AccelerateVQC: The Power of Sports Tourism

Welcome to AccelerateVQC: The Power of Sports Tourism

Join us for the next installment of AccelerateVQC, focused on the transformational impact of sports tourism on communities and regional economies. This session features John David, President & CEO of the Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA), the leading national organization advancing the sports events and tourism industry.

Sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in travel, and Sports ETA sits at the center of it, guiding sports commissions, destinations, event owners, and tourism leaders toward higher performance and industry innovation. John will share insights on emerging national trends, best practices shaping the future of sports events, and how communities like the Quad Cities can position themselves for growth through Sports QC, Powered By Visit Quad Cities.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of:

• National trends influencing sports tourism in 2025
• How national rights holders evaluate destinations and what the Quad Cities can do to strengthen its competitiveness for championships, tournaments, and large-scale sports events
• What event owners need from partners such as hotels, venues, attractions, and local corporations to create exceptional athlete, family, and fan experiences that drive repeat business and economic impact
• How a destination like the Quad Cities can position itself for long-term growth by aligning community assets, improving event servicing, and building collaborative strategies that appeal to sports organizations and governing bodies
• The power of community, collaboration, and shared industry outcomes

Lunch will also be provided to all attendees. ASL interpretation available upon request. Please request this service at least 2 weeks prior to the event.