USA sees the influx of $32 billion sports travel industry as TEAMS

Written By: Rishabh anchalia

Rishabh anchalia

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September 23, 2024 08:36 GMT+5:30

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TEAMS ’24, presented by SportsTravel and hosted by Visit Anaheim, will take place from September 23-26 in Anaheim. Since its launch in 1998, TEAMS has attracted over 1,000 attendees, including CEOs, executive directors, and event managers from sports organizations, along with representatives from sports commissions, convention bureaus, corporate sponsors, event suppliers, and influential leaders in the hospitality industry. In its 25th year, TEAMS continues to set the standard for the sports-event and appointment-based trade show industries.

TEAMS ’24: The Premier Sports-Event Industry Conference

TEAMS (Travel, Events, and Management in Sports) is the world’s foremost conference and expo dedicated to the sports-event industry. Hosted by SportsTravel magazine, TEAMS ’24 is set to take place from September 23-26 in Anaheim.

Since its inception in 1998, the event has become a pivotal gathering, drawing over 1,000 participants, including top executives, event managers, and leaders from sports organizations, sports commissions, convention bureaus, corporate sponsors, event suppliers, and key figures in the hospitality sector. Celebrating 25 years of excellence, TEAMS has been instrumental in shaping the sports-event landscape and establishing standards for appointment-based trade shows.

The Value of Sporting Events

Each year, sports-related travel contributes to 90 million room nights and generates an impressive $32 billion in direct spending, making it one of the most robust sectors within the travel industry. Event organizers in the sports sector prioritize building long-term relationships with destinations and hotels, recognizing the strategic benefits of such partnerships.

Additionally, sports-related meetings and conventions account for nearly 25 million room nights annually. Beyond their economic impact, sporting events are highly visible, making their benefits more tangible and measurable. They not only enhance the quality of life for residents in host cities but also serve as catalysts for economic growth, attracting both individual and business relocations.

Reasons to Attend TEAMS

• Access exclusive sports-focused educational sessions featuring the industry’s most cutting-edge programming.
• Engage in personalized meetings with sports-event organizers, host cities, venues, and sponsors to plan your upcoming events.
• Participate in a unique appointment-based trade show tailored to your needs.
• Gain insights from the USOPC Olympic & Paralympic SportsLink and NGB Best Practices Seminars.
• Take advantage of unparalleled networking opportunities to connect with key industry leaders and decision-makers.

Meet the TEAMS Host City Sponsors

The Host City Sponsors for TEAMS include a diverse group of prominent sports and tourism organizations. Visit Anaheim, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, and the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau are joined by Sports Milwaukee, Sports Pittsburgh, the Atlantic City Sports Commission, and Visit Atlantic City.

These sponsors play a crucial role in supporting the event, each representing key cities with a rich tradition in hosting sports events and a commitment to enhancing the sports tourism industry. Their involvement not only highlights their dedication to fostering sports development but also emphasizes the importance of these cities as premier destinations for sports-related activities and events.

