Lansing Sports Tourism Summit

Hosted by the Lansing Sports Commission

When: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: Spartan Stadium, North End Zone Complex | 325 W. Shaw Lane, East Lansing, MI 48824

Sport has the power to unite communities, inspire people, and create lasting economic and social impact. We invite you to join us at the Inaugural Sports Tourism Summit presented by the Lansing Sports Commission, where passionate leaders, sporting organizations, businesses, local municipalities, tourism professionals, and community champions will come together to explore the power of sport to drive regional growth and development.

This summit is an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who believe in the potential of sport to transform our region. Together, we'll learn about national trends, explore partnership opportunities, and develop collaborative strategies that elevate our destination as a premier sporting hub.

By working together, we can put our region on the map, increase destination visibility, continue to attract major sporting events and visitors, create new economic opportunities, and continue to enhance the quality of life for our local area residents. Whether your passion lies in sport, tourism, business, or community development, your voice and expertise are essential to shaping a stronger, more vibrant future.

Join us as we collaborate, inspire one another, and unlock the full potential of sport to create a lasting legacy for Greater Lansing. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

8:30 a.m.: Check-in/Registration - Breakfast and Networking 

9:00 a.m.: Welcome Remarks - Meghan Ziehmer, Lansing Sports Commission

9:15 a.m.- 10:00 a.m.:  Power of Sports Tourism
John David, President and CEO, Sports Tourism and Events Association 

Join John David, President and CEO of Sports ETA, for an engaging discussion on the growing influence of sports tourism and its strategic connection to regional growth and vitality. This session will explore how communities can leverage athletic events, recreational assets, and public spaces to attract visitors, stimulate economic development, and enhance quality of life.

Drawing on national trends and real-world examples, John will highlight how collaboration between destination marketing organizations, local governments, University partners, and parks and recreation departments can create lasting regional impact. Attendees will gain insight into best practices for maximizing facility use, attracting tournaments and events, and building sustainable tourism strategies that benefit both residents and visitors

10:00 a.m.- 10:30 a.m.: Driving Regional Growth through University Partnerships 
Panel: Seth Kesler (MSU Athletics Event Manager), Byran Harris (Forest Akers Golf Courses), and Playmakers

Driving Regional Growth Through University Partnerships highlights how the strategic collaboration between the Lansing Sports Commission, Michigan State University and Playmakers can unlock powerful economic and social benefits through sport. 

This session will highlight the creation of a dedicated championship-level cross-country course right here in Greater Lansing. This is one example of a successful university and community collaboration that will elevate our regional sport tourism profile, benefit our university partner all while creating new opportunities to enhance the quality of life for our local area residents. This simple example is just a pebble in a pond and illustrates the vast growth potential in our market. Our hope is that this will ignite future discussions and opportunities for what is in reach right here in our region.

10:30 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.: Unified Communities: The Power of Inclusive Partnerships in Sports Tourism 
Panel: Dan Ekonen (Special Olympics of Michigan), and Chad Stevens (DeWitt Area Recreation Authority)

This session focuses on how collaboration can create more inclusive, accessible, and impactful sport tourism ecosystems. By bringing together the Lansing Sports Commission, community organizations and stakeholders like Dean Trailways and Transportation, parks and recreation departments like the Dewitt Area Recreational Authority, and event rights holders like the Special Olympics of Michigan, Greater Lansing can design experiences that welcome athletes and visitors of all abilities and backgrounds.

This session will showcase how inclusive partnerships can drive economic growth, strengthen community identity, and enhance destination appeal. Panelists will share practical strategies for building authentic relationships, removing barriers to access, and embedding inclusion into event planning and legacy initiatives. 

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

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