Program

All attendees are required to visit the TEAMS ’25 Registration Center to pick up their credentials, which must be shown for all TEAMS sessions, transportation and social functions.

Need a place to meet up? Connect with business colleagues old and new in a relaxed setting at the TEAMS Welcome Center.

Your event strategy is only as strong as your team’s engagement. In this high-energy session, you’ll learn how to use the LIFT System—a gamified design framework—to transform internal motivation, communication and collaboration. Blair Bloomston, founder of Leaders Uplifted, has worked with the USOPC, USA Swimming, US Lacrosse, NASCAR, SEC, IMG Academy and organizations like NASA, Deloitte and Hilton to elevate buy-in and boost motivation through the power of game-based learning. Whether you lead a team or you're a new leader on the rise, you’ll walk away with game-based tools and interactive strategies to strengthen your team’s buy-in and get traction faster. You can expect to learn:

• A game-based framework for diagnosing and improving team engagement
• Practical tools to boost motivation, communication, and internal alignment
• A proven strategy to energize your next initiative or project rollout

Come get uplifted in this essential, interactive session. Because when your team is truly engaged, you're not just playing- you're positioned to win. This course is open to those seeking their Sports ETA STS certification, as well as anyone who wants to participate.

This course requires separate registration and costs $399 for Sports ETA members and $499 for non-members. Online registration closes on October 13, 2025. You will be able to register on-site; however, payment must be received at the time of registration. To register, click here. For more information, email info@SportsETA.org. 

 

The sports market is one of the hotel industry’s most competitive and fastest-evolving segments. In this lively panel, seasoned hotel leaders will pull back the curtain on how they court, serve and retain sports groups—from youth tournaments to professional teams—and where they see the market headed. Expect candid insights on room rates, occupancy trends, new property development, and the changing needs of traveling teams and fans. You’ll also hear predictions on the next big disruptors—and opportunities—that could redefine sports group housing. Leave with strategies you can put to work in your own events and partnerships.

Women’s sports have been on a rocket ship trajectory the past few years. But so have opportunities for women in sports tourism. This session, in collaboration with the Women in Sports Tourism Collective, will explore how destinations, suppliers and rights holders can work together to be powerful engines for equity, visibility, and leadership in sports tourism. From grassroots efforts to large-scale impact, this session will examine how collaboration can turn into lasting change for women in the industry. Hear leadership examples, learn about intentional networking and come away with actionable items on turning connections into momentum—and momentum into lasting change.

From buzzer-beaters to championship glory, NCAA events deliver unforgettable moments—and big wins for host cities. With the next bid cycle approaching, now is the time to sharpen your strategy. In this session, the head of the NCAA’s bid process will break down upcoming deadlines, key changes from previous cycles, and what matters most in a winning proposal. You’ll get insider insight on how to make your destination stand out in a crowded field and leave with actionable tips to give your bid the competitive edge. Bring your questions—this is your chance to get answers straight from the source.

What drives fans to travel? Which sports win over which audiences? How much economic impact do traveling fans really generate? In this data-packed session, new research will reveal what fans value most when deciding to hit the road, which sports resonate with different age groups and nationalities, and the emerging trends shaping future sports tourism. We’ll also dive into how you can use this research to advocate for sports tourism, strengthen your pitch to stakeholders and create smarter, more targeted data-based strategies.

New to TEAMS—or returning after a few years? This session is your insider’s guide to making the most of every moment. Learn how to navigate the expo floor, get the most from your appointments, pace yourself through a busy week, and turn your attendance into measurable business success. Hear firsthand from veteran event organizers, destination representatives and Northstar Meetings Group organizers as they share practical tips, proven strategies and real-world examples of how to thrive at TEAMS. Walk away confident, prepared and ready to make your investment in the conference pay off.