TEAMS ’24 Event Schedule

September 23, 2024

• 05:45 AM:
  Bus Loading and Transportation to TEAMS Invitational Golf Tournament
  Location: ACC Arena on Katella Avenue | Duration: 15 mins
  Buses depart at 6:00 AM from the front of the Anaheim Convention Center Arena. Hospitality on Wheels sponsored by Nebraska.
• 08:30 AM:
  TEAMS Invitational Golf Tournament
  Location: Black Gold Golf Club | Duration: 7 hours
  Experience a day of golf at Black Gold Golf Club, a par-72 layout designed by Arthur Hills, featuring stunning views and a unique setting. Sponsored by: Traveling Teams, Daytona Beach Sports, Santa Clara, Myrtle Beach, Fla Sports Coast, Hamilton, Williamsburg, The Land.
• 09:00 AM:
  NCSG Symposium
  Location: ACC North 263A | Duration: 8 hours 15 mins
  Exclusive to National Congress of State Games members.
• 12:00 PM:
  NCSG Luncheon
  Location: ACC North 262B | Duration: 1 hour
  Open to National Congress of State Games members only.
• 12:00 PM:
  TEAMS Registration Center
  Location: ACC North Plaza Prefunction | Duration: 5 hours
  All attendees must visit the Registration Center to pick up their credentials.
• 12:00 PM:
  TEAMS Welcome Center
  Location: ACC North Plaza Prefunction | Duration: 5 hours
  A relaxed setting to connect with business colleagues.
• 05:00 PM:
  Happy Hour for Event Rights Holders
  Location: Highway 39 Event Center | Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
  An opportunity for sports-organization representatives to network. Sponsored by Fort Worth.
• 07:00 PM:
  Sports ETA Young Professionals Happy Hour
  Location: Golden Road Brewery | Duration: 2 hours
  Open to members of the Sports ETA Young Professionals Community only.

September 24, 2024

• 07:00 AM:
  TEAMS Registration Center
  Location: ACC North Plaza Prefunction | Duration: 10 hours
  All attendees must pick up their credentials.
• 07:00 AM:
  TEAMS Welcome Center
  Location: ACC North Plaza Prefunction | Duration: 10 hours
  A place to connect with colleagues in a relaxed environment.
• 08:00 AM:
  Exhibitor Set-Up
  Location: ACC North 100 Level | Duration: 6 hours
• 08:00 AM:
  NGB Breakfast
  Location: ACC North 264C | Duration: 45 mins
  Open to USOPC National Governing Bodies only. Sponsored by Richmond.
• 08:30 AM:
  Sports ETA STS Certification Session
  Location: ACC North 262A | Duration: 2 hours
  A session on elevating fan engagement with Vipe Desai.
• 09:00 AM:
  NGB Best Practices: Kick-Off and Welcome
  Location: ACC North 264AB | Duration: 15 mins
  Open to USOPC National Governing Bodies only.
• 09:15 AM:
  NGB Best Practices Session 1
  Location: ACC North 264AB | Duration: 45 mins
  Open to USOPC National Governing Bodies only.
• 10:00 AM:
  NGB Best Practices Session 2
  Location: ACC North 264AB | Duration: 45 mins
  Open to USOPC National Governing Bodies only.
• 10:45 AM:
  TEAMS Educational Session: Major Event Funds — Different States, Different Approaches
  Location: ACC North 200 General Session Room | Duration: 45 mins
  Discussion on state-level major event funds. Sponsored by Panama City Beach.
• 11:00 AM:
  NGB Best Practices: Round Tables/Open Dialogue
  Location: ACC North 263C | Duration: 1 hour
  Open to USOPC National Governing Bodies only.
• 11:30 AM:
  TEAMS Educational Session: Beyond the Normal Fields of Play
  Location: ACC North 200 General Session Room | Duration: 45 mins
  Exploring unique uses of sports venues. Sponsored by Tri-Cities.
• 12:00 PM:
  Exclusive NGB Best Practices Luncheon
  Location: ACC North 264C | Duration: 1 hour
  Open to USOPC National Governing Bodies and other invitees. Sponsored by Frisco.
• 12:00 PM:
  NCSG Professional Awards Luncheon
  Location: ACC North 262B | Duration: 1 hour
  Open to National Congress of State Games members only.
• 12:00 PM:
  TEAMS ’24 Registration Drink Station
  Location: ACC North Plaza Prefunction | Duration: 4 hours
  Enjoy a beverage courtesy of Trip Mate during registration.
• 01:00 PM:
  TEAMS Attendee Training
  Location: ACC North 200 General Session Room | Duration: 1 hour
  Tips for maximizing productivity at TEAMS. Sponsored by Bahamas.
• 01:15 PM:
  NGB Best Practices Session 3
  Location: ACC North 264AB | Duration: 30 mins
  Open to USOPC National Governing Bodies only.
• 01:45 PM:
  NGB Best Practices Session 4
  Location: ACC North 264AB | Duration: 30 mins
  Open to USOPC National Governing Bodies only.
• 02:00 PM:
  Networking Break
  Location: General Session Foyer | Duration: 30 mins
• 02:30 PM:
  TEAMS/SportsLink/NGB Best Practices Opening General Session: The Golden Decade
  Location: ACC North 200 General Session Room | Duration: 1 hour
  Kick-off session featuring Olympic athletes. Sponsored by Utah Sports Commission.
• 03:30 PM:
  Networking Break
  Location: General Session Foyer | Duration: 15 mins
• 03:45 PM:
  Event Organizer Marketplace
  Location: ACC Arena | Duration: 1 hour 15 mins
  A fast-paced trade show for event organizers and sponsors. Sponsored by Team Louisiana.
• 05:00 PM:
  TEAMS Expo Happy Hour
  Location: ACC North 100 Level | Duration: 1 hour
  Unstructured networking on the expo floor. Sponsored by Valley Forge.
• 06:30 PM:
  Bus Loading for NGB Welcome Reception
  Location: ACC Arena on Katella Avenue | Duration: 30 mins
  Buses depart for the reception. Hospitality on Wheels sponsored by Nebraska.
• 07:00 PM:
  Exclusive NGB Welcome Reception
  Location: Hangar 21 | Duration: 1 hour
  A pre-celebration reception for USOPC members. Sponsored by Charlotte.
• 07:30 PM:
  Transportation to/from TEAMS ’24 Opening Celebration
  Location: ACC Arena on Katella Avenue | Duration: 30 mins
  Buses to the Opening Celebration. Hospitality on Wheels sponsored by Nebraska.
• 08:00 PM:
  TEAMS ’24 Opening Celebration
  Location: Hangar 21 | Duration: 2 hours
  Network with fellow attendees in an aviation-themed venue with helicopter rides available.

