Building Business Through Relationships: Inside the Compete Fall Sports Business Retreat Heads to Provo, Utah

The selection of a host destination is one of the most important decisions a sports organization can make. A successful partnership between an event and a destination has the potential to create long term value for athletes, organizers, local communities, and tourism partners alike. That process often begins long before contracts are signed or venues are selected. In many cases, it starts with conversations, introductions, and relationships that help organizers and destinations find the right alignment. USA Catchball’s decision to bring its 2027 championship event to Daytona Beach is an example of how those partnerships can take shape through meaningful industry connections. The growing women’s sport continues to build momentum across the United States, bringing together athletes and communities through competition, teamwork, and shared experience. As the organization looked toward future growth opportunities, finding a destination that aligned with its goals and audience became an important part of the process. The connection between USA Catchball and Daytona Beach happened through Compete. What began as an introduction developed into a partnership centered around shared vision, destination support, and the opportunity to create an impactful championship experience for athletes and attendees. The result is an event that will bring visitors, activity, and community engagement into the destination while continuing to support the growth of catchball nationwide. Stories like this reflect an important part of the sports tourism industry that is not always visible from the outside. Behind many successful tournaments and championship events is a network of conversations, collaboration, and trust between organizers and destinations. Sports organizations are looking for cities that understand their audience, support their event goals, and provide an environment where their event can succeed. Destinations are looking for events that create meaningful tourism impact, align with their community, and contribute to long term growth strategies. Creating those connections is one of the reasons the Compete Summer Conference in Corpus Christi exists. The conference brings together sports organizers, destinations, sports commissions, and industry partners in an environment focused on relationship building and collaboration. More than a traditional networking event, the conference is designed to create meaningful conversations that can lead to partnerships and future opportunities for everyone involved. For sports organizers, the conference creates direct access to destinations and partners who are actively looking to host and support events. Face to face conversations allow organizers to discuss the vision behind their event, the needs of their athletes and attendees, and the type of destination partnership that will help their event grow. Those conversations create a level of understanding and alignment that is difficult to replicate through emails or cold outreach alone. For destinations, the conference provides an opportunity to meet directly with organizations that are shaping the future of sports tourism. Instead of evaluating events from a distance, destinations can better understand the communities behind the sports, the audiences they attract, and the long term opportunities they can create within a city. These conversations help destinations identify partnerships that align with their tourism goals and community priorities. The partnership between USA Catchball and Daytona Beach reflects what can happen when organizers and destinations are brought together in the right environment. It demonstrates how sports tourism growth is often driven not only by marketing or logistics, but by relationships that create trust, alignment, and shared opportunity. Once those relationships are established, partnerships have the potential to grow into successful events that benefit everyone involved. As catchball continues to grow throughout the United States, partnerships like this help create new opportunities for athletes, communities, and destinations alike. The selection of Daytona Beach for the 2027 championship event represents more than a location announcement. It represents the type of collaboration that helps sports organizations continue to expand their reach while creating memorable experiences for participants and host communities. The Compete Summer Conference exists to help create more of those opportunities by bringing the right people into the same room and supporting the conversations that move sports tourism forward.

Organizations working to expand access to adaptive sports for Veterans have a significant funding opportunity through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports Grant Program. More than just a funding source, this program is part of a broader national effort to improve independence, well-being, and quality of life for disabled Veterans through sport and recreation. Administered by the National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events Office, the initiative supports organizations that are actively delivering (or ready to scale) structured adaptive sports programming across communities.

In today’s competitive sports tourism environment, winning a bid increasingly requires more than venue availability and hotel capacity. Rights holders are placing greater emphasis on alignment: alignment between event mission and destination identity, between community culture and athlete experience and between operational capability and long-term impact. While infrastructure remains foundational, industry observers note a broader evolution: destinations that articulate who they are, and demonstrate how that identity enhances the event, are distinguishing themselves in crowded bid fields. Three destinations illustrate how this shift is playing out across very different tiers of sport: Greensboro, North Carolina, host of the 2026 Lewis–Bethel Invitational Buffalo, New York, host of the NHL Draft Tucson, Arizona, host of ASANA in partnership with Tucson Inferno Pride Each represents a different event scale and audience. Yet all three reflect a common strategic principle: identity is not supplemental to the bid, it is central to it.

The Sunshine Cup returns to South Florida this weekend, marking its 15th year as one of the longest-running and most respected LGBTQ+ flag football tournaments in the country. Held over Presidents Day Weekend, February 14–15, the event brings teams, fans, and visitors to Fort Lauderdale, where competitive sport, community, and tourism intersect. Games will take place at Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, drawing athletes from across the region for a full weekend of fast-paced flag football. Featuring multiple divisions and a packed schedule, the Sunshine Cup delivers high-level competition while maintaining the inclusive, welcoming atmosphere that has defined the tournament since its earliest years. Over the past decade and a half, the Sunshine Cup has evolved into far more than a sporting event. It has become a reliable driver of sports tourism, generating substantial hotel room nights and direct economic impact for the Fort Lauderdale business community. Teams and spectators traveling from outside the area contribute to increased demand for hotels, restaurants, transportation services, retail, and local entertainment venues throughout the weekend. For Florida tourism, the Sunshine Cup highlights the state’s growing reputation as a destination for inclusive sporting events. Many participants extend their stays beyond the tournament, further amplifying the economic benefit while experiencing South Florida’s beaches, dining, nightlife, and cultural attractions. This combination of athletic competition and destination appeal makes the Sunshine Cup a valuable asset for the local economy. On the field, the action is expected to be intense, with experienced teams and emerging programs competing for Sunshine Cup titles. The level of play continues to rise each year, reflecting the broader growth of LGBTQ+ flag football nationwide and the role tournaments like the Sunshine Cup play in elevating the sport. Off the field, the tournament remains a cornerstone of community connection. For many athletes, the Sunshine Cup offers a space to compete openly and authentically, fostering camaraderie and confidence that extends well beyond the final whistle. That sense of belonging is a key reason the event has endured for 15 years and continues to attract new teams and returning participants alike. As the Sunshine Cup celebrates this milestone year, it stands as a model for how inclusive sports can succeed long-term—delivering competitive excellence, strengthening community ties, and producing meaningful economic benefits for host cities. When the final games conclude on Sunday, champions will be crowned. But the broader impact will be felt throughout Fort Lauderdale, where the Sunshine Cup once again demonstrates the power of sports to bring people together while supporting local businesses and tourism.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day is an opportunity not just to celebrate progress, but to recognize the individuals and organizations who have worked—often quietly and persistently—to expand access, visibility, and opportunity for women in sports. At Compete Sports Network, this day holds particular meaning. Since our founding in 2006, our work has been shaped and strengthened by women who believed in the power of sport as a platform for leadership, equity, and community long before it was widely embraced. From the beginning, Compete benefited from the guidance and support of iconic women who helped define what inclusive sports leadership could look like. Trailblazers such as coach and sports advocate Helen Carroll, college basketball legend Dora Dome, and sports author and columnist Patricia Nell Warren lent not only their names, but their voices, credibility, and lived experience to our early work. Their influence helped establish Compete as an organization committed to representation, opportunity, and long-term impact. Over the years, we have continued to collaborate with women leaders across a wide range of sports and disciplines. These include Judith Dea, President of USA Korfball; Andrea Snead of the United States Tennis Association; and tennis icon Billie Jean King, whose lifelong advocacy for equality has reshaped the global sports landscape. Each partnership reinforced the importance of leadership that is principled, persistent, and inclusive. Within our own organization, women have played central roles in shaping Compete’s editorial voice and strategic direction. Although our Editor Emerita, Connie Wardman, retired last year after nearly two decades in sports media, her influence continues. She remains a trusted mentor and advisor to our team, offering guidance that reflects both experience and a deep commitment to elevating underrepresented stories in sport. We are also proud of our partnership with the Lynn Lewis Foundation, with whom Compete co-founded the Compete Women’s Sports Council. This collaborative initiative was created to bring together leaders across sports, tourism, and business to develop sustainable opportunities for women’s athletics. The Council is currently working on the development of a women-focused sports tournament in Florida, designed to spotlight women athletes while creating meaningful economic and community impact. Beyond athletes and media leaders, women are also driving change in sports tourism and event leadership—an often overlooked but critical sector of the industry. Professionals such as Nicole Goddeyne of Northstar Meetings Group and Breanna Martinez of Corpus Christi Sports Tourism work tirelessly to host women-led events, support emerging leaders, and create pathways for women to thrive behind the scenes. Their work ensures that women are not only competing on the field, but shaping the infrastructure that supports sport itself. We are also deeply grateful for our partnerships with organizations dedicated to advancing women in sport, including USA Catchball and the Black Volleyball Circuit. Each of these organizations plays a vital role in fostering participation, leadership development, and community for women and girls at every level. While it is impossible to name every remarkable woman who has influenced our journey, we want to acknowledge the countless athletes, administrators, coaches, volunteers, executives, and advocates whose impact may not always be visible, but is deeply felt. Their dedication—often behind the scenes—has helped move women’s sports forward in ways both large and small.  National Girls and Women in Sports Day reminds us that progress is rarely the result of a single moment. It is built by trailblazers, mentors, advocates, and organizers who show up year after year to push the industry forward. At Compete Sports Network, we are honored to stand alongside these leaders—and committed to continuing the work they helped inspire.

Theater has the Tonys. TV has the Emmys. Film has the Oscars. And now, Sports For All™ has the Petey Awards™. On January 15th, the glamour and excitement of awards season came to the world of sports as athletes, fans, and organizations gathered at the iconic Flamingo Las Vegas to celebrate the very best in welcoming sports. The festivities were part of the annual Sin City Classic Sports Festival, and the energy in the room made it clear — this is an event that's quickly becoming one of the most anticipated nights on the sports calendar. Hosted by the charismatic Rob Tanis-Evon, the evening was a celebration of the people and organizations quietly — and not so quietly — making a difference in sports communities across the country. The night kicked off with Visit Greater Palm Springs taking home the prestigious Event of the Year Award, recognizing the city's outstanding commitment to hosting world-class sporting events. Kevin McReynolds, Jr. was honored with the Community All-Star Award, a testament to his dedication to giving back. The Rise and Dream Foundation earned the Beacon Award, shining a light on their inspiring mission to uplift communities through sport. The Sports Tourism MVP award saw triple the recognition this year, with Mallory Williams, Nicole Goddeyne, and Brandon Benson each earning the honor for their remarkable contributions to bringing sporting events — and the economic and cultural boost that comes with them — to their communities. IMG took home the Corporate Partner Award, while the Buffalo Sports Commission and Visit Fort Wayne were celebrated as the Welcoming and Emerging Sports Destinations of the year, respectively — a sign that welcoming sports tourism is only going to keep growing.  Stephanie Maes was recognized as the Women Sports Champion, and Jordan Cannon earned the Pro Athlete Award, celebrating athletic excellence and leadership on and off the field. Rigo Cortez was honored with the Sin City Volunteer Award, a nod to the unsung heroes who make events like these possible behind the scenes.

In August 2026, Compete Sports Network will debut its Adaptive Sports Summit in Fort Wayne, Indiana, launching a new national gathering designed to elevate competitive opportunities for adaptive athletes and the organizations that serve them. Presented in partnership with Visit Fort Wayne, the three-day Summit will bring together sports organizations, travel and tourism partners, corporate partners, and community stakeholders focused on building dedicated adaptive sporting events or integrating adaptive divisions into traditional tournaments. The Summit is intentionally focused and highly collaborative, creating space for meaningful conversation, shared learning, and strategic growth.

In 2026, Compete enters its twentieth year — not just a marker of time, but a testament to two decades of elevating athletes and communities whose stories once lived in the margins. Compete was born in 2006 at the Bingham Cup in New York City, a moment when LGBTQ+ athletes were competing yet had almost no media platform of their own. What began as Sports Out Loud, the world’s first gay sports magazine, quickly grew into a movement rooted in visibility, equity, and the belief that sports are for everyone. Today, Compete Sports Network connects athletes, sports organizations, tourism partners, corporate partners and community organizations across the country — all under the banner of Sports For All™. And Sports For All™ is all encompassing, and includes you! Now, as we begin our 20th year, we’re launching the celebration at the Sin City Classic in Las Vegas. The 2026 Compete Sports For All™ Awards On January 15, 2026, Compete will host the Sports For All™ Awards during the Sin City Classic — honoring the athletes, organizers, volunteers, and advocates who make sports more accessible, more welcoming, and more inspiring. This theme, History & Heroes , is a year-long tribute to the individuals and organizations whose actions — often quiet, sometimes bold, always meaningful — have helped shape the modern sports landscape. From coaches to tournament founders to elite athletes, these are the people whose work transforms communities. Award nominations are now open. To recognize someone who embodies courage, excellence, leadership, and the spirit of Sports For All™, visit: www. competetwork.com/nominations A Year-Long Storytelling Campaign Compete is also launching a year-long History & Heroes storytelling campaign. Every sports organization is encouraged to complete our community questionnaire and share its history, mission, and impact. Organizations will be featured across Compete’s magazine, digital platforms, and event stages throughout 2026. Your organization’s story matters — and this year, it becomes part of a 20-year legacy. Share your story here: https://forms.gle/TPCjEmvkKtWkGVLn9 Honoring Legacy The Mark Bingham Athlete of the Year Award remains the centerpiece of the Sports For All™ Awards. Named for Mark Bingham — an LGBTQ+ rugby player, entrepreneur, and 9/11 hero — the award represents the highest standard of athletic achievement, integrity, and courage. Bingham’s legacy remains central to Compete’s mission: sportsmanship, bravery, and the belief that one person’s actions can change the world. Another iconic symbol of the awards is the Petey statue , modeled after the classic image of a rugby official signaling a try. Petey represents fairness, passion, and the pure joy of sport — a visual reminder that greatness comes not only from athletic dominance but from character, respect, and commitment to the game. Looking Forward As Compete steps into its 20th year, the focus is not simply on looking back — it’s on shaping what comes next. The next generation of athletes. The next wave of community leaders. The next stories that will define the future of Sports For All™. Whether you’re nominating an outstanding athlete, submitting your organization’s story, or joining us in Las Vegas, this is your invitation to be part of the next chapter.  See you at the Sin City Classic on January 15, 2026 — where History & Heroes take center stage.

In May 2006, a bold idea took shape on a rugby pitch in New York City. At the Bingham Cup—gay rugby’s equivalent of the Rugby World Cup—we introduced the world to Sports Out Loud Magazine, the first and only gay sports magazine in existence at the time. With a simple but ambitious vision—“To Unite the World Through Sports”—we set out to tell the stories no one else was telling. Not the stories of celebrity athletes. Not the stories confined to box scores. But the stories of everyday competitors—their grit, their dreams, their victories on and off the field. We believed then, as we do now, that sports have the extraordinary power to bring people together, create belonging, and elevate voices that deserve to be heard. Two Decades of Growth, Innovation, and Leadership What began as a print magazine has evolved into a comprehensive, multi-platform sports network. Today, Compete Sports Network serves as a bridge connecting: · Sports organizations · Tourism and destination partners · Corporate leaders · Community organizations · Athletes and sports fans worldwide Our evolution has been intentional. As the world of sports expanded, so did we—growing from a publication into a dynamic ecosystem that now includes: · Digital media and storytelling · Professional conferences and markets · Signature awards and recognition programs · Membership and advisory platforms · Sports tourism and economic-impact initiatives Each step forward has been shaped by the same mission that started it all: building connection, opportunity, and visibility through sports. Entering Our 20th Year: A Milestone Worth Celebrating As we step into our 20th year—not just marking an anniversary, but actively beginning our next chapter—we do so with gratitude, pride, and clarity of purpose. Twenty years represents far more than time passed. It represents the athletes we’ve profiled, the organizations we’ve supported, the events we’ve powered, and the relationships that have carried us forward. It represents resilience—through industry changes, economic shifts, and global challenges. It represents leadership—showing what is possible when sports and inclusion move hand in hand. And it represents the remarkable community that stands with us. Thank You to Our Partners, Friends, and Supporters None of this would have been possible without the sports organizations, DMOs, tourism leaders, corporate partners, and community advocates who believed in our mission. Your collaboration, your trust, and your commitment have helped transform a magazine into a movement. The Next Chapter Begins Now As we enter our 20th year, we’re not looking backward—we’re building forward. Watch for new initiatives, expanded partnerships, and a renewed commitment to our founding vision: Sports For All™ . Together, we will continue to elevate sports, uplift communities, and unite people across the globe.