The Playeasy Warmup

In this episode of The Playeasy Warmup, host Kerri Shields sits down with Playeasy Co-Founder Ryan Quigley to reflect on the platform's evolution over the past seven years. From his transition from NFL punter to tech entrepreneur, Ryan shares insights into the challenges of connecting Event Organizers with sports venues & how Playeasy has become a leading platform in sports tourism.The conversation delves into the development of Playeasy's technology, the use of AI in enhancing event experiences, & the importance of community & collaboration in the sports events industry. Ryan discusses the evolution of the RFP process, shares success stories from the platform, & highlights how Playeasy enhances the event experience for organizers & attendees alike.Whether you're new to Playeasy or have been along for the ride, this behind-the-scenes conversation offers a fresh look at the vision, passion, & persistence driving the platform forward.

This special episode of the Playeasy Warmup Podcast marks the launch of the Playeasy Purpose Project. To kick it off, Playeasy is proud to donate to the Austin 1st Foundation in support of their mission.

In this episode, Kerri sits down with Anthony & Lindsey Terling to share the story behind the Austin 1st Foundation — a mission born from love, loss, & an unshakable drive to make a difference. After losing their son Austin to a rare genetic disease known as UBA-5, the Terlings turned their grief into purpose, founding an organization dedicated to raising awareness, funding research, & supporting families navigating the unknowns of rare diseases.

They open up about their journey, the importance of building community around the cause, & how they continue to honor Austin’s legacy through hope, resilience, & action — including their upcoming fundraiser, the Aces Fore Austin golf tournament this May.

Learn more about the Austin 1st Foundation: https://www.austin1stfoundation.org/

Learn more about the Playeasy Purpose Project: https://go.playeasy.com/the-playeasy-purpose-project

Learn more about Aces Fore Austin: https://www.playeasy.com/events/b6c445eb-f245-49a6-a9f9-46179e62da7d

In this special "Tech Talk" episode, listen to our recent webinar with Playeasy co-founders. They introduce Playeasy's newest launch - easyMoney. They explain how destinations can leverage this system by creating hotel profiles, accessing live rates, and earning referral fees from OTAs. The easyMoney program allows destinations to receive 100% of marketing commissions back in the form of credits, which can be used for various Playeasy products. The session includes real-world examples of destinations successfully earning easy money and a demo showcasing the platform's updated features, including AI integration for enhanced user experience. In this conversation, the team discusses the evolution and functionality of Playeasy's AI, focusing on how it enhances user experience by providing relevant information and maintaining data control for destinations. They explore the importance of transparency in AI interactions, the need for unique content generation, and the integration of external data sources. The conversation also highlights the upcoming Innovators Summit, emphasizing the importance of innovation in the travel and event planning industry.

In this special episode, sponsored by Discover Davis, we spotlight Lauren Tebsherany, a powerhouse in college basketball operations and the Director of Basketball & Conference Operations at the Big East. Lauren’s journey in sports began at Boston College, where she started as a team manager and quickly proved herself as an essential part of the program. Since then, she has built an impressive career, working her way up in the industry and playing a key role in shaping one of the most prestigious conferences in college athletics.

Lauren takes us behind the scenes of her work—from orchestrating major events like the Big East Tournament to navigating the impact of host cities and preserving the traditions that make college basketball so special. Along the way, she opens up about the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in sports, the importance of mentorship, and the lessons she’s learned on her path to success.

Joined by podcast host and best friend Kerri Shields, the two reflect on their shared experiences in the industry, their time at Boston College, and the relationships that have shaped their careers. Whether you’re looking to break into sports or simply love the game, this episode is filled with insight, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at the work that keeps college basketball running.

 In this episode of the Playeasy Warmup podcast, sponsored by Discover Davis, 

Kerri sits down with Ainslee Lamb, Chief Executive Officer at Performance Sport Events, to dive into her journey in the sports tourism industry. Ainslee shares her path from early career roles to becoming a key figure in driving impactful destination partnerships. She discusses strategies for building successful collaborations, the evolving landscape of sports tourism, & offers insights into what makes destinations stand out to event organizers. Whether you're a destination looking to attract events or an organizer seeking new host cities, Ainslee’s expertise provides valuable takeaways for navigating the industry -

• From Coaching to Event Leadership: Ainslee's Path to Athlete Development as Head Coach of field hockey at Yale University and Boston College

• Building an Athlete Ecosystem: Ainslee's Focus on Growth & Opportunity

• Local Partnerships at the Core: The Key to Successful Sports Events

• Events for Every Athlete: Balancing Competitive & Recreational Needs

• New Leagues, New Opportunities: Expanding Youth Sports with Ainslee Lamb’s Vision

In this episode of the Playeasy Warmup Podcast, sponsored by Discover Davis, host Kerri sits down with David Moore, founder of Go Nuts Bike Racing. David shares his inspiring journey from BMX freestyle enthusiast to race promoter, explaining how his passion for biking evolved into a thriving race series now celebrating its 10th anniversary. Hear how David’s mission to bring fun back into cycling led to the creation of family-friendly events, exciting competitions, & strong partnerships with destinations across the Southeast. From embracing the "Squirrely Dave" persona to engaging local communities & volunteers, David reveals what it takes to build memorable sports events. If you're a Destination Marketer, Event Planner, or sports enthusiast, this episode is packed with entertaining stories & valuable insights you won’t want to miss.Here's some key takeaways:

• From Childhood BMX to Go Nuts: Making Biking Fun and Accessible for All
•  How Community Support & COVID-19 Fueled Go Nuts' Growth: The Ride to Success in Bike Racing
•  Building a Family Business: The Rewards and Challenges of Running Go Nuts
•  Expanding Across the Southeast: How Go Nuts is Shaping the Future of Youth Bike Racing
•  Lessons from the Road: David Moore’s Vision for a National Bike Racing Series

In this episode of The Playeasy Warm Up Podcast, presented by Discover Davis, we sit down with Sarah and Blake from USA Track & Field (USATF) to explore the complex world of hosting elite sporting events. From managing bids and compliance to ensuring a seamless athlete experience, they break down how destinations can get involved with USATF events of all sizes. We discuss what makes a great host city, how innovation is shaping the future of track and field, and why strategic partnerships are key to growing the sport. Whether you're a destination looking to submit a bid, an event organizer curious about the process, or a fan of track & field, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

 Key Takeaways:
The Role of USATF: Governing body overseeing track & field, long-distance running, and race walking in the U.S., from youth to elite athletes.
How Cities Can Get Involved: USATF has events ranging from small regional competitions to the Junior Olympics—there’s an opportunity for every destination.
 What Makes a Strong Host City: Accessibility, venue quality, athlete experience, and community engagement all play a major role in the bid selection process.
The Importance of Compliance & Legal Oversight: Contracts, sponsorships, and governance are key to ensuring smooth operations for USATF events.
Innovation in Track & Field: AI, data-driven insights, and digital tools are enhancing visitor experiences, streamlining event logistics, and growing athlete visibility.
The Road to LA 2028: Preparation for the next Olympics starts now, with USATF setting high goals for athlete success and event growth.
Advice for Young Professionals: Get involved, volunteer, network, and stay adaptable—sports is a fast-moving industry!

Check out USA Track and Field on Playeasy: https://www.playeasy.com/organizations/9e62847c-8544-44b2-8b77-9990ea4b1ceb

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.