Sports tourism is, above all else, a relationship business. Event professionals drive big business to communities through innovative practices and smart networking. Few do this better than these 11 individuals. They are a perfect representation of this close-knit, diverse industry. Here, 2020 Connect Sports Game Changers honors the industry’s sharpest minds with our fifth annual collection of industry experts—the people who have elevated sports tourism through innovation and precise execution. In their inaugural year, we want to thank Orlando North, Seminole County Sports for sponsoring this editorial initiative.
BRIAN AMBUEHL
National Sports Sales Manager Greensboro CVB Greensboro, North Carolina
CHAD CULVER, CSEE
Senior Director Visit Knoxville Sports Commissions Knoxville, Tennessee
TIM ELLIS, CSEE
Director, Global Sales – Sports Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Buffalo, Minnesota
JASON HICKS FAIRCLOTH
Founder and President United States Disabled Golf Association Clinton, North Carolina
CATHERINE KELLY
President and CEO, cjk inc Kansas City, Missouri
JERRINE LEE, CSEE
Director of Sports Development Richmond Region Tourism Richmond, Virginia
LISA MOTLEY, CSEE
Director of Sports Marketing and Special Events Las Vegas CVA Las Vegas
BETH PORRECA
Senior Director, Strategic Operations USA Football Indianapolis
CONNOR SHANE, SDL
Director of National Events USA Racquetball Colorado Springs, Colorado
DANI TIMM, CSEE
National Sports Sales Manager Virginia Beach Sports Marketing Virginia Beach, Virginia
MATT WILSON
Vice President, Sports & Events Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau Arlington, Texas
Executive Director Arlington Sports Commission Arlington, Texas