Ah, the ever-present problem of invasive species and the havoc they can wreak on an ecosystem. To get rid of nuisance species, we've seen carp tournaments, snakehead fishing derbies, even goldfish abatement. Now, in Florida, venomous lionfish are an enormous problem, with a body count of 5,000 native animals per year. Learn about the competitive cull.

Great sports promotion alert! In 2021, the Rochester Downtown Alliance in Minnesota wanted to drive business back into the area with a quirky hybrid sport: Roller Disco. It brought 11,000-plus people into the business district, with music, fun, party lights - even the requisite mirrored disco ball. Learn about how the event is Stayin' Alive in 2022.

As the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar approaches (the first matches will be played in less than three months), another Middle Eastern country is kicking around the idea of hosting an international event. It's Saudi Arabia, where a number of other (admittedly smaller) multi-sport events have been held. Allegations of "sportwashing" are flying, however.

Trails can benefit communities. However, it is essential to understand there are barriers that need to be prioritized. Through this process, it is possible to seek out strategies, propose solutions and develop a timetable for success. Much like a to-do list, identifying barriers and understanding their significance will guide the path forward.

A surge in monkeypox cases globally and the declaration of a new public health emergency in the U.S. - hot on the heels of the pandemic-poses another frustrating health challenge for sports event organizers to manage. Large sports events, by their nature, have an exceptionally high spreadability risk. Here are ways to mitigate that risk.

The deadline is almost here for SDM's awards program, Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism, to recognize events held over the past year that have helped our industry continue to be the nearly $50 billion force that it is. We know you have questions, and we've tried to answer them in advance. Read here to learn more and to enter your event!