Connect is pleased to announce the return of the Connect Sports Tourism Excellence Awards, presented by SportsNC. The awards will recognize some of sports tourism's most deserving individuals and most dynamic events. Winners will be recognized at Connect Sports, Aug. 26-28 in Louisville, Kentucky. Please join us in honoring the industry by submitting nominations in the following categories. A nomination form follows. Nominations are due June 1. > Sporting Event Organizer of the Year (for-profit) > Nonprofit Sporting Event Organizer of the Year > Community Hero Award (Volunteer of the Year) > Sports Supplier of the Year (excluding hotels) > Hotel Professional of the Year > Best Amateur Sporting Event of the Year > LGBTQ Sporting Event of the Year > Fastest-Growing Sporting Event > Best New Sporting Event (first year) > Best Homegrown Sporting Event (owned and operated by a DMO) > Best Adult Sporting Event of the Year > Sports Venue of the Year If the form above does not load, click here or email mswenson@connectmeetings.com. Click here for the 2017 winners. Click here for more information about Connect Sports, the industry's leading event bringing together the best sports planners and suppliers