SportsTravel Podcast: Insights and Expert Analysis
Listen to leaders in the sports-event industry dive deep into how they do business
Posted On: March 13, 2025 By :
The SportsTravel Podcast focuses on news, insight, trends and more from some of the top event organizers and destination executives throughout the sports-event industry. With more than 100 episodes over the past three years, the SportsTravel Podcast has become the place to listen to interviews with event organizers of all sizes, destinations ready to host national and international events and many executives within the U.S. Olympic movement.
Pickleball, Flag Football, Wrestling and the Sports on the Rise
Posted: March 13, 2025
For decades, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association has been polling Americans about their participation levels in more than 100 sports and activities. The data, released annually in their Topline Participation Report, breaks those numbers down by individual sports and activities, types of sports like water sports, winter sports or racquet sports, and also by gender, age and income levels. The result is an incredibly comprehensive look at who is playing what and what the barriers might be for others based on their gender, age and income levels among other factors. Their latest report, whose research was led by senior director and head of research Alex Kerman — our guest on this episode — is filled with interesting data.
Laura Gainor: The Power of Pickleball Marketing
Posted: February 25, 2025
During her time in marketing at USA Pickleball, Laura Gainor witnessed first-hand how the sport was taking off. As a result, brands are looking to get involved with the sport any way they can and event organizers are searching for ways to activate a pickleball experience around their events as well. Gainor launched Pickleball in the Sun as a way to help brands, event organizers and others navigate the fast-evolving world of pickleball. In this conversation, we discuss how those brands look different today, what you should know about including pickleball as a component of your event, where the sport is going and what, if anything, may slow its momentum.
Travis Murphy: The Need for Sports Diplomacy
Posted: February 3, 2025
Travis Murphy’s work background is a fascinating one, and one that you may not realize is a key component of the sports industry behind the scenes. That background is in sports diplomacy with stints as the head of international government relations with the NBA, and with the Department of State. At his new agency, Jett Global Sports + Entertainment, he is making the case for sports diplomacy as some of the largest sports events in the world head to the United States. Reducing visa wait times, navigating immigration and improving government relations are all on his list of issues he industry should keep front and center in the months to come.
2024 Podcast Archives
Sports-Event Industry Trends in 2025
Posted: December 17, 2024
Leonard Hoops and Patrick Talty: Reviewing Indianapolis’ Successful 2024 and Future Major Events Ahead
POSTED: November 15, 2024
Phil Andrews: USA Fencing’s Post-Paris Plans
POSTED: October 28, 2024
The Emerging NCAA Championships
POSTED: October 14, 2024
Geoff Freeman: How U.S. Travel Views the Sports Market
POSTED: September 13, 2024
Ezra Frech: Promoting Paralympic Sports
Posted: September 4, 2024
Susannah Scaroni: On the Paralympics, Marathons and Improving Adaptive Sports Events
Posted: August 30, 2024
Danny Boy O’Connor: On “Jump Around,” Breaking at the Olympics and “The Outsiders”
Posted: August 6, 2024
Dan Butterly: Leading the Big West Conference into the Future
Posted: July 15, 2024
Camilo Durana: How MLS Benefits From Messi, Apple and the World Cup
Posted: July 9, 2024
Jim Tooley: USA Basketball’s Road to Paris and the Olympic Games
Posted: July 3, 2024
Skip Gilbert: The State of Youth Soccer
Posted: June 7, 2024
The $52.2 Billion Case for Sports-Related Travel
Posted: May 23, 2024
Death Diving: The Latest Sport Making a Splash
Posted: May 6, 2024
Ron Price: Visit Phoenix’s Big Basketball Push
Posted: April 18, 2024
Scott DeRue: Expanding Ironman’s Global Reach and Enhancing the Athlete Experience
Posted: April 2, 2024
Pickleball and Beyond: The Latest SFIA Sports Participation Trends
Posted: March 14, 2024
Kevin Klipstein: The Long Play for Squash
Posted: February 19, 2024
International Case Study: How the Congo River Marathon Promotes Sports Tourism
Posted: February 14, 2024
Tim Hinchey: Leading USA Swimming Into Paris 2024
Posted: February 7, 2024
Jason Siegel: A Massive Multi-Sport Weekend in Orlando
Posted: January 30, 2024
Linda Logan and Jesse Ghirozi: Bringing the U.S. Figure Skating Championships to Columbus
Posted: January 17, 2024
Sam Joffray: Preparing for Las Vegas’ First Super Bowl
Posted: January 11, 2024
2023 Podcast Archives
The Year in Sports-Related Travel and Trends for 2024
Posted: December 20, 2023
J.C. Poma: How to Build a New Sports Commission
Posted: December 18, 2023
Scott Hallenbeck: The Rise of Flag Football and USA Football’s Plans for LA28
Posted: December 1, 2023
Khalid Cannon: A Sports Lifeline for Children of Incarcerated Parents
Posted: November 9, 2023
Bryce Morgan: The Future of the PPA Tour
Posted: September 21, 2023
Terry Hasseltine: Building the Maryland Cycling Classic in Baltimore
Posted: August 24, 2023
EsportsTravel Summit: Why Grassroots Esports Efforts Are Essential
Posted: August 21, 2023
Wayne Moss: Making Youth Sports Safer
Published: August 15, 2023
Tim Trefzer: Best Practices for Sustainability in Sports
Published: August 11, 2023
TEAMS Europe: The Best of 2023
Published: August 8, 2023
Li Li Leung on USA Gymnastics’ Search for a New Training Center
Published: July 19, 2023
David Carter: How to Turn Your Sports Bucket List into Reality
Published: July 7, 2023
Mike McAtee: USA Boxing’s Fight Against the IBA’s Corruption and World Boxing’s Future
Published: June 29, 2023
Kris Alexander: Video Games, Esports and the Future Events Workforce
Published: June 20, 2023
Jim Scherr: Growing World Lacrosse and Its Potential Olympic Future
Published: June 14, 2023
Izell Reese: How RCX Sports Is Expanding Youth Sports Participation
Published: June 9, 2023
Vlad Marinescu: Esports’ Global Reach, the IESF’s Growth and More
Published: May 25, 2023
Mandy Gill: Marriott’s NCAA Partnership, NIL and State of Sports-Related Travel
Published: May 2, 2023
The Honest Scoop About Sports Tourism Salaries and Compensation
Published: April 25, 2023
From Pickleball to Team Sports: Tom Cove on the Latest in Sports Participation Trends
Published: April 4, 2023
Janis Burke and Holly Kesterson: Hosting the Men’s Final Four in Houston
Published: March 26, 2023
Lisa Motley: Bringing the World’s Biggest Sports Events to Las Vegas
Published: March 20, 2023
Brent Nowicki: The World Aquatics Rebrand and World Championships Pivot
Published: February 27, 2023
Gary Hernbroth: Sports as Group Travel and How to Motivate Sales Professionals
Published: January 31, 2023
Bob Dunlop: Two Decades of Organizing Events for U.S. Figure Skating
Published: January 23, 2023
Mike Pratt and Jim McKenna: Lake Placid’s Rebirth as a Winter Sports Destination
Published: January 6, 2023
2022 Podcast Archives
A Review and Preview of the Year in Sports-Related Travel
Published: December 20, 2022
Title IX at 50: The Push Toward Equality
Published: December 14, 2022
The Evolving Landscape of Youth Sports
Published: December 6, 2022
Aron McGuire: Driving USA Bobsled & Skeleton Through the Pandemic
Published: November 21, 2022
Chris Robb: How Cities Can Help the Mass Participation Industry
Published: October 17, 2022
Wayne Moss: Why Youth Sports Matter
Published: October 3, 2022
Max Siegel: Growing USA Track & Field Through LA28
Published: September 22, 2022
Joe Jacobi: Lessons From the River
Published: September 16, 2022
Phil Andrews: The Future of USA Fencing Events
Published: September 13, 2022
Nora White: The Rise of Spikeball in the U.S. and Abroad
Published: August 22, 2022
Travis Shumake and Sean Dixon: Opening Doors in NHRA Drag Racing
Published: August 8, 2022
Coco Ho: The Adversity of Professional Surfing
Published: August 3, 2022
