For our year-end episodes, we're looking back at 2024's top episodes! 
This week, join us and listen in as host, Kathrine Nero chats with Ben Huggler, the Director of Event Services at Erie Sports Commission. 

This episode was one of our most listened-to episodes throughout all of 2024!

We’ll hear about Ben’s experience in the industry, his knowledge within the community (he's born & raised in Erie!), and who he attributes his success to.

At the 2023 4S Summit, Ben and his team were awarded the Marketing Campaign of the Year for the Lake Erie Cycle Festival. 

Learn what helped them score that award, tips everyone can use in their communities, and much more in this week's episode. Tune in!

Today, learn from Sports ETA's Visual Communication Advisor about audio/visual production and how it can make or break your presentations.

Budget Constraints - How you can effectively balance the need for high-quality AV production with tight budget constraints, without sacrificing the overall experience.

Venue Limitations - How you can work around issues like poor acoustics, limited power supply, and space restrictions.

Real-time Problem Solving - What strategies David recommends for event organizers to handle unexpected AV issues during live events, and how important it is to have a skilled team in place for troubleshooting.

Audience Engagement -  David will share how you can ensure your AV production enhances audience engagement, rather than becoming a distraction.

Are you maximizing your brand’s revenue potential? Our latest podcast on the merchandise white paper helps you learn how to create a customized brand solution through merchandise sales.

Join Host Kathrine Nero and Team IP Sports CEO and Founder, Randy Sparks as they cover topics which include: 

• Increased Revenue: Merchandise sales provide an additional revenue stream that can significantly boost your event’s financial performance.
• Enhanced Fan Engagement: Offering event-specific merchandise creates a deeper connection between fans and the event, enhancing their overall experience.
• Brand Visibility: Branded merchandise acts as a walking advertisement, increasing visibility and awareness of your event.
• Memorabilia: Merchandise serves as a tangible memento, allowing attendees to relive their experience long after the event has ended.
• Data Collection: Merchandise sales can provide valuable data on consumer preferences and behaviors, informing future marketing strategies.

View the White Paper here: https://bit.ly/3YLJSpk

How does an organization with nearly 1 million members plan and execute successful events? You'll hear all about it in this week's episode.

Host, Kathrine Nero talks with DAV'S National Voluntary Services Director, John  Kleindienst about those preps and plans, including its upcoming Winter Sports Clinic.

Whether you have a chapter your city, or you're looking to give back ahead of Veterans Day, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

About DAV:

DAV (Disabled American Veterans) empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.

It is dedicated to a single purpose: keeping their promise to America’s veterans.

DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them, fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill, providing employment resources to veterans and their families, and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life.

DAV, a nonprofit organization with nearly 1 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932.

Learn more at DAV.org.

If you're looking for an inspirational podcast episode, look no further!

This week, Kathrine Nero talks with two Sports ETA members who've gained valuable knowledge and lessons within Sports ETA's Mentoring program.

Learn from Elle Marks, the Senior VP of Business Operations at Elite Tournaments, and Paul Rigault, the CEO and Co- Founder of The International Døds Federation.

We'll hear how Elle and Paul navigate the mentor/mentee experience including:

• What motivated them to become a Sports ETA mentor/mentee and how has it impacted them personally and professionally?
• How do they measure the success of their mentorships?
• What are the benefits of mentorship beyond helping the mentee?
• How has having a mentor influenced your professional development?
• What would you tell someone who is unsure of taking advantage of the Sports ETA mentorship program?
• How has your mentor helped you navigate career decisions or achieve some of your goals?

Tune in for an episode jam-packed with career advice! We're sure you'll walk away feeling inspired.

David Sheller is back for a special mid-week episode!

Today, learn from Sports ETA's Visual Communication Advisor about creating and showcasing impactful highlight reels. 

Whether you're a pro or novice, there are a ton of topics to address:

What is a highlight reel? Why should you make one? How beneficial are these videos? What content should you include? How important is storytelling in these videos? What about incorporating branding and logos?

Questions about a recent highlight reel you created? Reach out and we'll connect you with David!

Is FIFA Club World Cup headed to your city? 
Whether you're in the planning stages, or working to be selected for the next big event, you'll love this episode.

The City of Orlando was recently chosen as a host city and will host the event at two stadiums. 

What does this mean for tourism in Orlando? What elements can fans look foward to? How can your city implement these ideas and plans? How can you manage expectations and deal with disappointments or downfalls? 

We think you'll like Greater Orlando Sports' President and CEO's take on all of it.

Join us!

Are you attending CE Summit next year? 
The City of Fort Worth, Texas will host the annual event, and city leaders tell us they're ready for you!

This week, hear from Jason Sands, the Executive Director/VP of Sports for Fort Worth Sports Commission.

He'll share with host, Kathrine Nero what the event means to him and what you can expect as a first-time visitor. For those of you who attended Symposium in 2022, get ready for something new!

Jason will also share:

• Why it's important to attend CE Summit 2025, and what he's looking forward to. 
• The knowledge and experience his team will bring and what you can learn!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's so much more than turning your company logo pink.
This week, we're talking about the  actions your organization can take to enact real change.

Host Kathrine Nero and Beth Porreca, the Senior Director of Strategic Operations at USA Football will chat about the role organizations and sports teams play in raising awareness and support throughout the month of October. 

The two speak from experience, as both beat breast cancer and are actively involved in advocacy, awareness, and breast cancer support groups. 

Additionally, hear insights from Beth's team and the events they've hosted, how sports tourism boosts local economies while supporting a global cause, and the inspiring stories of athletes and fans uniting for breast cancer awareness.

About USA Football:

Based in Indianapolis, Ind., USA Football is the non-profit governing body of American football in the United States, the sole US member of the International Federation of American Football, and a recognized sports organization of the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee. USA Football is the organization responsible for creating and leading the national teams that will represent our country in international competitions, including the Olympics. the governing body, USA Football designs and delivers premier educational, developmental and competitive programs aimed at growing and advancing this amazing sport – including flag and tackle disciplines. USA Football partners with medical, child development, long-term athlete development and football subject matter experts to establish best practices, set standards for coaching, player development and athlete safety and support positive football experiences for youth, high school and other amateur players.

Just a few weeks ago, tens of thousands of people were finalizing plans to attend the massive SEC matchup between the LSU Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia South Carolina. 

Just 6 days before the game - ESPN calls. Producers tell Scott Powers, the Executive Director of Experience Columbia, South Carolina Sports - that they're headed to town. 

How did Scott and his team tackle the task? What (if any) fumbles were made along the way? Scott shares all of it - and his advice - in this week's episode!

Whether you're hosting College GameDay in your city or an event of similar size, you'll want to tune in.