Lake Charles Chosen to Host 2023 US Sports Congress

The US Sports Congress, an organization that attracts top level decisionmakers from the world of amateur sports and sports events, recently announced that it will be hosting its annual conference in Lake Charles, La., December 3-6, 2023, at L’Auberge Casino Resort.

Attendees of this targeted conference are senior-level executives who represent sports rights holders and Olympic national governing bodies that place hundreds of sporting events and meetings annually. In addition, there will be representatives from destinations who desire to host events as well as suppliers to the sports market. The event will attract a total of 250-300 professionals in the sports industry from around the nation.

“Hosting the US Sports Congress in Southwest Louisiana is a tremendous achievement, and it is also a substantial opportunity for sports planners, suppliers, and industry leaders to see Lake Charles firsthand. Sporting events account for valuable economic contributions for tourism in Southwest Louisiana, and we are looking forward to welcoming this prestigious group of industry leaders to the Lake Area next year,” said Kyle Edmiston, president/CEO of Visit Lake Charles.

Other components of the conference include an Economic Development & Sports Tourism Summit as well as a Collegiate Championship Symposium. The economic portion caters to economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, governmental entities, municipalities, and professionals in parks and recreation. The collegiate component focuses on academic institutions, athletic conferences, and specific processes and opportunities for hosting collegiate championships.

“We are thrilled to bring the US Sports Congress to Lake Charles. Our goal is to establish an environment that fosters strong partnerships that drive successful events, and we know that the team at Visit Lake Charles understands the importance of how impactful sporting events can be for communities across the nation,” said Lou Mengsol, president of US Sports Congress.

“Entities and tournament organizers that support amateur sports play a significant role in choosing suppliers or destinations that have infrastructure to facilitate a wide array of sporting events. It is a true honor for Southwest Louisiana to be chosen to host this event, and I am looking forward to working with our partners across the region to showcase the diverse culture and hospitality of our area,” said Eric Zartler, senior vice president of sales for Visit Lake Charles.

Attendees will explore attractions throughout Southwest Louisiana with a number of planned outings that will create memorable experiences. US Sports Congress also includes educational sessions with a tradeshow and family-oriented activities.

Recent previous cities to host the event include Frisco, Tex.; Las Vegas; Columbia, S.C.; Daytona Beach, Fla.; and Mesa, Ariz.

For more information on US Sports Congress, visit www.ussportscongress.com or for ideas on things to see and do in the Lake Area including upcoming sporting events, log onto www.visitlakecharles.org.