2025 FSF Summit Brings Together Florida Sports Tourism Leaders
Florida Sports Foundation Summit Recognizes Sports Industry Events and Leaders
JENSEN BEACH – The annual Florida Sports Summit, hosted by the Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism, was held June 9-11 at the Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa, in Jensen Beach.
During the three days of events FSF’s Statewide Sports Industry Partners had the opportunity to meet exclusively with sports events rights holders with the intent of bring their events to Florida. This was highlighted by two daily sessions of one-on-one meetings lasting nearly five hours between both of the organizations.
The industry partners and destinations also benefited from a two-hour class that counted toward their STS certification – the educational standard in the sports tourism industry. The classes were led by John David, the CEO of SportsETA and Adam Stoker, representing Brand Revolt.
The Larry Pendleton Awards Dinner, held Tuesday, June 10, recognized the best and the brightest events and individuals who support Florida’s Number One status in the sports industry nationwide.
The Venue of the Year Awards are based on the number of events hosted at the venue, room nights generated within the community by the events supported by the venue, and/or economic impact.
The Best Hosted Event Awards are nominated by highlighting the number of attendees, rooms nights, economic and overall event impact benefiting the host community.
The Best Awarded Event Awards are upcoming events, nominated by highlighting the number of attendees, rooms nights, economic and overall event impact, benefiting the host community.
The events are broken down by market size. Voting was conducted by members of the Summit Steering Committee who assisted in planning the Summit.
The highlight of the individual awards is the annual Larry Pendleton Award for Excellence in Sports Tourism, awarded to an outstanding executive in the Florida sports community. The 2025 winner was Rick Hatcher, President and CEO of Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism.
“This recognition means so much to me both personally and professionally,” Hatcher said. “It’s been a privilege to work alongside so many passionate partners and friends across the state to grow and strengthen Florida’s sports tourism as #1 in the Sports Tourism Industry. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together in Florida, the Treasure Coast and beyond.”
For photos from the 2025 FSF Summit, please visit www.macorksolutions.smugmug.com/Florida-Sports-Foundation
2025 Small Market Award Winners
Best Awarded Event: Game Day New Years Baseball Festival 2024, Visit Panama City Beach
Best Hosted Event: 2025 Visit Panama City Beach College Baseball Classic, Visit Panama City Beach
Best Sports Tourism Venue: The US Sailing Center of Martin County, Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism
2025 Mid-Market Award Winners
Best Awarded Event: 2024 US Rowing Youth National Championships, Sarasota Sports Commission
Best Hosted Event: 2025 World Masters Athletic Indoor Championships, Gainesville Sports Commission
Best Sports Tourism Venue: Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training, Ocala /Marion County CVB
2025 Large Market Award Winner
Best Awarded Event: 2025 Banana Ball World Tour, Tampa Bay Sports
Best Hosted Event: 2025 NCAA Women’s Final Four, Tampa Bay Sports
Best Sports Tourism Venue: Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, Visit Central Florida Sports
2025 Individual Award Winners
Florida Sports Tourism Professional – This award is presented to an Florida peer in the industry that has created the most value to their organization, team, and community during the previous year. Among the criteria for nomination includes the number of events booked, worked, or anecdotical (brought life to the team, always positive, helping out)
Winner: Mathew Ratner, Greater Miami CVB
Emerging Leader of the Year (ELOTY) – This award is for a Florida peer who is in their early years of employment with their organization that has created the most value to their organization, team, and community during the previous year.
Winner: Ryan Strickland, Play Treasure Coast Sports
MVP Partner: Steve Lackey, Experience Kissimmee
Larry Pendleton Award Winner for Excellence in Sports Tourism – Awarded to an outstanding executive in the Florida sports community who has demonstrated exemplary leadership skills during the award year.
Winner: Rick Hatcher, Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism
CLICK HERE for a list of previous winners since 2015
Another highlight of the annual FSF Summit is the Gold Rush Games, presented by Team IP, where attendees take a break from their business appointments and networking to engage in fun competitions. The 2025 Gold Rush Games featured activities utilizing teamwork, agility, physical exertion and brain power.
Of the six teams competing, the winning “Gray Team,” included the following members:
Corry Locke, Ocala/Marion County CVB, John Bodner, Apex Promoz, Emily Stillwell, Gainesville Sports Commission, Rick Hatcher, Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism, Alison Strange, The Spring Games, Scott Glinski, Palm Beach County Sports Commission, Stephanie Klaviter, Triple Crown Sports, Matt Dunn, Amelia Island, and Terry Parks, Florida’s Space Coast.
“It was a great meeting that underscored the strength of our partnerships, and I remain committed to ensuring clear, inclusive communication as we continue driving Florida’s sports tourism industry forward,” said Maicel Green, CEO & President of the Florida Sports Foundation
The FSF Summit is an annual program of the Florida Sports Foundation, the official sports promotion and development organization of the State of Florida. The 2025 Summit was presented in partnership with its host, Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism, and Team IP, Florida’s Sports Coast, Kissimmee Sports, Sports Daytona Beach, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, Visit Central Florida Sports, Pensacola Sports, Visit Sarasota, Discover Lake County, Panama City Beach CVB, Huddle Up Group, Punta Gorda Englewood Beach and the Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast.