Sports ETA Symposium Showcases Tulsa’s Sports Scene

Situated right in the middle of what’s commonly known as “flyover country” lies Tulsa, Oklahoma, which hosted the Sports ETA Annual Symposium, whose theme this year was “Create Golden Standards.”

“The number one thing I’ve heard this week is Tulsa has got a great vibe to it,” said Joel Koester, director of sports sales for the Tulsa Sports Commission. “I think there was a lot of misconception of what Oklahoma and Tulsa is. I think a lot of people expected flat, red dirt, whatever you want to say, right?

“But I think after seeing everything that we’ve offered this week, not only from our world-class convention center, but to USA BMX being headquartered here in Tulsa, our great ballpark. I think they’re really going to see that Tulsa has the total package.”

The event was held at the Arvest Convention Center with off-site activations at the Hardesty National BMX Stadium and ONEOK Field, home of the Tulsa Drillers.

“From a community impact standpoint, we’ve got it made in Oklahoma here this week,” Koester said. “We’ve got vendors that are benefiting from this. We have the legacy fund, which is benefiting individuals with physical challenges, our adaptive recreation programming. And we get to show off our destination not only to potential future clients but to the industry as well, letting people know what Tulsa has to offer.”

Thursday’s closing luncheon included an announcement of $18,000 in donations raised through the Sports ETA Legacy Fund for the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. The Center is the only adaptive recreational facility in the region offering the expansiveness of programs and services for its members. The Center’s Adaptive Sports Program offers boccia, cycling, powerlifting, power soccer, rock climbing, trail e-biking, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair pickleball, wheelchair softball and wheelchair tennis.

Burke Named to Sports ETA Role

Sports ETA named Janis Burke as its first chief of international sport and strategy to help members and partners navigate and maximize opportunities around the historic wave of international events coming to the United States over the next decade.

Burke will guide Sports ETA’s engagement around the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, 2026 World Cup, the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games, the 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups and the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

“The United States is entering a golden era of international sport and there is no better leader than Janis Burke to help our members prepare, collaborate and lead on a global stage,” said John David, president and CEO of Sports ETA. “Janis brings a wealth of experience, a world-class network and a deep understanding of how global events can elevate communities through sport.”

Burke has more than two decades of executive experience, most recently as CEO of the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority, during which the destination secured the 2026 FIFA World Cup and various World Championships.

“I’m honored to join Sports ETA at such a pivotal time for our country and our industry,” said Burke. “Hosting back-to-back-to-back global events will bring unprecedented opportunities. I look forward to helping our members unlock those benefits.”

Hall of Fame Class Inducted

Linda Logan, CEO and president of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission; Jon Lugbill, executive director, Sports Backers in Richmond, Virginia; and Frank Viverito, retired president and CEO of the St. Louis Sports Commission, were inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Logan has been CEO and president of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission since founding the organization in 2002. The GCSC has attracted over 350 new events and generating approximately $380 million in visitor spending. ​

Lugbill has served as the executive director of the Sports Backers — a nonprofit group that inspires active living in all corners of the Richmond, Virginia, region — for 32 years. The organization hosts more than a dozen events each year.

Viverito was president and chief executive officer of the St. Louis Sports Commission from 1995–2022 and is currently the organization’s chief advisory officer. During his tenure, the Commission attracted events including both the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Fours, 10 NCAA Wrestling Championships, the NCAA Frozen Four, and many more.

New Board Members Approved

Wednesday’s general meeting saw the nomination and approval for several new officers for the organization. Melissa Thompson, vice president of bids and external affairs at Indiana Sports Corp, was approved as the new secretary/treasurer.

Approved as new destination directors were Jerrine Lee, vice president of sales at Richmond Region Tourism; Jonathan Paris, executive director of sports tourism at Visit Myrtle Beach; Jason Sands, executive director of the Fort Worth Sports Commission; and Anthony Terling, sports development director at Auburn-Opelika Tourism.

The new industry partner representative is Ashley Whittaker, partner and senior vice president at The Sports Facilities Companies. The new rights holder representative is Amanda Shank, executive vice president of business development and brand strategy at Unrivaled Sports.

Award Winners Announced

The year’s Member Award winners were also revealed. The recognized organizations and individuals were as follows.

• Event or Program Impact of the Year, Below 500,000: Go Great Lakes Bay of Michigan
• Event or Program Impact of the Year, Over 500,000: Detroit Sports Commission
• Superior Service: Huddle Up Group
• Rising Star: Lance Fite, vice president of sports at Visit Mesa
• Event Partnership of the Year, Below 500,000: Go Great Lakes Bay & Canadian Hockey League
• Event Partnership of the Year, Over 500,000: Indiana Sports Corp & USA Swimming
• Sports Commission of the Year, Below 500,000: Greater Cleveland Sports Commission
• Sports Commission of the Year, Over 500,000: Indiana Sports Corp
• Sports Tourism Organization of the Year, Below 500,000: Go Rockford
• Sports Tourism Organization of the Year, Over 500,000: Visit Central Florida Sports