Canada’s largest annual sport tourism event.
SPORT EVENTS CONGRESS
Sport Events Congress (SEC) is a dynamic, three-day event that offers a unique blend of interactive networking and educational experiences. As Canada’s largest annual gathering for the sport tourism industry, it’s an essential “must-attend” event, drawing over 300 professionals from across the sector.
This prestigious congress connects you with the $7.4 billion sport tourism industry, bringing together sport organizations, event rights holders, destination tourism experts, event suppliers, management firms, hoteliers, educational institutions, and elected officials. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this unparalleled networking and learning opportunity!
the MUST ATTEND Sport Tourism event of the year!
There are so many reasons to attend SEC!
Showcase your destination to sports organizations in search of host partners – Gain valuable insights from top-notch professional development presentations – Network with industry leaders – Connect with engaged peers – Experience the unique blend of fun and networking that only SEC offers
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT + PARTNERSHIPS (SPEED DATING)
Join us at our annual Sport Events Exchange (SEE), often referred to as the industry’s “Speed Dating” event, featuring over 900 B2B appointments! This in-person gathering brings together sport event rights holders (ERHs) and members of Sport Tourism Canada, including destinations, sports facilities, venues, and hotels.
The Sport Events Exchange provides a lively and interactive atmosphere where participants can quickly build new connections and find ideal partners for future sport hosting collaborations.
GO CONGRESS!
Are you eligible for the Go Congress Program? Access to the STC Go Congress program is by invitation only and at the discretion of the program partners. Participation is limited to representatives from sport organizations who meet the eligibility requirements and agree to the program conditions.
Eligible Go Congress! participants will have most of the costs associated with attending Sport Events Congress covered by Sport Tourism Canada and its host destination partner, including transportation to/from the SEC host city, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and SEC registration fees.
SEC Sponsorship + Exhibitor Opportunities (VENDOR ALLEY)
Our event sponsors stand out! Our sponsors benefit from increased visibility, connecting with more people, and obtaining higher-quality leads, all while showcasing their brands to over 300 delegates.
The exhibitor hall at SEC, known as Vendor Alley, is all about fun and games!
Vendor Alley features a range of exciting activities at the booths of event sponsors and exhibitors. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy games, participate in prize draws, and savor refreshments while networking and mingling between sessions and presentations. Become a sponsor or exhibit in Vendor Alley today!
EDUCATION + PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The SEC Plenary sessions are key components of the conference, featuring keynote speakers, high-profile panels, and major announcements. Expect a mix of presentations, interactive discussions, and Q&A sessions, designed to engage a large audience and foster a comprehensive understanding of important issues. Plenary sessions are open to all delegates and often feature prominent speakers from various fields, sharing valuable perspectives and opportunities for learning.
Breakout sessions at SEC are specialized, smaller group discussions focused on specific topics or areas of interest. They provide a more in-depth exploration of subjects, allowing attendees to engage directly with experts, participate in interactive workshops, and discuss relevant issues in a more intimate setting.
EXCEPTIONAL SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
Each year, we partner with our host city to design exceptional social events for our members. Enjoy top-notch entertainment, delectable dining, unique venues, and connect with your sport tourism peers in a fun and vibrant setting that encourages relationship building.
SEC attracts delegates from 4 main sectors of the sport tourism industry: sport organizations who own the rights to events, destinations who are actively hosting sport events in their communities, suppliers to the sport tourism industry, and the education sector.
ARE YOU NEW TO SEC?
If you have never attended SEC, you are in for a treat! New attendee’s often have many questions about the event format or networking activities. See below for some first timer tips. that can help make your first time attending Sport Events Congress a smooth and rewarding experience.
Don't be shy
Over a third of the delegates are attending for the first time, so take the opportunity to introduce yourself — SEC delegates are known for being welcoming and friendly!
Social Events
Make sure to attend all the social and networking events at the Congress. We guarantee you’ll forge new connections, friendships and business networks at our hospitality gatherings.
Refreshment Breaks
Make a point to visit each exhibitor kiosk during refreshment breaks and between sessions. Our exhibitors have a wealth of valuable information and ideas to share.
Ask questions
If you have any questions or uncertainties, please visit our helpful volunteers at the registration desk for assistance.
Review the details
Review the Sport Event Congress details online before you arrive at SEC and plan which sessions and activities you are interested in attending.
What to wear
Pack clothing and footwear suitable for both business meetings (business or business casual) and social events (sporty or casual). Also, be sure to check the upcoming weather forcast of the SEC host location.
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Stay at the host hotel
We recommend staying at the host hotel during the conference. Enjoy the comfort and convenience of being just steps away from the conference sessions and events. You’re close to all conference activities, reducing travel time and hassle. You’ll have more chances to connect with other attendees staying at the same hotel and host hotels often provide special amenities or services for conference participants.