Welcome to TEAMS ’25! In this Opening Session that serves as a kickoff for TEAMS and the USOPC’s SportsLink program, receive welcomes from Jason Gewirtz, vice president of the Northstar Meeting Group Sports Division, and local Columbus dignitaries as we get the conference off to an energetic start. And with the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games just four months away in Milan-Cortino, Italy, hear from leading U.S. Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls about their preparations for the event and what storylines to follow in the months to come.

During this fast-paced reverse trade show, meet with event organizers to fill available spots on your appointment schedule or discuss other times to meet during TEAMS. The marketplace is designed for quick check-ins so make sure you are not depriving others of their time to meet with event organizers, who will be stationed at designated tables.

Open to event organizers, exhibitors and sponsors only.

Enjoy a relaxing, unstructured hour on the TEAMS Expo Floor, getting to know key contacts in the sports-event industry whom you haven’t met and reintroducing yourself to the people you do know.

Buses will run on a loop to and from the TEAMS '25 Opening Celebration.

Celebrate the opening night of TEAMS like a national champion at Ohio Stadium — the home of the national champion Ohio State Buckeyes. Network with your fellow TEAMS attendees and enjoy an unforgettable night at one of the cathedrals of sport and the only venue big enough for the biggest event in sports-related travel. You’ll get to experience the feeling of being on the field, surrounded by more than 100,000 seats, and take in the atmosphere in one of the most storied venues in sport.

Start the morning off with yoga before the busy day ahead.

All attendees are required to visit the TEAMS ’25 Registration Center to pick up their credentials, which must be shown for all TEAMS sessions, transportation and social functions.

Need a place to meet up? Connect with business colleagues old and new in a relaxed setting at the TEAMS Welcome Center.

Start your day with a fast-paced, information-packed session unlike any other at SportsLink. Leaders from multiple Olympic and Paralympic national governing bodies will deliver rapid-fire updates on upcoming events, membership initiatives and strategic priorities. Speaking for a few minutes each, they’ll share the key insights and opportunities your organization needs to know to plan future events, build partnerships and stay connected to the Olympic and Paralympic Movement. Walk away with a wealth of knowledge across a variety of sports—and what your destination can do to attract more events.

SportsLink sessions are open to all TEAMS attendees.

One-on-one appointments will be held on the expo floor.

Join your fellow attendees as we announce the winners of the 2025 SportsTravel Awards in this celebration of the sports-event industry. The National Congress of State Games will also present its Athlete of the Year Awards and lifetime achievement recognitions, and Compete Sports Network will honor recipients for their diversity efforts. In addition, hear a Q&A with Olympic legend and entrepreneur Brian Boitano, the emcee of Olympic & Paralympic SportsLink.

One-on-one appointments will be held on the expo floor.

This portion of the TEAMS Expo will feature 30 minutes of non-appointment time, which will include the opportunity to learn at the TEAMS Trends Showcase.

Trends Showcase sponsored by:

"Analyzing Data and Trends Through AI" —  2:05 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.
 

"How to Prepare and Stand Out When Exhibiting at Events" — 2:20 p.m. – 2:35 p.m.

Collegiate athletics are undergoing seismic change—and Olympic and Paralympic programs are feeling the impact. From the implications of the House Settlement to evolving funding models for college sports, the pathways that have traditionally developed future Olympians and Paralympians are shifting. In this wide-ranging discussion, leaders from collegiate athletics and the Olympic movement will explore the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for maintaining a strong pipeline of talent. Gain insights into how these changes may reshape the future of Olympic and Paralympic sports—and what your organization can do to adapt and thrive.

SportsLink sessions are open to all TEAMS attendees.

Youth sports have become one of the fastest-growing—and most scrutinized—sectors of the sports industry. With billions of dollars invested in new complexes, camps, and training programs, the opportunities have never been greater—but neither have the challenges. This session takes a high-level look at where youth sports are headed, from private equity’s growing role to the ways venues are adapting for social media and enhanced fan experiences. We’ll also tackle the critical question of rising participation costs and whether the industry risks pricing out the very families it’s built to serve. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of youth sports and what it means for organizations, venues and athletes alike.

