The Power of Sports Tourism
Join Visit Quad Cities on Wednesday, February 11 for AccelerateVQC: The Power of Sports Tourism!
Explore how sports tourism continues to shape economic impact, visitation, and national visibility for the Quad Cities and discover what’s next for one of the fastest-growing sectors in travel.
Location: Vibrant Arena at The MARK
Address: 1201 River Drive, Moline, IL 61265
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Access: This event is free to attend, and local stakeholders, partners, sports organizations, and community leaders are encouraged to participate. Upon request, ASL interpretation is available with a two-week notice.
Agenda:
- 11 – 11:30am: Check-in and networking
- 11:30am – Noon: Buffet lunch
- Noon – 12:45pm: Program
- 1pm: Wrap-up and departures
About the Event
AccelerateVQC: The Power of Sports Tourism is an immersive session centered on understanding how sports tourism drives economic impact and elevates the Quad Cities’ national profile. Featuring John David, President & CEO of the Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA), this convening explores industry trends, competitive advantages, and strategic opportunities for the region.
Sports ETA is the leading national organization advancing the sports events and tourism sector and is a rapidly-expanding area of travel that continues to influence destination development, visitor spending, and community engagement.
This is your opportunity to gain national insight, strengthen partnerships, and explore how sports tourism can propel the Quad Cities toward long-term growth and increased competitiveness.
Program Highlights
- National trends influencing sports tourism in 2025
- How national rights holders evaluate destinations and how the Quad Cities can strengthen its competitiveness for championships, tournaments, and large-scale sporting events
- What event owners need from partners such as hotels, venues, attractions, and corporations to create exceptional athlete, family, and fan experiences
- How destinations like the Quad Cities can position themselves for long-term growth through aligned assets, enhanced event servicing, and collaborative regional strategies
- The power of community, collaboration, and shared outcomes to drive industry impact
Register here to reserve your spot
Featured Speaker John David, President & CEO of the Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA)