Conference Review: 2025 Florida Sports Foundation Annual Summit
A Celebration of Strategy, Synergy, and Sunshine
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.
Hosted by the Florida Sports Foundation and Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism, the Annual Summit continues to be a key fixture for professionals working to drive sports-related economic impact across the Sunshine State.
With Florida maintaining its position as one of the nation's premier sports tourism destinations, the Summit served as both a strategic touchpoint and a high-energy celebration of the people and places behind that success.
Key Highlights:
Peer-to-Peer Business Meetings
Two extensive one-on-one meeting sessions enabled destinations and rights holders to connect directly, share proposals, and lay the groundwork for future events throughout Florida. These structured sessions, spanning nearly five hours each, were cited as a central value of the Summit.
STS Certification Course
Led by industry experts John David (Sports ETA) and Adam Stoker (Brand Revolt), the Summit included an educational component focused on best practices in sports tourism strategy, event marketing, and destination branding. Attendees walked away with actionable insights and a stronger foundation for long-term success.
The Gold Rush Games
Part networking, part team building, and all fun—the Gold Rush Games returned as a crowd favorite. Set in a spirit of fun, the event brought together participants in a friendly competition that encouraged collaboration, creativity, and camaraderie outside of the meeting rooms.
Recognizing Excellence: The Larry Pendleton Partner Awards
The Summit's second night was capped by the Larry Pendleton Partner Awards Dinner, which honored the achievements of individuals and organizations advancing Florida's sports tourism ecosystem.
Top Honors Included:
2025 Small Market Award Winners
Best Awarded Event: Game Day New Years Baseball Festival 2024, Visit Panama City Beach
Best Hosted Event: 2025 Visit Panama City Beach College Baseball Classic, Visit Panama City Beach
Best Sports Tourism Venue: The US Sailing Center of Martin County, Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism
2025 Mid-Market Award Winners
Best Awarded Event: 2024 US Rowing Youth National Championships, Sarasota Sports Commission
Best Hosted Event: 2025 World Masters Athletic Indoor Championships, Gainesville Sports Commission
Best Sports Tourism Venue: Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training, Ocala/Marion County CVB
2025 Large Market Award Winner
Best Awarded Event: 2025 Banana Ball World Tour, Tampa Bay Sports
Best Hosted Event: 2025 NCAA Women's Final Four, Tampa Bay Sports
Best Sports Tourism Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, Visit Central Florida Sports
2025 Individual Award Winners
Florida Sports Tourism Professional – This award is presented to a Florida peer in the industry that has created the most value to their organization, team, and community during the previous year. Winner: Mathew Ratner, Greater Miami CVB
Emerging Leader of the Year – This award is for a Florida peer who is in their early years of employment with their organization and has created the most value to their organization, team, and community during the previous year. Winner: Ryan Strickland, Play Treasure Coast Sports
MVP Partner: Steve Lackey, Experience Kissimmee
Larry Pendleton Award Winner for Excellence in Sports Tourism - Awarded to an outstanding executive in the Florida sports community who has demonstrated exemplary leadership skills during the award year. Winner: Rick Hatcher, Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism
These awards recognized both long-standing leadership and innovative, high-impact events that showcased Florida as a world-class sports destination.
Feedback from attendees reflected a strong appreciation for the Summit's mix of value-driven content and casual, coastal atmosphere. "It was a great meeting that underscored the strength of our partnerships…"
— Maicel Green, CEO, Florida Sports Foundation.
Participants praised the balance of formal programming and informal connections, noting that the environment allowed for both authentic relationship-building and strategic discussions.
A fantastic selection by the Treasure Coast Sports Commission, the Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa offered a fitting mix of relaxation and professionalism. Attendees praised the clean, modern facilities and the scenic setting, which made for a perfect mid-year reset.
The 2025 Summit reinforced key themes shaping the sports tourism landscape in Florida.
First, momentum was high as Florida continued to lead through collaboration, creativity, and data-driven planning.
Second, continuing education via the Sports ETA STS certification and panel insights provided clear takeaways for evolving industry standards.
Finally, a continuing sense of community, fostered through activities such as the Gold Rush Games, partner dinners, and museum visits, emphasized the personal connections that fuel professional progress.
For veterans and newcomers alike, the Florida Sports Foundation Annual Summit remains a must-attend event for anyone committed to the growth of sports tourism in the Sunshine State. With a powerful blend of education, recognition, and connection, the 2025 gathering offered a high-impact snapshot of where the industry is—and where it's heading next.
Pictures: Florida Sports Foundation