Continue your networking by joining us for a networking happy hour in the Arnold Plaza at the convention center. The first guests there will receive a prize from our sponsors at Explore Branson — while supplies last!

This is your opportunity to enjoy an open night and discover all that Columbus has to offer! 

Complete your night out in Columbus and rejoin fellow TEAMS ’25 attendees at the TEAMS Late-Night Lounge, the extended-hours networking opportunity pioneered by the TEAMS Conference, including — of course — bourbon from our sponsors at the Kentucky Sports Alliance. Enjoy some high-quality networking at Gaswerks, located in the heart of the Columbus Arena District.

Start the morning off with yoga before the busy day ahead.

All attendees are required to visit the TEAMS ’25 Registration Center to pick up their credentials, which must be shown for all TEAMS sessions, transportation and social functions.

Need a place to meet up? Connect with business colleagues old and new in a relaxed setting at the TEAMS Welcome Center.

One-on-one appointments will be held on the expo floor. 

This portion of the TEAMS Expo will feature 45 minutes of non-appointment time, which will include the opportunity to learn at the TEAMS Trends Showcase.

TEAMS Trends Showcase sponsored by:

"SportID: Verified. Centralized. Simplified" — 9:40 a.m. – 9:55 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

The 2024 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Columbus weren’t just a competition—they were a citywide celebration. U.S. Figure Skating, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and local leaders joined forces to create innovative community activations, from partnering with the public library and symphony to hosting events that reached far beyond the arena walls. This panel will share how those organizations built partnerships, engaged residents and crafted a lasting legacy for both the sport and the city. Take away practical ideas and proven strategies for transforming any sporting event into a community-wide experience that benefits athletes, fans and local stakeholders alike.

SportsLink sessions are open to all TEAMS attendees.

As adaptive sports gain visibility and momentum, host cities and venues have a powerful opportunity to support Paralympic and adaptive athletes by creating truly inclusive experiences. But success requires more than simply providing space—it takes understanding, preparation, and a willingness to adapt. In this session, athletes, organizers, and destination leaders will share insights into the unique needs of adaptive sports events, from accessibility considerations to community engagement. Attendees will come away with practical advice to make their destinations more welcoming, more inclusive and better equipped to host this vital and growing segment of the sports industry.

SportsLink sessions are open to all TEAMS attendees. Lunches will be available to attendees of this session.

In our closing session, we'll pass the TEAMS flag from our hosts in Columbus to our 2026 hosts in Birmingham, Alabama — a ceremony you won't want to miss! You'll also get a welcome to TEAMS Europe in Birmingham, UK — the year of Birminghams!

Afterwards, settle in for our final educational session of the week. The world’s biggest sporting event is coming—and with it, unprecedented opportunities for U.S. host cities and destinations across North America. The FIFA World Cup 26 will feature more teams, more matches and more global attention than ever before. For the 11 U.S. host cities—and the many others positioned as base camp locations—the potential for economic impact, international tourism, and long-term brand elevation is huge. In this session, hear from organizers, host committees and host cities on how destinations can maximize this once-in-a-generation opportunity, from driving visitor spending to building lasting partnerships that can extend far beyond the final whistle.

One-on-one appointments will be held on the expo floor.

Buses will run on a loop to and from the TEAMS '25 Closing Party.

Celebrate the end of TEAMS ’25, courtesy of our future host cities, as we look forward to TEAMS ’26 and beyond! Our Closing Party will be held at Lower.com Field, home to the MLS Columbus Crew. Enjoy one last great time with your TEAMS '25 attendees in a fun and festive atmosphere. And be on hand to see which event organizers come home with prizes in our Event Organizer Incentive Contest!

Need another sweet incentive to stay until the end? Our partners at the Greater Columbus Sports Commission will be serving out some of Columbus’ finest  from Jeni’s Ice Creams to leave a sweet taste from our time at TEAMS ’25!