Dani Timm, CSEE, is National Sports Sales Manager at Virginia Beach Sports Marketing in Virginia Beach, Virginia. As a 2020 Connect Sports Game Changer, she discusses her passion for sports tourism.
How I got here: I was born and raised in Wyoming, and attended the University of Iowa. I developed my passion for the sports tourism industry during my entry-level position in Round Rock, Texas. I am forever grateful to Nancy Yawn for taking on a very young and green version of me. I am currently the Virginia Beach Sports Marketing National Sales Manager, where I am fortunate enough to work for another Nancy (Helman), who has created an amazing team that collaborates and genuinely cares for one another.
Greatest career accomplishment: Being a part of the team that researched, planned and developed the Virginia Beach Sports Center, a state-of-the-art sports tournament venue featuring 12 basketball courts (convertible to 24 volleyball courts) and a 200-meter hydraulically-banked track. This $68 million project opening in November 2020 is a game changer for Virginia Beach.
Why I am a Game Changer: I cherish my relationship with the Special Olympics of Virginia. Virginia Beach was on the verge of losing the Special Olympics Polar Plunge and Fall Championships a few years ago. The relationship with the city was strained and funding was an issue due to the costs of city services. I led our team to keep the Special Olympics in Virginia Beach through the development of additional events to raise funding that was integral in the growth of both the Polar Plunge and Fall Championships.
Impressive stats: Throughout my tenure in Virginia Beach, my team has booked more than 600 events, creating more than 1 million room nights and 2 million in attendance.
What’s next? It goes without saying that 2020 will be the year of sports in Virginia Beach as our new Virginia Beach Sports Center comes online. With the opening of the facility comes new and exciting sales opportunities, marketing plans, creation of internal processes and showing off, what we think is, the biggest sports tournament facility in the nation.
What I do outside of work: My friends and family will tell you that my happy place is sitting on the beach, wearing my sunglasses, reading my book and enjoying a cold beverage. Lucky for me, the beach is about 10 minutes from my home! I can also be found on a walk my dog, Whiskey (yes, I named him after my favorite drink).
Words that describe Timm:
Loyal
Sarcastic
Driven