Participate in SEC Contests
Watch for event-related contests designed to help you network with others through social media, Vendor Alley, plenary session announcements, and text messages. Contests provide opportunities to connect with other attendees and build new relationships. Engaging in contests can boost your visibility and presence among peers and industry leaders.
Be a Sponsor at SEC
Sponsors connect with more people, gain higher-quality leads, and enjoy increased brand visibility among over 300 delegates. Explore the available sponsorship opportunities to enhance your involvement.
VOLUNTEER AT SEC
Our event volunteers are vital to our success! The volunteer program offers essential support and a rewarding onsite experience for those who contribute their time and skills to help Sport Tourism Canada make SEC a standout annual event.
Previous SEC volunteers share that the experience is not only enjoyable but also offers a unique chance to connect with professionals in the sport and tourism industries, discover new internship and job opportunities, and enjoy various benefits.
Our exceptional volunteer team is known for being hardworking, outgoing, reliable, and committed to creating a memorable experience for every SEC attendee. Does this sound like you?
SUSTAINABLE EVENT PRACTICES
The SEC is committed to sustainability and has implemented practices to minimize environmental impact throughout the event. Measures include reducing waste, using eco-friendly materials, and promoting energy efficiency. Attendees may notice efforts such as digital materials to cut down on paper use, recycling stations, and sustainable catering options.
The aim is to create a greener event experience while raising awareness about sustainability issues within the industry. Attendees are encouraged to support these initiatives by following the event’s sustainability guidelines and participating in eco-friendly practices during the conference.
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SPORT EVENT CONGRESS FAQs
Who normally attends Sport Events Congress?
Sport Events Congress attracts delegates from a variety of sectors:
- Events Rights Holders (organizations/companies who own the rights to sporting events and are seeking potential host cities to partner with them to host their next event. Events range from community level sporting competitions such as minor hockey tournaments to international elite sporting events to conferences and meetings and special events).
- Sport Tourism and Economic Development professionals (people who are working to promote their city/town as a destination for sport events and are interested in hosting events)
- Suppliers to the Sport Tourism Industry (companies who offer services to the sport tourism industry, such as hotels, airlines, magazines, event marketing firms, etc.)
- Education sector and researchers (students, professors and researchers who are in the tourism or sports administration fields).
What is the difference between Sport Events Exchange and Vendor Alley?
Sport Events Exchange is a business-to-business marketplace that provides an opportunity for events rights holders and destinations to meet one-on-one to explore sport events hosting opportunities. Participants are assigned brief appointments to conduct a short business meeting. The format is similar to ‘speed dating’ whereby both parties have a short period of time (8-10 minutes) to determine if there is potential to work together and then a bell rings prompting people to move on to their next appointment.
Vendor Alley is the trade show element at SEC. It offers companies the opportunity to set-up kiosks and promote their products and services to SEC delegates during the conference. Each year, approximately 30 exhibitors take part in the trade show and pay the appropriate fees for their kiosk space that is allocated to them in the trade show area. Conference delegates are encouraged to visit booths, pick-up promotional material and speak with company reps who are exhibiting. Exhibit space in Vendor Alley normally sells out well in advance of the Congress so any company interested in exhibiting should confirm their intentions to STC at least 5 months prior to the Congress.
WHERE AND WHEN DOES SPORT EVENTS CONGRESS TAKE PLACE?
Sport Events Congress has typically always been hosted in the spring. Past host cities include Winnipeg, Richmond, Edmonton, Ottawa, Halifax, Gatineau and Toronto. There is a bidding process in place for hosting SEC.
Do you offer special rates for delegates who only want to attend portions of the Congress or one-day only?
Congress delegate fees are based on the attendee taking part in the full Congress. A limited # of one-day passes are available. You can purchase a day pass for any one of the 3 days.
Do I have to be a member of Sport Tourism Canada to attend SEC?
Congress is open to anyone, however, STC members have discounted rates on registration fees and may have access to certain activities or events that are restricted to members only. View the details on our next SEC or visit the membership section of our website for more info on how to become a member of STC.
How do I find out if my company/organization is a member of Sport Tourism Canada?
View the list of current members on our website or contact STC’s membership services department at [email protected] to check membership status.
I am interested in speaking or presenting at SEC? How do I submit my request or topic idea?
STC is in the process of developing a list of engaging topics for Our next Sport Event Congress that will provide learning and inspiration to assist the sport hosting system to be more successful and resilient in the future. If you would like to recommend a topic or have interest in speaking/presenting at Sport Event Congress, please submit to: [email protected].