In this episode of the Playeasy Warmup podcast, sponsored by Discover Davis Kerri interviews Heather Faas, the National Meet Director of USA Powerlifting. Heather shares her inspiring journey from a mom seeking personal goals to a leader in the powerlifting community. The conversation explores the basics of powerlifting, its inclusivity across ages & experience levels, & the support provided to first-time competitors. Heather discusses the essential elements of hosting successful powerlifting events & the ongoing efforts to expand the sport into new areas, highlighting the importance of community & accessibility. 

Here's some key takeaways:

• Heather Faas's journey began as a mom seeking personal goals.
• Powerlifting consists of three main lifts: squat, bench, & deadlift.
• Competitors can start as young as eight years old.
• USA Powerlifting offers rookie meets to support new lifters.
• The sport has a low barrier to entry, requiring minimal equipment.
• Events can be hosted in various venues, from gyms to convention centers.
• Successful events require ample space & amenities for participants.
• Expanding powerlifting involves reaching grassroots areas & new states.

Check out USA Powerlifting on Playeasy: https://www.playeasy.com/organizations/cbb48a5a-31fc-4923-8498-b2ca5eaca70c

In this episode of The Playeasy Warmup Podcast, presented by Sports Richmond, VA, Brian Werner shares his journey from working with the Yankees to leading Prospect Wire. He discusses its growth from a small showcase to a major force in youth baseball tournaments, emphasizing opportunities for the 98% of players who need exposure. Brian highlights the importance of strong relationships with host Destinations, quality facilities, & a top-tier player experience. He also explores the challenges of expansion, lessons from successes & failures, & how technology has transformed operations, marketing, & event management. Here's some key takeaways:

• Brian Werner joined Prospect Wire in 2008 after working with the Yankees, helping it grow from a showcase to a top tournament organizer.
• Prospect Wire prioritizes exposure for the 98% of players who need it, ensuring opportunities at all levels.
• Customer experience & a family-first atmosphere are at the core of Prospect Wire's success.
• Strong relationships with host Destinations drive successful tournaments.
• Quality facilities matter more than the number of fields for success.
• Expansion requires market analysis, & failures offer valuable lessons for growth.
• Technology, social media, & innovation keep Prospect Wire relevant in an evolving industry.

In this episode of the Playeasy Warmup Podcast, presented by Sports Richmond, VA, Kerri interviews her mother, Renie Shields, a Senior Associate Athletic Director at Saint Joseph's University to reflect on National Girls & Women in Sports Day. Renie shares her journey in sports, from her early involvement as a young girl to her current role in college athletics. She discusses the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, the importance of mentorship, and the evolution of opportunities for women in sports. They also explore empowerment of young female athletes, and the role of community support in fostering a positive environment for women in sports, which Renie shares through her involvement in NCAA College Championship events. Renie reflects on the life lessons learned through sports, emphasizing resilience and the importance of building relationships.

In this episode of the Playeasy Warmup Podcast, presented by Sports Richmond, VA, Kerri interviews Steve Andrus, the XTERRA America's Tour Manager. They discuss Steve's background, the mission & evolution of XTERRA as an outdoor lifestyle brand, & the importance of community engagement in hosting events. Steve shares insights on successful partnerships, the immersive experience of XTERRA events, & the organization's efforts to involve youth in sports. The conversation also touches on sustainability practices, the role of innovation & technology, & the lessons learned throughout Steve's journey with XTERRA.

View XTERRA's Playeasy Profile: https://www.playeasy.com/organizations/cda52de5-25e3-416a-8318-d45af997151a

In this episode, presented by Sports Richmond, VA, Kerri interviews Andrew Vorce, President of 5v5 Soccer, discussing the growth & impact of the organization on grassroots soccer participation. Vorce shares his journey in soccer, the evolution of the 5v5 Soccer organization, & the importance of partnerships within the local soccer community. He emphasizes the mission to make soccer accessible to all, the role of technology in scaling the organization, & the influence of the World Cup on youth engagement in the sport. The conversation highlights the significance of community involvement & the joy of fostering a love for soccer among young players. Key topics covered include:

View Sports Richmond, VA's Playeasy Profile: https://www.playeasy.com/destinations/c66b73d9-c670-4ab9-8a29-6d379662652e

View 5v5 Soccer's Playeasy Profile: https://www.playeasy.com/organizations/5631ee1f-1df5-40e6-9a67-cb5bf9088a76

In this episode of the Playeasy Warmup Podcast, Kerri & Sean Flaherty kick off Season 2 by discussing the evolution of Playeasy's product, with a focus on their new AI solution, Playeasy Intelligence. They delve into their journey building solutions for Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), the importance of data & how Playeasy's event microsites have transformed Destinations’ engagement with visitors & local businesses.

The conversation explores real-life examples of their technology's impact, the rapid evolution of AI, & its implications for the Destination Marketing Industry. Sean introduces Playeasy Intelligence, an AI-driven solution designed to enhance visitor experiences by providing real-time, curated information by the local experts - the DMOs themselves.

Key topics include the importance of human curation in tourism AI, integration with community partners, & a preview of the upcoming Playeasy Innovator Summit—highlighting the urgency for Destinations to leverage AI technology effectively.

What a season it’s been! As we wrap up the first season of The Playeasy Warmup Podcast, we’re reflecting on the journey filled with inspiring stories, expert insights, and innovative ideas shaping the future of sports tourism.From our fantastic lineup of guests to the thought-provoking discussions, each episode brought something unique to the table. Whether it was exploring the power of sports to unite communities or diving into the strategies driving game-changing events, Season One was packed with moments to remember.
In our Season One Recap episode, we’re highlighting the best takeaways from every episode — the moments that made us think, taught us about the industry, and inspired us. Take a listen to the recap episode below, and if you missed any, catch up on the full episodes to hear the stories directly from our guests.

In this conversation, Kerri Shields hosts Sarah Sed and Evan Walters, Commissioners of the World Axe Throwing League and the World Knife Throwing League. They discuss the origins of their leagues, the nature of competitions, the importance of community, and the role of social media in promoting their sports. They also touch on safety measures, youth engagement, and upcoming events like the Precision Sports Summit and World Championships. The conversation highlights the growth of these sports and the lessons learned in building a supportive community.

Check out World Axe Throwing League on Playeasy: https://playeasy.com/organizations/40ae52a1-91a1-4872-bf55-dd7e0b216d26

🎙In this conversation, Kerri & Arion Herbert discuss the inception & growth of MARS, a rapidly growing adult kickball organization. Arion shares his journey from starting a local recreational league to navigating the sports tourism landscape & building partnerships with various destinations. They delve into the competitive nature of adult kickball, the importance of community engagement, & the role of technology in enhancing the player experience. Arion emphasizes inclusivity & diversity within the sport, sharing initiatives aimed at creating a welcoming environment for all. The conversation wraps up with insights on lessons learned & future plans for MARS. Key topics covered include:

View MARS on Playeasy: https://www.playeasy.com/organizations/3cf332c2-64f1-4f57-a858-7d16f43d6b75

Follow MARS: @playmarsports

Follow TurfWars: @turfwarskickball

In this 'Tech Talk,' Kerri sits down with Jon Gorin, Co-Founder & CTO, and Sean Flaherty, Co-Founder & CEO at Playeasy to explore the development of Playeasy Intelligence.  Kerri and Sean begin by recapping Playeasy's journey and discuss the strategic decision to integrate AI into the platform. Next, Kerri and Jon discuss Jon's tech journey and the evolution of Playeasy Intelligence. They dive into the role of AI in enhancing user experiences, leveraging data for better recommendations, and the unique approach of Playeasy Intelligence compared to traditional website chat agents. The conversation highlights the importance of context in AI interactions and the impact of Destination Marketing Organizations in promoting their local communities.The conversation explores how Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) can harness AI to elevate visitor experiences, strengthen community partnerships, and empower local businesses. Jon and Kerri also highlight the importance of adapting to technological change and creating meaningful, personalized travel experiences. Tune in to hear what's to come on Playeasy with AI and how to connect with the team to learn more! Key topics include: