The United States Sports Congress has built a reputation for attracting the industry’s leading decision-makers from the world of amateur sport to its annual invitation-only December event.
Top-notch educational sessions, motivational speakers, abundant networking opportunities and an interactive trade show help sports tourism professionals hone their craft and make new connections during the three day event.
Mix in a winning destination and you have all the ingredients of a successful conference. The congress’ nine-year track record of hosting events at first-class sports and tourism destinations which only amplifies the event’s appeal. Witness previous hosts, including Savannah, Reno, Sarasota, and the site of the 2015 congress, Fort Worth.
Keeping up with tradition and setting the tone for its 10th anniversary celebration in 2016, the US sports Congress has selected Fort Myers, Florida for next year’s event, scheduled for December 5-7.
Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort is the host hotel for conference activities. Set on Punta Rassa, an 85-acre peninsula surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caloosahatchee River, this Sanibel Island resort offers a gateway into the wide-open gulf and the islands beyond. Guests can relax in stylish accommodations overflowing with modern amenities. Rooms offer breathtaking water views, ensuring visitors never feel far from the sea. Relax at the beautiful outdoor pool or enjoy a rejuvenating treatment at the world-class spa.
As a tourism destination, Fort Myers shines. Away from the congress, delegates will have the opportunity to explore an abundance of water-related activities including the beaches, shelling, kayaking, canoeing and fishing. On land, the area offers plenty of nature and wildlife, championship golf, biking and hiking, plus world-class attractions such as The Edison & Ford Estate. This tourism icon features 20 acres of botanical landscaping, Edison’s laboratory, a museum filled with inventions, artifacts and special exhibitions, a museum store, historic cottage shop, garden shop and outdoor café.
As a sports destination, the region has some serious game. The area touts two of the 18 major league teams in the Florida Grapefruit League and a Florida State League team. However, baseball isn’t the only hit in southwest Florida. Ice hockey has taken the area by storm while championship golf courses abound. Lest we ignore the abundance of water sports and activities.
Lou Mengsol, president of the United States Sports Congress, is excited to be bringing the event to Fort Myers. “Strong partnerships are critical to the success of the US Sports Congress. That’s why for our 10th anniversary we’ve chosen to return to the state of Florida and specifically Ft. Myers. Over the course of our run, we’ve found no better partners than those in Fort Myers and the Gulf Coast. They have a track record longer than ours of hosting events, large and small, and coordinating them with a great deal of professionalism.”
Gary Ewen, CSEE, business development director for Lee County Sports Development, added,
“The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel are pleased to be welcoming back the US Sports Congress in 2016. This event allows us to showcase our world-class sporting destination to our colleagues and sports event owners.”
The US Sports Congress is a hosted event for qualified tournament and event planners. If you would like to be considered for placement, please call 608-363-0873 or visit ussportscongress.com.
