The world of sports tourism is all about building relationships. That’s why Connect Sports produces this list of industry leaders, which you can quickly flip through to get to know destination and organization influencers. Here, you’ll be introduced to committed thought leaders who go above and beyond for their clients. Although their job responsibilities, career paths and places of work vary, they all have one thing in common: They love the sporting events. In these stories, the groundbreakers get personal sharing their industry IQs and histories.

Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission Buffalo, N.Y.        

Tim Buckley Sales Manager, Ocean Center Daytona Beach, Fla.

        Andrew Carl Sports Sales Manager, Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board King of Prussia, Pa.         Josh Dill Director of Sports Marketing, Fort Worth CVB Fort Worth, Texas        

Kristen Hanifin Special Events and Convention Sales Director, Lake George Regional CVB and Chamber of Commerce Lake George, N.Y.

        Bob Hanson President/CEO, Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission Wichita, Kan.     Jennifer E. Hawkins Executive Director, Sports Development, VisitPITTSBURGH Pittsburgh        

Gen Howard Senior Sports Manager, Louisville CVB Louisville, Ky.

         

Larry Kaufman Director of Sales, Greater Ontario CVB Ontario, Calif.

       

Craig Mackay Sports Development Manager, Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast Biloxi, Miss.

        Cris Rohrer Sales Manager, Lubbock Sports Lubbock, Texas         Jennifer Rothman, CSEE Sports Development Manager, Discover Long Island Long Island, N.Y.         Nancy Yawn Director, Round Rock CVB Round Rock, Texas         Kathryn York Director of Sales, Visit Franklin-Williamson County Franklin, Tenn.