Nick Sellers and David Galbaugh: Bringing The World Games to Alabama
Published: June 30, 2022
Sports as Entertainment: Eddie Lewis on How TOCA Football Plans to Expand
Published: June 27, 2022. Podcast Sponsored by Greater Ontario CVB
The Sports Tourism Rebound: Al Kidd and Jennifer Stoll on the Latest Sports ETA Research
Published: June 13, 2022. Podcast Sponsored by Myrtle Beach Convention Center
Joe Dzaluk: Bringing the Special Olympics USA Games to Orlando
Published: June 3, 2022
Ajay Nwosu: Building a Following for USA Teqball
Published: May 20, 2022. Podcast Sponsored by Myrtle Beach Convention Center
Whose Fans Travel Best? Neil Schwartz on the Latest Sports Fan Research
Published: May 17, 2022
Ross Young and Jim Brown: Bringing the Rugby World Cup to the United States
Published: May 12, 2022
Matt Hogue: Growing a Division I Athletics Program at Coastal Carolina
Published: April 28, 2022. Podcast Sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance
How the AHL has Survived COVID: Scott Howson on Leading the League Through the Pandemic
Published: April 25, 2022. Podcast Sponsored by Greater Ontario CVB
Tim Schneider: 25 Years of SportsTravel Magazine
Published: April 19, 2022. Podcast Sponsored by Myrtle Beach Convention Center
Hotels and the Rise of Sports-Related Travel: Julius Robinson on Marriott’s NCAA Partnership and Industry Trends
Published: April 15, 2022
Sports Participation Deep Dive: Tom Cove of SFIA on the Latest Trends and What They Mean for Events
Published: March 28, 2022. Podcast Sponsored by Myrtle Beach Convention Center
CIAA Basketball Moves to Baltimore: Jacqie McWilliams on New Beginnings
Published: February 22, 2022. Podcast Sponsored by Maryland Sports Commission
Pickleball Power: Stu Upson of USA Pickleball on the Sport’s Growth, Events and Venues
Published: February 14, 2022. Podcast Sponsored by Atlantic City Sports Commission
How U.S. Ski & Snowboard Prepares for the Beijing Olympics: Sophie Goldschmidt on COVID Testing and Breaking Barriers
Published: January 24, 2022
The Ironman Group Approach: Andrew Messick on Triathlons, Competition and Trends
Published: January 19, 2022
2021 Podcast Archive
Susan Baughman: Bringing the College Football Playoff Title Game to Indianapolis
Published: December 23, 2021
Mike Nishi: Lessons from the Chicago Marathon
Published: December 20, 2021
Danny Martin: How Grass-Roots Esports Efforts Will Support Future Events
Published: December 2, 2021
Erik Moses: Revitalizing Nashville Superspeedway and NASCAR’s Diversity Efforts
Published: December 1, 2021
Greg Sankey: Expanding the SEC, the College Football Playoff and NCAA Gender Equity
Published: November 2, 2021
Jim Mercurio: Lessons From Levi’s Stadium on How to Run Events During the Pandemic
Published: October 21, 2021
Greg Cruse: Riding Surfing’s Wave of Momentum
Published: September 20, 2021
Fraser Bullock: Salt Lake’s 2002 Olympic Legacy and Hopes for a Future Games
Published: September 15, 2021
Ross Young: Bringing USA Rugby Out of Bankruptcy and Ready to Bid for World Cups
Published: July 28, 2021
Larry Olmsted: How Fans Unite Communities and Make the Case for Why Sports Matter
Published: July 19, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Naples, Marco Island CVB
Cal Ripken Jr. and Mike Kenney: Growing the Brand at Ripken Baseball
Published: July 12, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Maryland Sports Commission
Scott O’Neil: His Time at Harris Blitzer, A New Book and Perspective on the Sports Industry
Published: July 8, 2021
Jimmy Johnson: Fishing, Football and Fox NFL Sunday
Published: June 28, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Atlantic City Sports Commission
Bryan Karns: Preparing for the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club
Published: June 21, 2021
Helen Maroulis: The Inspiring Olympics Comeback Story of a Wrestling Pioneer
Published: June 16, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Myrtle Beach Convention Center
Allyson Felix: The Drive for Five Olympic Games
Published: June 7, 2021
Tim Schneider: Roots of a Travel Powerhouse: How Sports and Esports Move People
