ASK THE EVENT DOCTOR

ASK THE EVENT DOCTOR

The Event Doctor answers questions about the sports-event industry each month from the readers of SportsTravel. The Event Doctor is Jack Kelly, a sports-industry veteran who has served in a variety of event-related roles, including positions as CEO of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, CEO of the Space City (Houston) Sports Commission, president of the 1990 and 1994 Goodwill Games, and president of two United States Olympic Festivals.

Questions for The Event Doctor can be e-mailed to Jack Kelly at EventDoctor@SchneiderPublishing.com.

Ask The Event Doctor Archives

August 2012: Why rights holders abandon fixed fees; finding alternatives to daily papers

July 2012: How to broaden your base of events; why timing in sports is everything

May/June 2012: How to see your events to the finish line; when to offer exclusive sponsorships

April 2012: Attracting long-term sponsors; how to make the most of your venues

March 2012: How to add festivals to your events; when to consider bidding on non-sports events

February 2012: Picking the best date for your event; when to charge admission fees

January 2012: How to work with local colleges; ideas for evaluating your bids

December 2011: Working with limited venue space; how to keep your staff motivated

October/November 2011: How to secure medical services; when to demand cash from sponsors

September 2011: How to partner with local restaurants; who is responsible for technology ugrades at events

August 2011: How to be involved in venue development; tips on cultivating top volunteers

July 2011: When to offer travel services; how to insure your event

May/June 2011: The benefits of an annual award dinner; working with other events

April 2011: The value of in-kind sponsorships; marketing in a post-newspaper age

March 2011: Using celebrities to draw attention to your event and developing new leaders

February 2011: Finding local experts in sports; why you should invest in technology

January 2011: The value of industry shows; tips on securing licensing revenue

December 2010: Publishing a facilities guide; how to set bid fees

October/November 2010: Increasing group sales; defending against ambush marketing

September 2010: Planning international events; the dangers of discounting

August 2010: Expanding volunteer programs; achieving a consistent look

July 2010: When host cities can’t keep up; budget worries

May/June 2010: Legal language in host city agreements; emphasizing your destinations best assets

April 2010: Budgeting for increased security; how to share sponsorship opportunities

March 2010: Including local celebrities; how to negotiate with your destination

February 2010: How to maximize ticket revenue; ways to award events in multiple years

January 2010: Seeking financial assistance from host cities; keeping your key sponsors on board