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 explores how to select the ideal travel tech partner.

The job market in the United States has taken a sharp turn in recent years, and the sports tourism industry is no exception. Where workers once freely moved between roles in search of better pay or advancement, today’s environment reflects a more cautious approach. Employees are staying in their positions, even if they may not fully meet their expectations, due to concerns about stability and financial security.

Attending a conference doesn’t have to mean sitting in a room all day with stale coffee and PowerPoint slides. For the modern professional traveler, there’s a sweet spot between work, networking, and staying active—even in a packed schedule. With a little planning, your carry-on can be a toolkit for productivity and adventure.

As the Sports Development Director for Auburn-Opelika Tourism, Anthony Terling has spent years turning introductions into partnerships and opportunities into major wins for his destination, Auburn-Opelika, Alabama. Known across the industry for his thoughtful, relationship-driven approach, Anthony believes success in sports tourism is not just about landing the next big event; it is about building genuine connections that last long after the competition ends.

Confidence doesn’t come from a motivational quote or a perfect training plan; confidence builds one consistent rep, one early alarm, one small promise kept at a time. Whether you’re chasing a faster mile, rebuilding fitness after a setback, or simply trying to move more often, this is your reminder that consistency isn’t a punishment; it’s a powerful tool.

Deliberate planning of these five days can go a long way in making a successful year.

For marketing teams and ad agencies, the attraction of short-term wins is powerful. Ticket sales, room nights, sponsorship conversions, and social clicks all provide the instant gratification of success. But in focusing too narrowly on the short term, many destinations and event rights holders risk neglecting the longer game: building a resilient, recognizable, and trusted organizational brand that can weather shifting trends and evolving audiences.

After years of post-pandemic rebuilding, the U.S. travel market is hitting a rough patch. Both domestic and international visitation are expected to cool through the first quarter of 2026, marking the first notable slowdown since 2021.

As autumn winds down, sports tourism continues to shine across the United States, even as the broader travel market shows signs of softening. From college football weekends to youth tournaments and endurance events, Fall has proven once again that sports are a powerful travel driver, generating a substantial local impact through lodging, dining, and extended stays that turn an event into a complete destination experience.

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: