Host City: We’re really looking forward to hearing you speak at Host City 2023. What are your expectations of this important event?

Consuelo Sanchez: As an emerging destination striving to create brand and destination awareness, our expectations for the 11th global Host City Conference in Glasgow are centered on networking, learning, exposure, partnerships, inspiration, and the development of a long-term vision.

We anticipate valuable networking opportunities with industry experts, rightsholders, and potential partners, as well as discovering adaptable best practices for our unique situation. With distinctive qualities setting Florida's Sports Coast apart, we aim to use this conference to showcase these unique selling points that make us an attractive choice for events.

Our aspiration is to gain fresh ideas and a renewed sense of purpose in our journey to be recognized as a respected event destination. This event is pivotal in establishing ourselves as such and securing our position as a hub for sports events.

Mathew Ratner: Maimi is as global brand and in order to keep the destination top of mind, we need to showcase ourselves to the world and there’s no better place than to be at Host City to meet and learn from the leading industry professionals that will be in attendance.

Host City: What role do events play for your local audiences and society?

Consuelo Sanchez: Sporting events play a multifaceted and significant role in the life of Florida's Sports Coast, Pasco County, FL, enriching both local audiences and our society. These events have far-reaching effects on various aspects of our community; they stimulate economic growth by drawing visitors who spend on accommodations, dining, and more, supporting local businesses and jobs. These events also promote community engagement, social cohesion, and cultural exchange, fostering a sense of togetherness and diverse cultural experiences. Furthermore, they offer opportunities for education, better quality of life by inspiring healthier lifestyles, and contributing to the region's infrastructure development. In essence, sporting events enhance the quality of life, cultural enrichment, and the overall well-being of our community.

Mathew Ratner: Sporting events play a significant role for local audiences and society in Miami, as they do in many other cities around the world. Sporting events provide a source of entertainment and recreation for residents. Miami is home to several professional sports teams, including the Miami Dolphins (NFL), Miami Heat (NBA), Miami Marlins (MLB), and Inter Miami CF (MLS), as well as numerous college and amateur sports teams. These teams offer a wide range of sports for fans to enjoy, from football and basketball to baseball and soccer.

Sporting events can have a significant economic impact on the local economy. Miami attracts tourists and visitors from around the world to attend games and events. These visitors spend money on tickets, concessions, hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses, contributing to job creation and economic growth in the region. Miami's status as an international sports destination attracts high-profile events, such as FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, Formula 1, World Baseball Classic, NASCAR and major tennis tournaments, showcasing Miami to a global audience, boosting the city's tourism industry, and promoting it as a desirable place to visit and live.

Host City: What are the other elements of your event hosting strategy going forward?

Mathew Ratner: Our event hosting strategy for Florida's Sports Coast combines diversification, infrastructure investment, marketing, community engagement, partnerships, and post-event evaluation. We prioritize diversifying our portfolio by hosting a broad spectrum of events, including youth, adult, conventional, and non-conventional sports, as well as adaptive sports. This approach helps us attract a wide range of athletes and spectators while supporting underserved sports audiences.

Furthermore, we are committed to investing in sports infrastructure through the construction and renovation of top-notch facilities. This not only appeals to event organizers but also benefits our local sports community.

In terms of marketing, we leverage digital platforms, social media, and collaborations with event organizers to showcase Pasco County's unique attributes and emphasize our dedication to hosting successful events.

Collaboration with sports organizations, event planners, and local businesses is integral to our approach, as these partnerships contribute to effective event management and positive experiences for all involved. After each event, we conduct thorough evaluations to gather feedback and insights, facilitating continuous improvement and better experiences for all stakeholders.

In our pursuit of event hosting excellence, we are firmly focused on building long-term partnerships. By fostering these enduring relationships, we aim to provide not only memorable experiences but also sustainable, mutually beneficial connections for event organizers and their participants. Our commitment to the long-term is a cornerstone of our strategy, ensuring that we continue to be the preferred destination for years to come.

Mathew Ratner: Miami is a diverse and multicultural city, and sports can serve as a unifying force that brings people from different backgrounds together. People of all ethnicities and backgrounds come together to support their teams and countries, fostering a sense of unity and cultural integration.

Miami is known for hosting a wide range of sporting events from world-class marathons to dragon boat racing. There is a venue in Miami that can suit most major events that don’t involve snow –

and we can probably create that environment if we need!

We’ve always had a strong sense of community and when a major event comes into town, the destination comes together to put on the best event possible. This collaborative community effort is essential to Miami’s success in hosting events.

About The Florida Sports Foundation

The Florida Sports Foundation, a 501(C) 3 non-profit corporation, is the official sports promotion and development organization for the State of Florida. It is charged with the promotion and development of professional, amateur, recreational sports, and physical fitness opportunities that produce a thriving Florida sports industry and environment. With a seemingly endless list of sporting ventures and venues, the Florida Sports Foundation strives to promote Florida’s unique sports industry. The Foundation’s staff is dedicated to serving the needs and interests of Florida’s sports community and assists with all questions concerning Florida sporting activities and issues.

For more information visit: https://playinflorida.com/