Here's what people are saying about Sport Events Congress:
“Sherry-Lyn and I would like to send you a huge thank you for the opportunity to attend the conference. In a word, it was awesome: engaging seminars, inspiring guest speakers and amazing hospitality. We really appreciate all of the work that went into the planning and execution of the conference and you made it appear effortless. Bravo!“
- Donna Keough, Event Bid Development Manager, Skate Canada and Sherry-Lyn Brown, Event Manager, Skate Canada
“I was blown away at what the Congress had planned for all the delegates. We were treated like rock stars and it created such an amazing atmosphere. The Exchange is always the highlight of the Congress (it’s such a helpful and informative way to connect all the different aspects of sports and tourism) and this year I have come back from the conference with triple the opportunities. Fantastic job!“
- Sarah Beaton, CARHA Hockey
“I have been telling people that from the moment you leave your hotel room till you return at night, the Congress was useful. Not only were the speakers relevant and interesting, every person you sat next to or walked along with had potentially useful information to share.“
- Susan Eymann, Economic Development Lethbridge (Lethbridge Sport Council)
“The evening events (SEC 2010) were the most memorable in the five years that I have attended SEC!“
- Susan Levesque, SportLink, Greater Sudbury Sport Council
“This was the most successful Sport Events Congress that our sport has attended!“
- Rick Przybysz, Canadian Broomball Federation
“Very well organized and well attended ….. great opportunity to make connections and learn more about new sporting event possibilities for our community. Great discussions about sport development!“
- Kate Austin, Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce
“The Sport Events Exchange was incredibly valuable. Being from a small community (less than 7000), I keep expecting that one year I am not going to be able to benefit from the Exchange, but every year I am provided wrong. I am always able to make some good connections and to find events that would be a fit for my community.“
- Janet Guthrie, Town of Devon
"This was my first time attending the conference and my only regret is that I did not bring additional staff with me in order to enhance coverage of the concurrent sessions. I will be attending future events!"
- Orest Stanko, Ontario Volleyball Association
"It was my first time at the conference, but I found it very educational and the information collected to be very useful. It also created a new sense of excitement in our direction for sport tourism in our community, especially with a new sports complex in the future."
- Lara Scott, Town of Coburg
"Good job once again! The Sport Events Exchange is always quite rewarding and helpful. Thanks!"
- David Patterson, Ringette Canada
"The sessions were great and included some really passionate speakers who captivated the audience. The Sport Events Exchange was by far the most valuable session offered."
- Crystal Peiris, Sport Alliance of Ontario
"The Sport Events Exchange is the most important part for my organization."
- Jeannette Yetman, Destination St. John’s
"The Exchange is a fantastic concept – it would be worth it on its own! Extremely worthwhile and productive event."
- Geoff Langford, Frontier Adventure Sports
"It was my first time attending the Congress …. I really enjoyed it and made great contacts. I really like the Sport Events Exchange …. The entire event provided me with great face time. See you next year!"
- Mitzi Soegandhono – Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto
"This was one of the best organized and relevant conferences that I have attended. I learned a great deal about the industry and what I could be doing in my own community.”
- Anne Perigo, Downtown Truro Partnership
“Excellent variety of sessions offered. The Sport Events Exchange was an excellent way for our association to connect with potential venues and organizations who expressed interest in hosting future events and conferences/meetings. It's a great way to introduce NSOs to other aspects of sport, namely the business of sport tourism.”
- Football Canada
“A great investment – it’s a one-stop shop for sales opportunities, professional development and discussions on the hot topics affecting sport and tourism’
- Anonymous
‘As a sport federation rep it’s a fantastic opportunity to have access to all these tools that have been designed to help us capitalize on the economic benefits associated with our events…and to have all these Canadian city reps here, wanting to learn more about our sport and hosting opportunities, is a huge bonus!’
- Anonymous
"Excellent variety of sessions offered. The Sport Events Exchange was an excellent way for our association to connect with potential venues and organizations who expressed interest in hosting future events and conferences/meetings. It's a great way to introduce NSO's to other aspects of sport, namely the business of sport tourism."
- Anonymous
“Access to the CSTA Sports Exchange and has increased our ability to recruit hosts for our Canadian Championships. Since taking advantage of these resources I have found that it is often the municipal tourism office that will motivate the local softball community into submitting a bid for some of our championships that are more difficult to place.”
- Diana Thibodeau, Softball Canada
“As a member of the CSTA, AthletesCAN really benefits from the opportunity to hear from experts in the field of event marketing and sponsorship – a great event!”
- Jasmine Northcott, AthletesCAN