The Missouri Travel Alliance has selected Springfield to host the 2024 Missouri Sports Travel Exchange.

The two-day reverse trade show and marketplace set for March 4-6 at University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center pairs regional and national sports event organizers with destinations and venues that can host them in Missouri. The event includes networking, educational sessions, and one-on-one business exchanges that will bring sports events to life in Missouri.

Cori Day, Executive Director of the Missouri Travel Alliance, said Springfield’s energetic sports scene made the city an obvious choice for 2024. 

“The Missouri Travel Alliance is delighted to bring the 2024 Missouri Sports Travel Exchange to Springfield,” Day said. “With its outstanding sports facilities, dynamic downtown atmosphere, and excellent accommodations, we are confident that attendees will have a memorable experience. We're eager to showcase all that Springfield has to offer."

The decision to bring the event to Springfield followed a successful bid effort led by the Springfield Sports Commission and the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Lance Kettering, Executive Director of the Springfield Sports Commission, expressed excitement for the event and what it means for Springfield.

"This presents a fantastic opportunity for the Sports Commission and CVB to showcase the city to sports event planners,” Kettering said. “We're honored to host this event and are eager to welcome our peers from other Missouri destinations."

Mark Hecquet, President/CEO of the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, also shared his excitement.

“We’re looking forward to showcasing the city’s outstanding sports facilities to multiple sporting event planners,” Hecquet said. “That’s an important first step in getting planners to select Springfield for their events."

Springfield Sports Commission

The Springfield Sports Commission is a mission-driven organization working to contribute to the economic development of Springfield by bringing quality sporting events to the Springfield area.

Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Greene, Christian, and Polk counties in southwest Missouri. Based in Springfield, the largest metro area in the region, the CVB focuses on boosting the local economy by creating marketing initiatives that grow tourism and entice planners to choose Springfield for group business, including conventions, meetings, and sporting events.

Missouri Travel Alliance

The Missouri Travel Alliance serves as the official umbrella organization for the private-sector tourism industry in Missouri. As a nonprofit association, its primary mission is to provide economic, social, and educational benefits to its diverse membership through professional development, public advocacy, and collaborative state and regional marketing initiatives.