The Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA) is gearing up for the largest event in the association’s history as more than 1,000 sports industry professionals, including 500 U.S. destinations, prepare to convene for the annual Symposium in Las Vegas, Nevada, from April 20-23, 2026.
The Symposium, hosted by Sports ETA – the only trade association dedicated to the U.S. sports tourism industry – will bring together international federations, event organizers, U.S. host destinations, and global sports executives. This year’s event serves as a critical hub for key decision-makers to explore partnerships and advance global sports tourism collaboration.
Ahead of a historic decade of global sports events coming to the United States, including the FIFA World Cup 26, the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the 2034 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Symposium will welcome a record number of international sports organizations. This reflects Sports ETA’s broader international expansion strategy, forging deeper ties with international federations, governing bodies, and rights holders to position the association as the global bridge between worldwide sports properties and U.S. host destinations.
This is shaping up to be the most highly attended Symposium in our association’s history.The Symposium creates an unmatched environment for international sports leaders to connect directly with U.S. destinations and sports tourism professionals. Strengthening these global relationships is critical as the United States prepares to host an unprecedented number of major sporting events over the next decade.” – said John David, President and CEO of Sports ETA
A centerpiece of the Symposium is the highly productive Sports Marketplace, where U.S. destinations hold pre-scheduled appointments with rights holders, national governing bodies, and international federations. These appointments are matched based on mutual interest, typically resulting in decision-makers walking away with 30 to 45 individual business meetings to facilitate future event hosting.
Beyond the business floor, the conference offers a comprehensive experience designed to advance the industry through professional development sessions, featuring keynote speakers, educational breakouts, and elite networking opportunities. As part of this curriculum, attendees of the Sports ETA Facilities Summit will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Grand Prix Plaza, the home of the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. From venue design and logistics to hospitality and fan engagement, this mobile tour offers a rare glimpse into how one of the world’s most high-profile sporting events comes to life on the Las Vegas Strip.
By integrating these world-class site visits and international federations into its proven domestic marketplace, Sports ETA is providing the data, insights, and first-hand experiences necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of global sports travel.