogan to discuss the massive future of international rugby in the United States. Hogan shares exclusive insights into the strategic planning, immense fan turnout, and legacy-building required to host the globe's biggest rugby events.
Key Topics Discussed:
Ice, Cameras, Action: The Future of Skating
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
What does it take to turn a traditional sport into a massive, must-see entertainment spectacle? In this episode of Symposium Sessions, host Kathrine Nero sits down with Colin Smith, Director General of the International Skating Union (ISU). Colin shares how the ISU is shifting its global strategy to transform figure skating and short track events into dynamic sports-entertainment experiences.
Tune in to hear about...
Small Town, Big Game: The Kernersville Model for Sports Tourism
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
Think your department is too small to make a massive economic impact? Think again. In this episode, we look at Kernersville, NC—a fast-growing suburb proving that intentional, multi-use facility planning can turn a small town into a sports tourism powerhouse.
Guests Bonny Bernat, Senior Sports Development Manager for Visit Winston-Salem, and Ernie Pages, Kernersville Parks and Recreation Director will lead us through:
...Relationships over Code: The EventConnect Blueprint
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Dyer, COO of EventConnect, to discuss why the "human" element remains the most powerful engine in a tech-driven industry. Sarah breaks down how prioritizing partner relationships fuels revenue, why the best market innovations come from listening rather than guessing, and what the future holds as they deploy a year’s worth of groundbreaking new technology!
Legacy in Motion: Sonesta’s Playbook for the Modern Sports Traveler
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
Hospitality meets high performance in this episode!
Today, we'll explore how Sonesta is leveraging nearly 90 years of hospitality history to redefine the sports travel experience.
Hank Pivarnik, Sonesta's Global Account Director for Sports will lead us on a deep dive into the Sonesta MVP program and the Sonesta Sports Certified initiative, which are designed to provide specialized support, better value, and an...
From Blueprint to Boots on the Ground: The Reality of Sustainable Events
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
Strategy is nothing without a solid plan for execution.
In this episode, we sit down with a unique leader in the event space who operates at the intersection of sustainability consulting and real-world event services.
Rico Solutions' Director of Sustainability, Jen Marhenke will lead us beyond the theory to discuss the daily realities of on-site management—tackling everything from vendor logistics and wast...
The ROI of Play: Investing in Community Demand Generators
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
In this episode, we explore the rapid transformation of the sports tourism industry over the last 20 years. From the early days of local tournaments to the modern "facilities arms race," our guest, Jason Sands, the Vice President of Business Development for KemperSports Venues breaks down how communities are leveraging high-end sports complexes to drive consistent economic growth.
We take a deep dive into the...
The Monroe Momentum: Facilities, Food, and Family
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
In this episode, we explore the charm, flavor, and vibrant energy of Monroe, Louisiana! Join us as we uncover a surprising piece of aviation history—did you know Monroe is the birthplace of Delta Airlines?—and dive deep into what makes this city an unforgettable destination.
Our guest, Discover Monroe - West Monroe's Executive VP of Convention Sales, Scott Bruscato breaks down the "Three Fs" o...
More Than a Game: The Year-Round Impact of Special Olympics
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
Inclusion isn't an event; it's a lifestyle.
In this episode, we sit down with Special Olympics' North America Vice President of Sports to discuss the massive, year-round scale of Special Olympics. While the world often sees the highlights of global competitions, the true heart of the organization lies in the thousands of locations and dozens of sports offered every day to athletes of all a...
What's Next for Sports ETA? The New Chairman's Vision for the Industry
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
The sports events and tourism industry continues to evolve—and Sports ETA is leading the way.
In this episode of SEEN, we sit down with Sports ETA's new Chairman of the Board to discuss the future of the association, the opportunities ahead for the industry, and the initiatives shaping what's next.
In this conversation, we explore:
Sports ETA's newly released Co...Beyond the Boots: The High-Stakes Strategy of Fort Worth Sports
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
The West is Wide Open—and It's Winning.
Fort Worth may be known for its iconic Western heritage, but beneath the cowboy culture is one of the most dynamic sports destinations in the country.
In this episode, Fort Worth Sports Commission Director of Business Development Cassie Poss shares how a culture of collaboration, community investment, and what she calls "radical partnership" has he...
From Data to Decisions: How Active Insight is Changing Sports Tourism
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
Sports tourism leaders are constantly being asked to make faster, smarter, and more strategic decisions — but what happens when you finally have the data to back them up?
In this episode, Sports ETA President & CEO John David sits down with John D’Orsay, CEO at EventConnect, to discuss Active Insight, powered by EventConnect — the newest data intelligence platform built specifically for the sports events & touris...
Designing the Destination: Architecture, Economics, and the Vision Behind Bluhawk with Bart Lowen
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
In this episode, we sit down with Bart Lowen, Price Brothers' VP of Development, to explore the massive shift in sports tourism: the rise of the mixed-use district.