September 25, 2024

• 06:30 AM:
  Mississippi Mornings Fitness Session
  Location: The Westin Anaheim Resort | Duration: 1 hour
  Start your day with a yoga session. Sponsored by Mississippi.
• 07:00 AM:
  TEAMS Registration Center
  Location: ACC North Plaza Prefunction | Duration: 10 hours 30 mins
  All attendees must pick up their credentials.
• 07:00 AM:
  TEAMS Welcome Center
  Location: ACC North Plaza Prefunction | Duration: 10 hours 30 mins
  A place to connect with colleagues.
• 08:00 AM:
  Morning Hospitality
  Location: General Session Foyer | Duration: 1 hour
  Sponsored by OVG.
• 08:15 AM:
  TEAMS Educational Session: Breaking New Ground — The First Women’s Professional Sports Venue
  Location: ACC North 200 General Session Room | Duration: 45 mins
  Discussion on the first stadium for a women’s professional team. Sponsored by Arizona.
• 09:00 AM:
  TEAMS Exhibit Hall Open
  Location: ACC North 100 Level | Duration: 2 hours 30 mins
  Open for appointments and headshot lounge.
• 09:45 AM:
  NGB Best Practices Session 5
  Location: ACC North 264AB | Duration: 45 mins
  Open to USOPC National Governing Bodies only.
• 10:30 AM:
  NGB Best Practices Networking Break
  Location: General Session Foyer | Duration: 15 mins
• 11:45 AM:
  SportsTravel Awards Luncheon
  Location: ACC North 200 General Session Room | Duration: 1 hour 15 mins
  Celebration of sports-event industry achievements. Sponsored by ASM Global.
• 01:00 PM:
  Networking Break
  Location: General Session Foyer | Duration: 15 mins
• 01:15 PM:
  TEAMS Exhibit Hall Open
  Location: ACC North 100 Level | Duration: 2 hours
  Expo featuring the TEAMS Trends Showcase.
• 03:15 PM:
  Networking Break
  Location: General Session Foyer | Duration: 15 mins
  Sponsored by PA Sports 20.
• 03:30 PM:
  SportsLink Welcome
  Location: ACC North 200 General Session Room | Duration: 10 mins
  Welcome to Olympic and Paralympic SportsLink from Cullen Jones.
• 03:40 PM:
  SportsLink/TEAMS Session 1: NGB Updates
  Location: ACC North 200 General Session Room | Duration: 40 mins
  Rapid-fire updates from NGB leaders. Sponsored by Fort Wayne.
• 04:20 PM:
  SportsLink/TEAMS Session 2: Clinical Trials — Lessons From Qualifying Events
  Location: ACC North 200 General Session Room | Duration: 40 mins
  Lessons from Olympic and Paralympic Trials events. Sponsored by San Jose.
• 05:00 PM:
  Networking Happy Hour
  Location: ACC North Katella Terrace | Duration: 1 hour
  Continue networking in a relaxed setting. Sponsored by Branson.
• 06:00 PM:
  Open Evening
  Explore Anaheim at your own pace.
• 09:45 PM:
  Transportation to/from Late-Night Lounge
  Location: ACC Arena on Katella Avenue | Duration: 2 hours 14 mins
  Buses will run on a loop to and from the House of Blues Anaheim.
• 10:00 PM:
  TEAMS Late-Night Lounge
  Location: House of Blues Anaheim | Duration: 1 hour 59 mins
  An extended-hours networking opportunity. Sponsored by Kentucky Sports Alliance.

