In the rapidly evolving world of sports tourism, tournament planning can often resemble a juggling act.
With numerous moving parts—team registrations, venue coordination, hotel bookings and stakeholder communications—event planners face an uphill battle in their quest for efficiency and organization.
Enter EventConnect, a transformative all-in-one platform that has been making waves over the last year in the sports event planning landscape. With its innovative technology solutions, EventConnect is redefining how tournaments are managed, helping organizers streamline operations, save valuable time and enhance the overall experience for participants and attendees.
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Growth of the EventConnect platform
Since its inception in 2013, EventConnect has experienced exceptional growth, establishing itself as a critical player in the sports tourism industry. Founded with a vision to simplify sports event management, the platform has quickly expanded its offerings to meet the demands of tournament organizers across the sports tourism industry.
“Things were just starting to click and come into a groove,” said Matt Trinnear, VP of strategic partnerships at EventConnect, commenting on company growth over the past twelve months. “We reflected and looked at that list [of new partners and others in the pipeline], which has only become larger and more exciting with onboarding [increasing] times 10—times 15.”
Milestones in their evolution include strategic partnerships with prominent sports organizations and expansion into new markets, allowing EventConnect to refine its technology and continuously enhance its user experience. As the platform evolves, so does its commitment to innovation, making it an invaluable asset for event planners.
A case in point is EventConnect’s current commitment to leading-edge innovation, specifically over the last 24 months with a seven-figure investment in core team members, machine learning and AI features (chatbot, voice, email) to further enhance its competitive advantage but also to lead the industry with ground-breaking investments.
Simplifying tournament planning with advanced solutions with EventConnect
At the heart of EventConnect’s appeal is its suite of advanced tools designed to tackle the specific challenges tournament planners face. Or, the ability to tap into their open API documentation allowing for easy integrations across most systems in the space. The platform is revolutionary with features aimed at simplifying communication, automating tedious processes and managing tournament travel logistics.
“Working with EventConnect has been an absolute gamechanger,” said Laura Szczepaniak, VP travel operation at 200×85. “Previously, we had relied on multiple sources to gain access to necessary information. EventConnect has significantly improved our ability to have immediate insight into teams’ travel trends and data to help support workflows [and] shifted their programs to adapt to our needs. Since partnering with EventConnect, we are now able to see all reservations in one spot with accurate pickup information and commissions paid out on time.”
DMOs have also seen significant results, finding that participant satisfaction is markedly higher when logistics run smoothly. From instant access to accommodation options to tailored travel packages, attendees experience a seamless journey from registration to the final whistle. This improved experience encourages repeat visits and promotes word-of-mouth, bolstering the community’s economic growth and solidifying its status in the highly competitive sports tourism landscape.
Hotel bookings, often a logistical nightmare, are also accessible through EventConnect. The platform integrates tools that allow planners to secure room blocks and coordinate with local accommodations, ensuring that participants have seamless access to lodging.
“EventConnect has been instrumental in providing world-class service to end-user customers, but to the hotel and CVB clients as well,” said Lance Fite, VP of sports with Visit Mesa. “Time and time again, their team has proven that their superior technology and product simplifies all facets of housing, registration and reporting to the benefit of every destination and rights holders they serve. EventConnect understands that every destination is different, from reporting needs to RFP sourcing to hotel supply—and it is their willingness to collaborate and customize that have been key to our ongoing success here in Mesa, Arizona.”
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Maximizing community involvement with CityConnect
The CityConnect platform is a dedicated DMOs tool designed to bridge the gap between event planning and community engagement. Unlike traditional event management solutions, CityConnect extends its focus beyond logistics to foster deeper involvement from local businesses and organizations. By providing DMOs with comprehensive insights and analytics, the platform empowers them to strategically engage local partners—from hotels and restaurants to recreational facilities—ensuring that events benefit the broader community. This approach maximizes economic impact by integrating community assets into the event experience, transforming local engagement into a seamless extension of event operations.
One of CityConnect’s defining features is its ability to tailor event strategies to amplify local benefits. DMOs can use the platform’s robust data tools to identify peak business opportunities, enabling them to coordinate special promotions and packages that align with event timelines. This collaboration not only boosts revenue for local stakeholders but also enriches the attendee experience by showcasing unique aspects of the host community. With streamlined booking tools and real-time updates, CityConnect ensures that participants can easily access local services, promoting greater economic retention within the area.
By aligning events with local culture and businesses, DMOs can create a ripple effect that extends well beyond the event’s conclusion. Attendees leave with more than memories of the competition; they depart with a lasting impression of a vibrant, connected community. This strategy bolsters long-term tourism appeal and reinforces a DMO’s role as a catalyst for both economic development and community spirit, cementing their city’s status as a premier destination for sporting events.
EventConnect is Pioneering the future of sports tourism
EventConnect is positioned as an essential partner for event planners as it streamlines business operations and boosts efficiency through technology, shaping the future of the sports tourism industry. With a comprehensive platform integrating event registration, accommodation booking and financial tracking, this significantly reduces time spent on administrative “chores”. Instead, organizers can redirect their energy toward enriching the event by refining participant experiences, fostering community engagement or driving impactful results.
As the sports tourism industry continues to expand and evolve, EventConnect is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory. With the demand for more efficient, high-quality events rising, platforms that can seamlessly blend technology with human insight are becoming indispensable. EventConnect’s blend of automation, data intelligence and user-centric design positions it as a trailblazer, ready to set new standards in how sporting events are organized and executed, ultimately contributing to industry growth and innovation.
“It’s quite amazing to be in an industry where the core component of sport doesn’t change [and] everything else around it is still at its infancy,” said Eric Vardon, president of EventConnect. “The nuances of sports evolve somewhat, but [the future is more focused on] the technology and the process of traveling to a tournament, the way you’re registering, or the way you communicate with your team. Those kinds of things evolve. If we can be ahead of the game and continue challenging our business and partners, we’ll be at the forefront of where the industry is going.”
Transform your tournaments with EventConnect
In an industry where time is money and every detail matters, the right technology can make all the difference. EventConnect’s innovative solutions help sports tournament planners, DMOs and organizations optimize their operations and enhance the experience for everyone involved.
“From the beginning, their team has been incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to helping us achieve our goals,” said Szczepaniak. “The level of customer service that they have provided for our participating teams is notably outstanding. We truly feel like EventConnect is invested in our success for the long term, as many of our overarching goals align with one another.”
To discover how EventConnect can revolutionize your event planning process and drive business growth, visit their website today. Explore the possibilities and join the ranks of successful clients who have transformed their tournaments into seamless, successful experiences.
The future of sports event planning is here, and it’s time to embrace the change.
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