 | Tim Morgan
Director of Tourism, Delaware Economic Development Office | | Tim works as Director of Tourism for the Delaware Economic Development Office, where his responsibilities include promoting Delaware for business and leisure travel, attracting new sports events, and attracting new tourism-related businesses to Delaware which brings new jobs and enhances economic development. He works closely with the sports industry since he has to meet with event rights holders all of the time to help bring new events to the state. |
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| How did you first get your start in the Sports Industry? |
I was Physical Education major at Colorado State University (Fort Collins, Colo.) and wanted to make my career in sports. My first experience was working as an undergraduate intern in the Operations Department at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. I helped organize the 1983 NationalSports Festival (which later became the U.S. OlympicFestival). After I completed this internship, my career interests were in sports and event marketing.
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| What Educational Background and Professional Experience did you have before you started your Career in Sports? |
I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Colorado State University and a Master of Sports Administration degree from Ohio University. I was able to volunteer at several U.S. Olympic Festivals across the United States while I was working for United Airlines to help build my work experience in the sports industry. In addition, my graduate internship with the Indianapolis Colts also helped launched my career. My first full-time job in sports was as National Teams Administrator with the U.S. Soccer Federation based at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. I was part of the U.S. Olympic Soccer Team delegation at the 1988 Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea.
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| In which Marketplace Segment of the Industry do you work? |
Amateur Athletics & Governing Bodies - Conventions & Visitors Bureau
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| What do you feel is the current state of your particular Marketplace Segment? … Future Trends? |
I believe the current state of being a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) is very exciting and rewarding. There are many wonderful cities and destinations across the United States and we all offer unique qualities to event organizers which lends itself to recruiting many different and exciting events. Since most DMOs rely on hotel lodging tax as a revenue source, we all compete for the sports event business to help bring economic development to our areas. With the cost of traveling escalating (airfare, gas, hotels, and food) we need to work smarter, more efficiently, and offer incentives to help lure events to our respective areas.
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| What do you look for in the right candidate? |
I look for someone who has a passion to be in this industry. It is not all glamorous. Depending on the job, it may require working long hours, weekends, and holidays. When working around celebrities and professional athletes, individuals working in this industry need to show the maturity level and professional acumen to interact with these individuals. Someone who has patience, a willingness to learn, is humble, and shows humility. Since this industry requires a lot of teamwork to get the job done, someone who is flexible and accommodating is also beneficial. You must check the egos at the door.
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| What suggestions do you have for those looking to start and/or build on their Career in Sports? |
Be patient when looking for the right opportunity. There are many opportunties in the sports industry to get involved with and it may take some time to find the right fit for you. Take the time to volunteer to build your work experience and be willing to perform tasks that may seem menial and beneath you, however, are important in the big scope of things. Most importantly, be kind and friendly to those you work with in your career as you move up, because you are definitely going to need them on your way down.
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| Any additional comments about the Industry, Professional Development and/or SPORTS CAREERS? |
This a fun and exciting career with opportunities and memories to last a lifetime. Enjoy!
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