The “Saving the Game: Reinventing Pro Sports Venues During COVID” panel is 11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the MPI World Education Congress in Grapevine, Texas. You can also join live as part of the WEC Digital Experience. Sponsored by Marriott International.
The multibillion-dollar professional sports world—from the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League to the National Football League and Major League Soccer—has, like much of the meeting and event industry, had to pivot massively this year to satisfy fans, players, the venues and myriad other stakeholders.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, where every major sport is represented, this impact spread across numerous cities, all with large facilities.
“Everyone was so happy to see pro sports start up—it was a huge normalcy. Dallas-area sports venues are finding a way to make it happen,” says Annette Gregg, CMM, MBA, senior vice president of experience for MPI. They each have a unique story to tell of their various ways to success.”
It is perhaps serendipitous that MPI’s 2020 World Education Congress (WEC) is taking place in Grapevine, centrally located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, as leaders from the sports world are available to share the story of how they’re adapting with the meeting industry at large.
The panel “Saving the Game: Reinventing Pro Sports Venues During COVID,” (Thursday, Nov. 5) will include Dave Brown, COO and General Manager, American Airlines Center (NBA/NHL); Delanie Foley, director of event booking, Dallas Cowboys and AT&T Stadium (NFL); and Jimmy Smith, COO and CFO, Toyota Stadium (MLS). Moderator Monica Paul, executive director, Dallas Sports Commission, will guide the discussion.
The panel will explore what destinations have done to keep such large events alive, how to ensure confidence and safety among stakeholders and more.
“These executives are really in the weeds,” Gregg says. “Their insight and how they’ve been developing solutions are super relevant to share with meeting professionals.”
Register to attend WEC, Nov. 3-6, in person or through the live, virtual experience.
