Name of Conference: NASC Sports Events Symposium
Name of Organization: National Association of Sports Commissions
Dates: Annual, most recent April 13-15, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio

Objectives:
Through its annual NASC Sports Events Symposium, the National Association of Sports Commissions keeps its members up to date on trends in the sports events industry and how to maximize their resources when hosting a sporting event. In addition to education sessions, NASC Symposium participants get great value from the relationships they build through the formal and informal networking that takes place during the three-day conference. Repeat symposium attendees, in particular, come to see NASC as a very large, extended family, with contacts across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
How Does It Change the World?
Sporting events point the way toward happier, healthier lives, while also creating experiences and memories that last a lifetime. When NASC members learn how to organize more effective sporting events, better fitness and better lifestyles result.
Why Does It Matter?
“When our members meet, they keep children and adults physically active through the events they ultimately host,” said Beth Hecquet, CMP, NASC’s director of meetings and events. “Physical fitness and active lifestyles contribute to better health, longer life, and increased self esteem.”
Sporting events are also a great way to keep teens and pre-teens active, focused, and out of trouble. “Even though many of our members’ programs may not specifically target at-risk kids,” Hecquet said, “sports as a whole keep kids on the straight and narrow, and can often lead to college scholarships, a chance to represent their country in a major international event like the Olympics, or a career as a professional athlete or coach. Even for those who don’t make sports their career, participation in sporting events provides invaluable life lessons.”