Week 2: HEADS IN BEDS

Q: What is our ultimate goal?

Q: Why do Sports Commissions exist?


The answer is simple;
A: We work to get "heads in beds".


The chain of command within a sports commission is quite fascinating. Although it would seem that the national event promoters are our bosses because they are the ones we work for, they are not the ones who pay us. We provide our services to these event promoters for free. Instead, we actually receive our entire working budget from three different funding streams; individual municipalities within Pierce County, the Tourism Promotion Area Commission, and an allotment of hoteliers taxes. We are motivated to bring in national amateur sporting events so that we may please the local hoteliers and governments who entrust us with their funding.

"Heads in Beds" is the expression sports commissions commonly like to use when describing their ultimate mission. The goal is to get people to stay in hotels and spend money. Hosting large sporting events brings outside money into our county which then generates economic stimulation for our community. Example: If we host the USA karate regional semi-finals we can draw in up to 1,500 people from out-of-town. These 1,500 people will spend money on hotels, food, souvenirs, merchandise, tourist attractions, car rentals, gas, etc. etc. This is all "new money" to Pierce County's economy that would not have otherwise been spent here if it wasn't for the commission's efforts in trying to bring USA Karate to Tacoma. By hosting large amateur sporting events we have the ability to bring in large amounts of money to our local economy which intern gives it the stimulation and support it needs to thrive and survive.

Our work is noble and respected because we are utilizing national sporting events to positively impact our local community. By "bidding" on events and convincing national sporting organizations that Tacoma is a fun conveniently located destination, we can indirectly increase sales at local restaurants, museums, and other Pierce County businesses. The goal is to put "heads in beds" but the reasoning behind the goal is to support our local communities through increased outside spending.

Week 1: On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!!

Let the Games Begin!

On September 6th 2011 I began my final capstone MBA course; my graduate level internship with the Tacoma Sports Commission. Right away the Executive Director and Assistant director knew that I was going to provide the much needed assistance they have been searching for. With a recent increase in funding, the Tacoma Sports Commission is currently facing a rapid growth period. This increase in funding gives the Commission the ability to produce more events. That means they are in need of more staff and support. I came at a great time!

The mission of the Tacoma Sports Commission is to promote Tacoma-Pierce County, Washington, as a destination for major amateur sporting events and will assist in the development of amateur athletic programs throughout the region. By supporting these events, the goal is to maximize the host potential of area sports venues which results in economic and quality of life benefits for the residents and businesses of the carious Pierce County communities.

In other words, The Commission's mission is to bring regional and national amateur sporting events to Pierce County in order to generate additional spending within our local economy. Bringing outside people into our community brings in new money and economical stimulation to our region that wouldn't otherwise be here if it were not for the commission. It is a noble cause that requires knowledge in event production, increased sports knowledge, and community development.

Currently the Tacoma Sports Commission employs 4 people; The Executive Director, Assistant Executive Director, Sports Development Manager, and Sports Development Coordinator. There staff grew from 2 to 4 people in 2011. They are currently in the process of creating 2 more positions this month; A Marketing Manager and a Club Development Coordinator.

My direct supervisor is Jon Graef, Assistant Executive Director. Jon has worked for the Tacoma Sports Commission since November 2005. He received his Bachelors of Business Administration with a focus in Computer Information Systems from Kent State University located in Kent, Ohio.

As an Intern, my role is to support everyone in the office by picking up tasks related to sales, marketing, event production, and administrative work. I will also be delegated the task of completing the annual Economic Impact Study. Lastly my job is to serve as a supportive volunteer at a majority of events sponsored by the Commission including; Bladefest (fencing), West Coast Open (karate), and Slam on the Sound (quad rugby).

In order to reach my 200 contact hours I will be working 19 hours a week; Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. I am required to dress in business casual attire and will be paid $10 an hour. I also will receive a $75 monthly stipend to help pay for parking/ travel expenses.

My expected learning outcome for this position is to become familiar with the sales and bidding process for Sports Commissions. I would like to become more familiar with the economic implications behind large sports events. Also I am hoping to utilize this opportunity to network with local professionals within the sports industry to hopefully find a full-time position I can transition into after this experience.

Emily Miller
Sports Development Intern
Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Commission
1119 Pacific Ave. Ste 500
Tacoma, WA 98402

253-327-1852 Direct
253-327-1787 Fax

http://www.tacomasports.org/