At EventConnect, we’re not just about streamlining operations for sports events—we’re about enhancing the entire tournament experience for young athletes, event organizers, hotels, and communities. Our innovative platform continuously evolves, driven by honest feedback and a commitment to pushing boundaries.
This blog explores our journey through one of North America’s largest and most prestigious youth soccer events: the USA Cup at the National Sports Center (NSC) in Blaine, Minnesota. From the perspective of the young athletes to local organizers and hotel partners, this event showcases the impact of EventConnect’s all-in-one solution on the tournament experience and economic growth.
Ready to enhance your next tournament? Talk to EventConnect today.
Matt Trinnear and Al Stauffacher on Economic Impact and Event Scale
In our first video, Matt Trinnear, VP of Strategic Partnerships at EventConnect, and Al Stauffacher, President of Twin Cities Gateway, discuss the massive scale of the USA Cup and its undeniable economic benefits to local communities. With over 1,180 teams representing athletes from numerous countries, the event fosters an international melting pot of excitement and competition.
“It’s our Super Bowl here,” says Stauffacher. “For the hotels and local businesses, it generates over $39 million in economic impact.”
Learn how EventConnect’s platform can maximize the impact of your events. Get a demo.
Young Athletes Reflect on the USA Cup Experience
At the heart of EventConnect’s mission is improving the experience for athletes. In the following video, two athletes from Oshawa Kicks share their excitement about participating in the USA Cup, highlighting the community atmosphere, team bonding, and unforgettable tournament memories.
“The best part? The opening ceremonies and spending time with my teammates. We’ve never experienced anything like this before,” one athlete said.
Their experience perfectly encapsulates why we at EventConnect focus on enhancing every touchpoint—from hotel accommodations to tournament logistics.
If you don’t believe these guys had a great time, take a peek at our recap of the Opening Ceremonies. We believe these images truly capture the story of what motivates us here at EventConnect
Operational Efficiencies for Organizers: Perspectives from NSC Staff
Efficiency in event management is critical to creating a seamless experience for participants and organizers. Todd Johnson, Executive Director at NSC, discusses how EventConnect’s platform has transformed operational processes.
“We handle thousands of registrations and bookings with ease. What used to take weeks is now handled in days, thanks to EventConnect.”
Our platform integrates registration, hotel bookings, and event management, ensuring smooth operations from start to finish.
CTA: Ready to streamline your event operations? Schedule a demo.
Sara Soli on Managing the Tournament’s Complexity
In our conversation with Sara Soli, Chief Marketing Officer at NSC, she discusses the logistical challenges of handling 17,000 athletes, 2,300 games, and thousands of hotel room bookings. EventConnect’s system ensured that all teams had the necessary accommodations and that hotels were entirely prepared for the influx of guests.
“Having a partner like EventConnect allows us to focus on the games while they handle the logistics, making the experience enjoyable for everyone.”
CTA: Discover how EventConnect can manage your event’s complexity. Contact us.
Anne Juergens on How EventConnect Transformed Their Processes
Anne Juergens, Sports and Recreation Coordinator at NSC, explains how EventConnect has simplified the tournament planning and execution.
“Before EventConnect, we were juggling spreadsheets and manually calculating scores. Now, we can manage everything from one platform, saving us countless hours and improving accuracy.”
Economic Impact: Jayme Murphy’s Insights
One of the most significant benefits of working with EventConnect is the economic impact we help drive for local communities. Jayme Murphy, Director of Health, Data, & Analytics at NSC, shares how EventConnect’s automation integration has made an extraordinary difference, achieving 97% fidelity in hotel bookings and streamlining data tracking.
“EventConnect’s ability to track real-time data on hotel bookings and economic impact has allowed us to showcase the true value of these events to our stakeholders.”
Continuous Innovation: Faheem Amini on EventConnect’s Room for Growth
In our conversation with Faheem Amini, General Manager at the Holiday Inn Express, he emphasizes the importance of ongoing innovation and automation in hotel booking systems and praises EventConnect’s proactive approach.
“We’re excited about future integrations with EventConnect. Automation has helped us immensely, and we’re eager to see where this partnership can go.”
Want to see how our technology can drive results for your business? Request a demo.
Closing Thoughts: Chantal Brown’s Motivation for the Future
Experiencing the USA Cup firsthand has inspired our team to continue pushing forward. Chantal Brown, Reservations Manager at EventConnect, is excited about returning new insights and energy to the office.
“Seeing the athletes on the field and the joy of their experience reignites our passion. It’s a reminder of why we do what we do.”
At EventConnect, we’re not just a software solution—we’re committed to enhancing the tournament experience for everyone involved.
Let EventConnect power your next event. Get started today.
Conclusion: The USA Cup and Beyond
From young athletes creating memories to local hotels driving economic impact, the USA Cup demonstrates the power of collaboration and technology. EventConnect is proud to be part of this incredible journey, continuously innovating and improving to enhance the experience for everyone involved.
Are you ready to elevate your tournament experience? Talk with our team and see how EventConnect can help.