The Playeasy Warmup Podcast: Innovating in Sports Tourism with Indiana Sports Corp’s Melissa Thompson
Welcome to the Playeasy Warmup! In our first episode, Kerri Shields welcomes Melissa Thompson, Vice President of Bids and External Affairs at Indiana Sports Corp, to discuss the impact of sports tourism on local economies and communities. Melissa shares her journey from local government to sports tourism, emphasizing the importance of community development. The conversation explores the role of sports commissions, the significance of volunteerism, and the innovative approaches taken to host major sporting events in Indianapolis. They also discuss the community impact of these events and the ambitious 2050 Vision Framework aimed at making Indiana a global epicenter of sports. In this conversation, Melissa Thompson discusses the evolution of sports academia in Indiana, the importance of empowering sports business leadership, and the significant rise of women’s sports. She shares valuable lessons learned throughout her career in sports, highlights exciting upcoming events, and pitches Indianapolis as a prime location for sports events. Kerri and Melissa also touch on personal highlight moments and mentorship in the industry. Tune in to hear Melissa’s story!