September 26, 2024

• 06:30 AM:
  Mississippi Mornings Fitness Session
  Location: The Westin Anaheim Resort | Duration: 1 hour
  Start your day with a pilates session. Sponsored by Mississippi.
• 08:00 AM:
  TEAMS Registration Center
  Location: ACC North Plaza Prefunction | Duration: 9 hours
  All attendees must pick up their credentials.
• 08:00 AM:
  TEAMS Welcome Center
  Location: ACC North Plaza Prefunction | Duration: 9 hours
  A place to connect with colleagues.
• 08:15 AM:
  TEAMS Educational Session: The Emerging NCAA Championships
  Location: ACC North 200 General Session Room | Duration: 45 mins
  Updates on emerging NCAA sports championships. Sponsored by Rhode Island.
• 09:00 AM:
  TEAMS Exhibit Hall Open
  Location: ACC North 100 Level | Duration: 2 hours
  Expo featuring the TEAMS Trends Showcase.
• 11:00 AM:
  Networking Break
  Location: General Session Foyer | Duration: 15 mins
• 11:15 AM:
  SportsLink/TEAMS Session 3: Breaking Into the Movement
  Location: ACC North 200 General Session Room | Duration: 35 mins
  Opportunities in emerging sports for the LA 2028 Games. Sponsored by Milwaukee.
• 12:05 PM:
  SportsLink/TEAMS Session 4: Women Leading the Way
  Location: ACC North 200 General Session Room | Duration: 40 mins
  Discussion on the impact of women in sports. Sponsored by Dallas.
• 12:45 PM:
  Networking Break
  Location: General Session Foyer | Duration: 15 mins
• 01:00 PM:
  TEAMS ’24 Closing General Session: The Rising Tide of Sports
  Location: ACC North 200 General Session Room | Duration: 1 hour
  Closing session and preview of TEAMS ’25. Sponsored by Columbus, Birmingham, Sports Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Visit AC, AC Sports.
• 02:00 PM:
  Networking Break
  Location: General Session Foyer | Duration: 15 mins
• 02:15 PM:
  TEAMS Exhibit Hall Open
  Location: ACC North 100 Level | Duration: 2 hours 45 mins
  Expo appointments and headshot lounge.
• 05:00 PM:
  Exhibitor Tear Down
  Location: ACC North 100 Level | Duration: 2 hours
• 07:30 PM:
  Transportation to/from TEAMS ’24 Closing Party
  Location: ACC Arena on Katella Avenue | Duration: 3 hours
  Buses to and from the Closing Party. Hospitality on Wheels sponsored by Nebraska.
• 08:00 PM:
  TEAMS ’24 Closing Party
  Location: Splitsville | Duration: 2 hours
  Celebrate the end of TEAMS ’24 with bowling, darts, and pool. Cash prizes for Event Organizer Contest winners.

