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 19 individuals. They are a perfect representation of this close-knit, diverse industry. Here, Connect Sports honors the industry’s sharpest minds with our fourth annual collection of Game Changers—the people who have elevated sports tourism through innovation and precise execution. We look forward to honoring these Game Changers at Connect Sports in Louisville, Aug. 26-28. As always, thanks to SportsPittsburgh for sponsoring this editorial initiative.
Adam Andrasko
CEO USA Synchro Colorado Springs
Jim Arnold
Director of Business Development Sports Force Parks Woodstock, Georgia
Ashleigh Bachert, CSEE
Executive Director Durham Sports Commission Durham, North Carolina
Ginger Lively Cade
Sales Director Dallas Sports Commission Dallas
Josh Dill, CSEE
Director of Sports and Events Visit Frisco Frisco, Texas
Lawrence M. Hamm II
Senior Manager of Sports Development and Strategy Destination DC Washington, D.C.
Beth Hecquet, CMP, CMM
Program Manager of Events Scripps National Spelling Bee Cincinnati
Anthony Holman, MSS, MBA
Managing Director Championships and Alliances – Playing Rules and Officiating, NCAA Indianapolis
David Killian
Officer of Site Selection Federation of Gay Games Philadelphia
Pedro Meloni
Director, Events and Sponsorship USA Weightlifting Colorado Springs
Rhanee Palma, CMDE
Vice President of Sales and Services Visit Oakland Oakland, California
Michelle Perry
Senior Consultant BCW Sport Practice – North America Indianapolis
Nick Povalitis, CDME
Director of Sports Development Rockford Area CVB Rockford, Illinois
Erik Sabato, CSEE
Senior Director, Global Sales | Specialty Team Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Centennial, Colorado
Megan Schmidt
Vice President of Event Operations Elite Tournaments Baltimore, Maryland
R. Ron Sertz
Chairman, PA Sports; Executive Consultant, Erie Sports Commission Erie, Pennsylvania
David Stephens
Founder and CEO DynaSports Group and PrimeTime Sports; CEO, Bigfoot Hoops Frisco, Texas
Blake Thompson
Owner/Creator Teammate Basketball Grimsley, Tennessee
Katie Yarber
Senior Manager, Events and Operations Chicago Sports Commission Chicago