Using projects like Bluhawk and the North River District as blueprints, Bart explains why communities are no longer just building stadiums—they’re building entire ecosystems of hotels, retail, and entertainment.
We discuss the economi...
The Comeback Playbook: From Natural Disaster to Sports Destination
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
What happens when a natural disaster threatens to wipe your destination off the map? You don’t just rebuild—you reinvent.
In this episode, we sit down with the powerhouse team from North Little Rock Tourism to unpack one of the most inspiring comeback stories in the sports tourism industry.
After a devastating natural disaster shifted their entire landscape, the NLR team didn...
From Confidence to Community: A WISE Arizona Roundtable
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
Following their impactful panel at the recent Women’s Summit, we are going behind the scenes with three powerhouse leaders from WISE Arizona.
In this episode, Yolanda Mendez, MBA, SPHR, is the Vice President of Human Resources at Desert Services, and Past President and Founding Member of WISE Arizona, Maria Mwangi, CEO of Warehouse215, and President of WISE Arizona, and G...
Inside the 2026 Sports ETA State of the Industry Report with Tourism Economics
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
In this episode, we’re joined by Greg Pepitone, Associate Director at Tourism Economics, to unpack the findings from the groundbreaking 2026 State of the Industry Report presented by Northstar Meetings Group.
For the first time ever, the report combines participatory and spectator sports tourism into one comprehensive analysis, revealing the full scale and impact of the industry — a $274.5 billion economic engine supporting communities, destinations, venu...
Beyond the Game: Inside the New NCAA Bid Cycle with Anthony Holman
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
What does it take to bring the magic of an NCAA Championship to your city? In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Holman, Vice President of Championships and Alliances at the NCAA, to discuss the incredible economic and community impact of hosting collegiate sporting events.
Coming off a wildly successful Spring Championship season, Anthony shares his insights on the shifting landscape of college...
At the Top of Her Game: Rachel Rogers on Leadership, Impact, and Recognition
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
In this episode, we sit down with the 2026 Sports ETA Woman of the Year, Rachel Rogers. As the Vice President of Sports Sales & Engagement for Cobb Travel & Tourism and the Cobb Sports Alliance, Rachel has become a powerhouse in the sports tourism industry.
We dive into her incredible career journey—from her early days with the Rome Braves and her pivotal role in transitioning Sh...
Safe by Design: How the 2026 CRSA Playbook is Changing the Game for Host Cities
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
When we talk about host city readiness, we often focus on hotels, venues, and transit. But in 2026, there is a new "must-have" for every RFP: a comprehensive child safeguarding strategy.
In this episode, we sit down with Katie Hanna, Head of North America with the Centre for Sport & Human Rights, and Danielle Goldberg, Managing Director, Community Alliance for Child Rights at UNICEF USA following th...
Jon Tibbs, The Strategy of Sport: How Geopolitics Shapes Host Cities
Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.
Live from Las Vegas, this is Symposium Sessions, featuring exclusive interviews and educational highlights from the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium. Join us as we dive into the latest trends in sports events and tourism with the industry’s top leaders and innovators.
In this week's episode, we pull back the curtain on the world of international sports politics. While many consultancies focus on the logistics of...
Leading at Full Speed with Latasha Causey
In this episode, we sit down with Latasha Causey, President of Phoenix Raceway and the first African American woman to hold that title in NASCAR history. Ahead of her keynote address at the 2026 Women’s Summit, Latasha pulls back the curtain on what it takes to lead a high-stakes sports venue and the intersection of operations, community, and culture.
We discuss her transition from corporate leadership at Bell Bank and USAA to the fast-paced world of motorsports, her experience hosting major double-header events, and her philosophy on building credibility in spaces where representation has historically been limited. Wh...
Beyond the Bayou: How Baton Rouge is Redefining the "Big Event" City
When the final ball rolled at the 2025 USBC Open Championships, Baton Rouge didn't just celebrate a tournament; they celebrated a $125 million economic victory.
But how does a destination turn a 150-day marathon event into a repeatable blueprint for success?
In this episode, Kathrine sits down with Triston Monte, Sports Development Manager at Visit Baton Rouge, to go behind the scenes of one of 2025’s biggest sports tourism wins. We discuss the logistical "magic" of the Raising Cane's River Center, how the city’s unique "Geaux" culture keeps athletes coming back, and what’s on the horizon...
The Confidence Playbook: Scaling Your Goals with Emily Jaenson
Join us for a high-energy debrief with Emily Jaenson, keynote speaker and best-selling author.
Fresh off her Women’s Summit address, Emily joins the Sports ETA SEEN podcast to share her "Let’s Go!" philosophy. We dive into her journey as a Triple-A baseball GM and learn actionable strategies for building confidence, overcoming rejection, and leading winning teams in the sports industry.
When the Clock Starts: A Masterclass in VIP Security & Transportation
When a high-profile motorcade enters your city, the margin for error disappears. For event planners and local officials, hosting a VIP isn’t just a logistical task—it’s a high-stakes performance under a global microscope. Whether you are managing a major sporting event, a political summit, or a summer festival, the challenge remains the same: How do you keep the VIP moving when the rest of the city is at a standstill?
