Lately, it seems an awful lot like the United States wants the party, but won’t open the door. The United States is lining up the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics like they’re back-to-back Super Bowls for the global stage. The economic upside is massive. But the most significant risk isn’t stadium readiness or sponsor dollars, it’s whether international fans can get in. America’s visa and customs systems are slow, unpredictable, and in some cases downright unwelcoming.

In the high-pressure world of sports tourism, where deadlines loom, travel schedules are unpredictable, and events demand peak performance, stress can often feel like a constant companion. But there's a powerful tool that can offer relief. Mindfulness, with its ability to break the cycle of tension, can help you manage stress, stay grounded, and approach challenges with clarity, providing a much-needed respite from the rigors of the industry.

If you work in sports tourism, your “office” is rarely the same from week to week. One day it is a hotel ballroom turned meeting space, the next it is a convention floor, a stadium suite, or a cross-country flight. It is a career that rewards stamina, adaptability, and connections, but it also takes a toll on your body. Constant travel pushes your immune system to its limits, disrupts your sleep, and challenges recovery between long days and late nights.

That is where two underappreciated minerals, zinc and magnesium, can make a real difference. When taken smartly, they work together to keep you healthy on the road, help you sleep better in unfamiliar hotel beds, and recover faster from the physical grind of events.

In this edition of Industry Spotlight, Jason Sands from Kemper Sports discusses breaking into the industry, the projects that have him excited, and his unique skillset in parking.

In sports tourism, the potential for measurable growth and engaged fans and visitors is immense. However, the divergence of goals between CEOs and CMOs often hinders this potential. By aligning their objectives, both destinations and event rights holders can unlock significant opportunities for success.

We sit down with Anthony Terling from Auburn Opelika Tourism for this Issue’s Destination Spotlight. With a passion for Auburn that runs deep, Anthony’s commitment to elevating his destination through sport is evident as we discusses his journey to sports tourism, current trends and the future.

August has a certain electricity in our industry; summertime energy collides with the final push before fall’s packed conference and event season. It’s a time when destinations are buzzing, professionals are juggling peak workloads, and the opportunities to connect, learn, and innovate are everywhere. Volume 6, Issue 2 of PUSH is built to keep you sharp, inspired, and ready for whatever the field throws your way. Here’s what we created for you:

Attending a conference in a hot beach destination sounds like a dream, and in many ways, it is. Sparkling water, vibrant nightlife, and maybe even a little sand between meetings can make for an unforgettable experience. But if you’re not used to extreme heat, your dream business trip can quickly turn into a sweaty, dehydrated struggle.

Just as Connect Sports 2025 arrives in Miami, the city’s dining scene hits peak season with the return of Miami Spice Restaurant Months — running August 1 to September 30.

This beloved culinary celebration dishes out three-course, prix-fixe menus at over 200 of Miami’s top restaurants, all at 30% or more off regular prices. It’s your chance to taste the city’s rich cultural blend — from award-winning fine dining to hidden neighborhood gems.

August 25–27, 2025

Miami Beach, FL

Get ready to take your sports tourism game to the next level as Connect Sports at Connect

Marketplace lands in Miami this August. With a perfect blend of high-value networking, forward-thinking education, and unforgettable destination experiences, this is the premier event where destinations, rights holders, venues, and event suppliers converge to make deals and shape the future of the industry.

Earning Respect Through Leadership Integrity

Strong leadership is rooted not only in vision and expertise but also in the ability to earn respect from others. In moments of uncertainty or challenge, respect becomes a powerful source of influence. It enables leaders to guide their teams with confidence and clarity, even when facing difficult choices.

Respect is not automatic—it must be built through consistent actions and behaviors that others find trustworthy and admirable. Four essential qualities play a vital role in cultivating this respect:

Volume 6, Issue 1

As a dedicated tourism and sports tourism professional who has spent three decades building Florida's reputation as a premier global destination, I am both disheartened and deeply concerned by the Florida Legislature's recent attempts to unravel the very mechanisms that drive our state's most powerful economic engine: tourism.

Even if your job isn't physically demanding, it can still leave you feeling drained. The mental focus, social interaction, and constant decision-making required throughout the day can lead to severe fatigue. While it's normal to feel a dip in energy after work, consistently pushing through exhaustion can snowball into chronic fatigue or burnout.

The good news? There are low-effort, research-supported strategies that can help you feel more refreshed before, during, and after your workday. Here are six practical ways to manage your energy more effectively and bounce back from work-related tiredness.

The traditional office dress code is undergoing a transformation. As more companies shift toward flexible work environments, formal attire is no longer the default expectation. The result is a broader acceptance of casual dress in professional settings, especially as remote and hybrid work arrangements continue to influence workplace norms.

From June 9–11, 2025, industry leaders, event organizers, and destination representatives gathered at the Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa for the Florida Sports Foundation's Annual Summit.

Set against the serene backdrop of Florida's Treasure Coast, the event fused business development, education, and celebration into three days of forward-thinking momentum for the sports tourism sector.

Feeling tired, stressed, or overwhelmed by work is all too common, and weekends are often seen as a crucial opportunity to rest and recover.

Travelers are always on the lookout for ways to stretch their vacation dollars. From scoring upgrades to taking advantage of complimentary amenities, finding smart, budget-friendly travel hacks can make a trip more enjoyable and affordable

Destination Spotlight - Feature on George Linley, Executive Director, Palm Beach County Sports Commission

July is near, and with it comes the sizzle of summer—and not just the temps. It's the peak season for sports tourism, where ballparks buzz with energy, coastlines become racecourses, and communities across the country light up with tournaments, camps, and championships.

Volume 5, Issue 6

Check in every issue for the unfiltered thoughts of our guest writers and contributors as they discuss the hottest topics in sports tourism.

In this issue, our guest writer discusses the subject of conference no show appointments.