2019 Game Changers: Ginger Lively Cade, Dallas Sports Commission

Ginger Lively Cade, Dallas Sports Commission

Ginger Lively Cade is sales director of Dallas Sports Commission in Dallas. As a 2019 Connect Sports Game Changer, she discusses her passion for sports tourism.

*Connect with Cade on Instagram. What I do: I sell and promote Dallas as the premier sports destination focusing on Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas by attracting and retaining sports events, conventions and meetings while having a positive impact on the economy and quality of life of Dallas residents. I also serve in a variety of roles on local organizing committees for major events we host. How I got here: Upon graduation from college with experience in planning collegiate athletic alumni events, I took a job in convention sales as an administrative assistant for the Dallas CVB and in 2001 shifted my focus to sport sales. My 22-year career with DCVB/VisitDalllas/Dallas Sports Commission has afforded me the privilege of representing what I consider to be a great city as the premier sports destination to every major sporting event imaginable. Why I Game Changer: From Dallas Sports Commission Executive Director Monica Paul: “I’m not sure there is another sales person within the organization that loves to show off Dallas as much as Ginger and she prides herself in the genuine relationships that she has with her clients. It doesn’t matter what the event is and it doesn’t matter the job that needs to be done, we can always count on Ginger to make us shine. There simply isn’t anyone better.” Big-Time Events: 2015 National Veteran Wheelchair Games: Being able to give back to our veterans while helping them increase their independence in society taught me lifelong lessons and afforded me memories I will never forgot. NCAA Women’s Final Four: Being part of the 2017 local organizing committee that hosted one of the most successful NCAA Women’s Final Four was very rewarding. Using that knowledge, I was the primary point of contact preparing the bid that helped win the 2023 Women’s Final Four. What I am working on now: The landscape of what we determine is “sport” is changing every day.  We are working on such a variety of emerging sports that it is exciting to learn about all the new events available to host.  What’s next? The Dallas Sports Commission is moving forward with exciting opportunities in the esports category, the announcement of a multiyear STEM Championship this June and the return of the NCAA Women’s Final Four in 2023. The Dallas Sports Commission is laser focused on ensuring Dallas is a host city for the World Cup in 2026.  What I do outside of work: I love spending time with family, I’m always happiest when in the kitchen cooking or traveling down the rodeo trail with my husband and English Bulldog furbabies. SportsPittsburgh