Published: May 28, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance
Melissa Stockwell: Preparing for a Most Unusual Paralympics
Published: May 18, 2021
Elena Delle Donne: Preparing for the 2021 WNBA Season and Olympic Summer Games
Published: May 10, 2021
Leigh Steinberg: The Evolution of Agents, NFL Events and Athlete Marketing
Published: April 26, 2021
Dan Ghosh-Roy: Preparing for the PFL’s Atlantic City Bubble
Published: April 22, 2021
Dale Murphy: On Baseball, Sports-Event Security and Marketing Today’s Stars
Published: April 12, 2021
Bruce Rosenberg: Why HotelPlanner is Bullish on Sports-Related Travel
Published: March 17, 2021
Antron Brown and Leah Pruett: Life in the Fast Lane as NHRA Drivers
Published: March 11, 2021
Jenny Carnes and Lynn Holzman: How the NCAA Will Host the Women’s Basketball Tournament in San Antonio
Published: February 26, 2021
Dan Gavitt: Planning the NCAA Men’s Tournament in Indianapolis
Published: February 22, 2021
Amanda Kraus: Changing the Face of Rowing
Published: February 8, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Columbia SC Sports
Michael D’hulst: How Super League Triathlon is Innovating the Sport
Published: January 15, 2021. Podcast Sponsored by Tempe Tourism
Rob Higgins: Inside Tampa Bay’s Plans for Hosting Super Bowl LV
Published: January 13, 2021
2020 Podcast Archives
Nicole Pike: The Latest Research on Esports-Related Travel
Published: December 15, 2020. Podcast Sponsored by Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance
Nick Carparelli: What to Expect from the 2020 Bowl Season
Published: November 11, 2020
David Baker: Twice the Fun in ’21 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Published: September 15, 2020
Al Kidd and Jennifer Stoll: The $45 Billion Case for Sports-Related Travel
Published: September 8, 2020
Carlos Silva: How World TeamTennis Held a Season with Fans in the Stands
Published: August 18, 2020
Lisa Baird: Staging a Monthlong Tournament During a Pandemic
Published: July 31, 2020
Steve Stenersen: How US Lacrosse is Approaching Return to Play
Published: July 10, 2020
Melvin Tennant: A Discussion on Race and Diversity in the Travel Industry
Published: June 18, 2020
Glenn Merry: A New Voice for Adaptive Sports
Published: June 10, 2020
Peter O’Reilly: How the NFL Pulled Off a Virtual Draft
Published: May 27, 2020
Dev Pathik and Jason Clement: Signs of Hope for the Youth Sports Market
Published: April 23, 2020. Podcast Sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance
Molly Arbogast: What Sports Sponsorship Should Look Like Now
Published: April 16, 2020. Podcast Sponsored by Atlantic City Sports Commission
Rich Harshbarger: The Challenges Ahead for Running and Mass Participation Events
Published: April 9, 2020. Podcast Sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance
Matt Farrell: Alternative Golf and the Spectacle of World Long Drive
Published: March 26, 2020. Podcast Sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance
Colie Edison: Why the Leader in Recreational Bowling Bought the PBA Tour
Published: March 13, 2020. Podcast Sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance
Jason Parker: How Technology is Changing Amateur Sports Events
Published: February 21, 2020
Phil Andrews: How USA Weightlifting is Preparing for Tokyo and Beyond
Published: January 29, 2020
2019 Podcast Archives
Frank Supovitz: What to Do When Things Go Wrong
Published: December 19, 2019
Ju’Riese Colón: The Challenges Ahead for the U.S. Center for SafeSport
Published: October 29, 2019
Kyle McLaughlin: How Tough Mudder Has Survived the Obstacle Course Race Market
Published: September 27, 2019
Alex Hertel: The Future of the Spectator Experience
Published: September 4, 2019
John David: How BMX Has Become One of the Fastest-Growing Sports
Published: July 23, 2019
YuChiang Cheng: Why Topgolf is Investing in Esports
Published: June 19, 2019
Amanda Duffy: The Growth of the National Women’s Soccer League
Published: May 28, 2019
Michael Capiraso: Lessons From the New York City Marathon
Published: April 25, 2019
Oliver Luck: An Inside Look at the XFL
Published: March 5, 2019