Adapted Sport LABS 2021

The goal of LABS is to provide a platform for a collective conversation on how to advance the adapted sport movement to gain momentum through industry, organizations and individuals.

Benchmark Study: Economic Impact of Adapted Sport Events Likely Exceeds $80 Million Annually

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All In Sport Consulting, Stitch Marketing Research and Huddle Up Group Release Results of First-Of-Its-Kind Industry Economic Impact

All In Sport Consulting, in partnership with Stitch Marketing Research and Huddle Up Group, recently announced the results of a first-of-its-kind economic impact study of the adapted sport industry in the United States. The organizations collected expenditure and budget data from a sampling of U.S.-based adapted sport entities as a first step to better understand and project economic trends for the overall market. Based on the data, the report estimates that the total economic impact of adapted and para sport-related tourism events nationwide likely ranges from approximately $80.5 to $134.2 million annually.

“We know the growth of the adapted sport industry has been dramatic over the last decade or so, but there’s never been a formal study conducted to measure its true economic footprint,” said Dawna Callahan, founder and chief executive officer of All In Sport Consulting. “We wanted to change that and put a stake in the ground this year to help us move from anecdotal to concrete evidence about both the current economic picture and future outlook. We’re excited to release our initial findings and build on this knowledge in the years ahead.”

To conduct the study, the organizations emailed surveys to 262 organizations between July 28 and Sept. 22, 2020. Data from 55 organizations are included in the report.

“This research was the first national look at the impact of the adapted and para sport industry, specifically the value of travel sports in this space,” said Jon Schmieder, founder and chief executive officer of Huddle Up Group. “This baseline information will help shape future research in this arena. We were proud to be part of the team that set out to tackle this very important question – what is the value of para sports in our nation?”

Study Highlights:

  • The economic impact of the 30 adapted sport organizations completing the sport events section of the survey can be extrapolated at approximately $26,850,862 annually. (Basis: 2019 economic impact data via the Sports & Events Tourism Association)
  • The organizations represented in the survey account for one-fifth to one-third of the total number of adapted sport organizations in the U.S. market; therefore, the total economic impact of adapted sport events can be extrapolated to a range of $80,550,000 to $134,250,000 annually.

“We’ve seen benchmark studies like this one in para sports serve as a tremendous launching pad for a variety of sectors,” said Nate Heckman, president of Stitch Marketing Research. “Without these insights – which lead to tangible goal setting and validation for investment – all involved end up guessing. We’re hoping to see these insights serve to increase cooperation and real outcomes for adapted and para sports in the U.S.”

The “Adapted Sport: Economic Impact Survey” findings were originally released at the Adapted Sport Leadership & Business Symposium (LABS) presented by All In Sport Consulting on October 15. The full report is available for download at: https://adaptedsportlabs.com/labs-2020-session-recordings/ (see “Economic Impact of the Adapted Sport Industry” presentation).

About All In Sport Consulting

All In Sport Consulting is a Denver-based consulting firm that works with organizations to create life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities through adaptive sport. Through services including strategic planning, adaptive sport program management and implementation, and training and education, All In Sport helps organizations ensure they are in the best position to create opportunities for all who want to experience the power of sport.

About Huddle Up Group

Formed in 2012, the Huddle Up Group is a sports tourism, marketing, venue, and event consulting company made up of experienced award-winning executives. The Huddle Up team has a successful track record of leading non-profit sports organizations through strategic growth and increased community collaboration. We have extensive experience in building cohesive organizations and external relationships while working with volunteer boards, donors, elected officials, hospitality community leaders, and various corporate partners. The Huddle Up Group was selected as the winner of the 2017 NASC Superior Service Award, the highest honor a consulting firm can earn from the National Association of Sports Commissions.

About Stitch Marketing Research

Founded in 2007, Southern California-based Stitch Marketing Research is marketing intelligence consultancy, delivering insights on your marketplace and what moves it. Stitch MR‘s unique proposition: a discovery process that evolves from the creation of new intelligence through new research. Stitch MR brings the human equation to the front and center of the marketing and strategy disciplines. We’re not just about cold numbers. Stitch Marketing Research delivers strategic insight to a wide range of organizations, from Fortune 100 to start-up, from automotive and healthcare to higher education and sports and fitness.