2018 Reader’s Choice Award Winners Announced by Sports Destination Management

Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, has announced the winners of its 2018 Reader’s Choice Awards.

 “Nominations exceeded expectations. We were overwhelmed by the volume and scope of entries — from destinations to venues to the services and vendors that have become staples of this industry,” said publisher, Fonda Johnson.

The magazine solicited nominations in an array of categories. A final list was presented to the readership, which cast its votes. Information on individual winners is detailed in a special feature published in May/June 2018 issue of Sports Destination Management. The entire article with full details on the winners listed below can also be found online.  

2018 Reader’s Choice Awards (Full List of Winners)

Favorite Overall Destination

• Lake Erie Shores & Islands, Sandusky, Ohio

• Round Rock, Texas

• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Favorite Large Market Destination

• Chicago, Illinois

• Honolulu, Hawai’i

• Las Vegas, Nevada

Favorite Mid-Market Destination

• Colorado Springs, Colorado

• Daytona Beach, Florida

• Greenville, South Carolina

Favorite Small Market Destination

• Aurora, Illinois

• Erie, Pennsylvania

• Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Favorite Destination for Accessibility

• Atlantic City, New Jersey

• Chicago Southland, Illinois

• Knoxville, Tennessee

Favorite Destination for Accommodations and Hospitality

• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

• Des Moines, Iowa

• Louisville, Kentucky

Favorite Destination for Amenities

• Gatlinburg, Tennessee

• Lake Erie Shores & Islands, Sandusky, Ohio

• Orlando, Florida

Favorite Destination for Community Engagement

• Chicago Southland, Illinois

• Columbia, South Carolina

• Greenville, South Carolina

Favorite Indoor Venue

• Rocky Top Sports World, Gatlinburg, Tennessee

• Round Rock Sports Center, Round Rock, Texas

• The Wildwoods Convention Center, Wildwood, New Jersey

Favorite Outdoor Venue

• ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Orlando, Florida

• Grand Park Sports Campus, Westfield, Indiana

• Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center, Sandusky, Ohio

Favorite Hotel/Motel Brand for Families

• Courtyard by Marriott

• Hampton by Hilton

• Holiday Inn

Favorite Hotel/Motel Brand for Adults

• Hilton Hotels & Resorts

• Marriott

• Embassy Suites by Hilton

Favorite Campground

• Lighthouse Point at Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio

• Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, Alabama

• John H. Moss Lake Campground, Shelby, North Carolina

Favorite Housing Vendor

• Pse Tournament and Event Housing

• HBC Event Services

• Anthony Travel, a division of On Location Experiences

Favorite Airline

• Southwest Airlines

• Delta Air Lines, Inc.

• American Airlines

Favorite Coach/Bus Service

• Coach USA

• USA Bus Charter

• LuxBus America

Favorite Insurance Provider

• K & K Insurance Group, Inc.

• HUB International Limited

• Westpoint Insurance Group

Favorite Event Communications App or Tool

• Eventbrite

• TeamSnap

• Eventzilla

Favorite Streaming Service Provider

• Facebook Live

• GoLive SportsCast

• WatchMe Sports

About Sports Destination Management

Sports Destination Managementis written for the largest audience of sports event managers and tournament directors in the sports tourism market and maintains a focus on the important issues surrounding event location decisions and event management. With content from experts and thought leaders, SDM provides in-depth coverage of sports event planning and execution through incisive and relevant articles as well as insightful, real-world case studies showcasing best practices and successful event production.

In addition to the publication, SDM offers extensive digital resources through www.sportsdestinations.comand the e-newsletter SDM Blitz, both providing decision support tools for organizers to ensure successful events at all levels of play.

About Due North

An Inc. 5000 company, Due North Consulting, Inc. has served economic development organizations for almost two decades. With over 45 years of combined experience, the principals have guided hundreds of destinations in promoting economic development through tourism and corporate investment, helping attract billions of dollars to communities throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

Due North Consulting, Inc. has expanded to include Due North Media, a niche business-to-business publisher providing media services to executives within specialized vertical markets impacting economic development, including corporate site selection, business development, market-to-market events and sports tourism via print publications and digital media.

Due North Media also provides marketing tools for communities and destinations to promote economic development and tourism. Destination-specific marketing solutions include brand research, development and integration; web design and usability tools; creative design, copywriting and custom publishing; qualified direct mail and e-mail marketing; FAM and press trips.

Due North Sports Partners helps communities identify and leverage assets to maximize their potential economic impact from sports tourism. Services include community assessments, strategic planning, hospitality training, event services, logistics, event development and recruitment.