National Awards
Amateur – Best Multi-Sport or Multi-Discipline Event
Announced by Sports Travel Magazine
RECOGNIZE THE STARS OF THE
SPORTS-EVENT INDUSTRY
Readers are encouraged to use the following criteria in voting for an event, series or circuit:
- The organization of event, series or circuit was superior.
- The event, series or circuit provided a superior experience for the competitors and/or the spectators.
- The site(s) or venue(s) of the event, series or circuit enhanced the event, series or circuit.
2017 & 2019 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism
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, today announced the 2019 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism. This year’s winners are responsible for contributing more than $1 billion to the national economy over the past year.
“This year’s nominations were incredible,” said Publisher Scott Swoger. “We were amazed not just by the sheer volume of events, but by the scope. We saw an amazing array of entries — from team to individual, from youth to seniors, and across all disciplines and all levels of play. Events nominated represented not just the traditional tournaments but emerging sports, showing us that this industry is continuing its evolution.”
The most outstanding of those received were recognized and presented with event details in a special feature published in the November/December 2019 issue of Sports Destination Management.


2019 National Senior Games Wins 2019 TOP HAT Outstanding Event from the New Mexico Hospitality Association
2019 Top HAT Award recognized event’s positive economic impact, elevation of Albuquerque as a travel destination
The 2019 National Senior Games (NSG) won an Outstanding Event award at the Top HAT Awards Gala on Nov. 6 for its positive economic impact on the city of Albuquerque. The gala, hosted by the New Mexico Hospitality Association, recognizes exceptional work that elevates the travel, tourism, and lodging industry in New Mexico.
“This event was a true One Albuquerque effort that included 5,500 volunteers and 21 venues across the city coming together to welcome a record-breaking number of competing athletes,” said Anna Sanchez, director of the City of Albuquerque’s Senior Affairs Department. “We are honored to have such an impactful event recognized by the New Mexico Hospitality Association.”
The NSG were held June 14-25, 2019, and boasted 1,516 athletes from New Mexico and a record-breaking 13,712 athletes overall—a 14 percent increase over the highest number ever recorded at an NSG event and a 30 percent increase over the previous year. According to a report by Visit Albuquerque, in FY19, there were 10.8 percent more lodging taxes collected than the previous year, for a total of more than $14.4 million, much of which has been attributed to the success of the games.
The NSG were nominated for the award by Visit Albuquerque who also served as a critical partner in making the games a success.