The Playeasy Warmup

Welcome back to the Playeasy Warmup! In our third episode, Kerri interviews Eric Lopez, the Director of Event Operations at B.A.S.S. Eric shares his journey from the inner city of Chicago to becoming a key player in the world of sports management, particularly in bass fishing. He discusses the history and structure of bass fishing as a sport, the importance of engaging younger generations, and the logistics involved in hosting fishing events. In this conversation, Eric also discusses the importance of community engagement and local partnerships in organizing fishing events, particularly the Bassmaster series. He highlights the economic impact these events have on local communities, emphasizing the influx of visitors and the resulting financial benefits. Looking ahead, he shares B.A.S.S's goals for increasing female participation in the sport, his excitement for their upcoming events and the lessons learned throughout his career in the fishing industry.

In this engaging conversation, Kerri interviews Carissa Sawyers, the founder of Rise Productions, who shares her journey from a cheerleader to a successful event producer in the competitive cheerleading industry. Carissa discusses the evolution of cheerleading, the importance of athlete-first events, and her commitment to community engagement and inclusivity. She highlights the significance of building strong partnerships in sports tourism and the lessons learned in her entrepreneurial journey. The conversation emphasizes the value of relationships, creativity, and continuous learning in achieving success.

In this episode, Kerri welcomes Melissa Thompson, Vice President of Bids and External Affairs at Indiana Sports Corp, to discuss the impact of sports tourism on local economies and communities. Melissa shares her journey from local government to sports tourism, emphasizing the importance of community development. The conversation explores the role of sports commissions, the significance of volunteerism, and the innovative approaches taken to host major sporting events in Indianapolis. They also discuss the community impact of these events and the ambitious 2050 Vision Framework aimed at making Indiana a global epicenter of sports. In this conversation, Melissa Thompson discusses the evolution of sports academia in Indiana, the importance of empowering sports business leadership, and the significant rise of women's sports. She shares valuable lessons learned throughout her career in sports, highlights exciting upcoming events, and pitches Indianapolis as a prime location for sports events. Kerri and Melissa also touch on personal highlight moments and mentorship in the industry. Tune in to hear Melissa's story! 

Welcome to "The Playeasy Warmup," your go-to podcast for all things sports tourism! In each episode, we'll dive into how sports are shaping individuals, organizations, and communities while showcasing the cutting-edge ideas that are driving the future of this industry. Whether you’re a destination, event organizer, industry partner, or just a passionate sports fan, "The Playeasy Warmup" has the insights and news to keep you ahead of the game. Tune in and stay connected with the pulse of sports tourism.