In this 10-minute masterclass, Kathrine Nero and Melissa Wideman, former VP at Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky International Airport, and VP at Castellini Co., w...
How to Maximize Your Sports ETA Membership featuring Raelyn Dessart and Jordan Dillon
Sports ETA is home to more than 800 member organizations
across destinations, rights holders, and industry partners—but are members fully taking advantage of everything the association offers?
In this episode of SEEN Saturday, we sit down with members of the Sports ETA
Membership & Engagement team to explore how professionals across the sports tourism industry can maximize the value of their membership.
From research tools and industry data to networking opportunities and professional development, we break down the resources available to members and share practical ways to put them to work.
Whether yo...
Beyond the Endzone: The Future of Destination Partnerships
Youth football is evolving, and the traditional tournament model is being left behind. In this kick-off session for the 2026 season, we outline the exact roadmap for destinations looking to partner with Legends2Legacy. We discuss the six core pillars of a successful bid, the operational grit required for Bowl Week, and the first steps to becoming a host city that leaves a legacy long after the final whistle.
Tempe’s Playbook for Modernizing a Sports Destination
In this episode, we sit down with the team from Tempe to pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to evolve a national sports tourism powerhouse. While Tempe has long been a staple in the regional and national landscape, staying at the top requires more than just resting on your laurels—it requires a bold approach to rebranding and urban revitalization.
We dive deep into the strategic "why" behind their recent rebrand and the high-stakes Mill Avenue Refresh. This isn't just a success story; it’s a masterclass in change management. We explore:
Solving the...Winning the Bid: How to Land a USA Fencing National Championship
Landing a national event requires more than just a great venue—it requires a strategic partnership. This week, we sit down with USA Fencing’s Director of Events, Glen Hollingsworth, to discuss the scale and complexity of modern fencing tournaments.
Glen shares his perspective on why certain destinations consistently rise to the top of the pile and how your city can position itself as a premier fencing hub ahead of the 2028 Olympics. Whether you're a seasoned host or a newcomer to the piste, this episode provides a masterclass in responding to RFPs and building long-term value for your...
From Local 5Ks to National Brands: The Logistics of Large-Scale Event Success
What happens when you trade 22 years of high-stakes police work for the adrenaline-fueled world of professional triathlon racing?
In this episode of the SEEN Saturday Series, host Kathrine Nero sits down with Jason Chance, the powerhouse behind TCR Event Management and the owner-operator of the iconic Revolution3 (Rev3) brand.
Jason spent over two decades in law enforcement, but today, he’s applying that tactical precision to the business of finish lines. We dive into how his "LEO Lens" allows him to spot safety risks that others miss, the gritty reality of scaling from a local 5k...
More Than Just Hotel Rooms: The New Math of Sports Tourism
When a city hosts a marathon or an Ironman, the spotlight usually shines on the elite finishers and the local heroes. But behind the scenes, there is a complex, high-stakes choreography happening between event producers and local governments.
How do you balance the needs of a race director who wants a world-class course with a community that just wants to get to the grocery store on a Sunday morning?
In this episode, we sit down with Casey Taker to unpack the groundbreaking White Paper: The Untapped Power of Endurance Sports.
We move beyond th...
The Science of NIL: Using Psychology to Unlock Athlete Value
We’ve all heard of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), but the conversation is changing. It’s no longer just about who has the most followers on Instagram—it’s about who has the most sustainable brand DNA.
In this episode of the SEEN Saturday Series, Kathrine Nero sits down with Stephen Bienko, a former D1 multi-sport athlete turned tech-driven entrepreneur.
Stephen is the CEO of 42U, a New Jersey-based organization that is revolutionizing how collegiate athletic departments build rosters and how student-athletes prepare for life. Using patented psychological testing, 42U helps athletes identify their core stre...
The AI Blueprint: Strategic Insights on Innovation from Brand USA
In this episode, we sit down with Janette Roush, the powerhouse behind Brand USA’s AI strategy.
As the industry’s first Chief AI Officer for a national DMO, Janette bridges the gap between complex technology and practical application for sports tourism leaders.
We dive into the "what now" and "what next" of generative AI, exploring how destination executives can move beyond the hype to implement meaningful innovation that drives economic impact.
The Road to Milano Cortina: Decoding the Impact of the 2026 Winter Games
Christine Brennan isn’t just a journalist; she is a chronicler of the most significant shifts in sports history. From covering 21 consecutive Olympic Games—including the era-defining scandals and triumphs of the Winter Games—to breaking the news on Augusta National’s first female members, Brennan has had a front-row seat to how sports impact culture, commerce, and global identity.
In this first episode of our fourth season of SEEN Saturday Series, Kathrine Nero and Christine Brennan discuss the "Caitlin Clark Effect" and the data-driven revolution in women's sports. They explore how this surge in visibility is fundamen...