This comprehensive schedule ensures that attendees will have ample opportunities to network, learn, and enjoy the TEAMS ’24 experience to the fullest.

TEAMS ’24 Travel Guide: Your Ultimate Guide to Anaheim

1. Getting to Anaheim

By Air:

• John Wayne Airport (SNA): Located 14 miles from the Anaheim Convention Center, this is the closest airport to the event. It’s a convenient choice for domestic travelers.
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Approximately 35 miles away, LAX offers a wider selection of international and domestic flights.
• Long Beach Airport (LGB): Situated about 19 miles away, this smaller airport is another convenient option for domestic flights.

Ground Transportation:

• Rideshares: Uber and Lyft are readily available from all nearby airports.
• Shuttle Services: SuperShuttle and Prime Time Shuttle provide airport transfers to Anaheim hotels.
• Car Rentals: All major car rental companies are available at the airports. Booking in advance is recommended.

2. Getting Around Anaheim

• Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART): This local shuttle service connects hotels, theme parks, and the convention center. A day pass can be purchased for unlimited rides.
• Public Transit: Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) buses are available for travel within the city and to nearby destinations.
• Taxis & Rideshares: Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are widely used and convenient for getting around the city.

3. Where to Stay

Anaheim offers a range of accommodations, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hotels. Some of the most convenient options near the Anaheim Convention Center include:

• Hilton Anaheim: Adjacent to the convention center, this hotel features comfortable rooms and top-notch amenities.
• Anaheim Marriott: A short walk from the event venue, offering modern rooms and excellent dining options.
• Hyatt Regency Orange County: A great choice for families, with spacious rooms and a shuttle service to the convention center.

Tip: Book your accommodations early to secure the best rates and availability.

4. Dining Options

Anaheim is a food lover’s paradise with a diverse array of dining options:

Near the Convention Center:

• The Catch: Known for its seafood and steaks, this is a popular spot for business dinners.
• Morton’s The Steakhouse: A classic steakhouse experience perfect for networking dinners.
• Tangerine Room: Located in the Anaheim Marriott, offering California cuisine with fresh, local ingredients.

Local Favorites:

• Anaheim Packing House: A trendy food hall featuring an eclectic mix of eateries and bars.
• Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles: A must-visit for comfort food lovers.

5. Things to Do in Anaheim

Disneyland Resort:
Just minutes from the convention center, this world-famous theme park is a must-visit for both families and solo travelers.

Anaheim GardenWalk:
An outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment destination located near the convention center.

Angel Stadium:
Catch a baseball game or take a stadium tour to see the home of the Los Angeles Angels.

Downtown Anaheim:
Explore local shops, breweries, and eateries in this vibrant district.

6. Event Essentials

TEAMS ’24 Venue:

• Location: Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802
• Registration Center: All attendees must check in at the registration center located in the ACC North Plaza Prefunction to collect their credentials.

Networking Opportunities:

• Happy hours, luncheons, and evening events are great for connecting with industry leaders.
• The TEAMS Welcome Center is an ideal spot to meet new colleagues in a relaxed environment.

TEAMS ’24 has been an incredible gathering of industry leaders, sports-event organizers, and hospitality professionals, celebrating 25 years of excellence in the sports-event sector. From insightful sessions and impactful networking opportunities to memorable social events, this conference has once again set the standard for innovation and collaboration in the industry.