Highlights From 2023
Three Lessons in Work-Life Integration,
Global Connections, and Fulfilling Friendships
As 2023 winds to a close and I celebrate another trip around the sun with my family, I have been reflecting on what an incredible year it has been. Before I turn the page to 2024, I wanted to share three of my highlights from 2023 and what I learned.
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Bringing my son to Sports ETA's Annual Symposium
Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation and Visit KC, always calls it “work-life integration,” not “work-life balance,” which could not be more true. Those who know me know our family does things a little rogue. This year brought the chance for my son to experience our industry firsthand. He met hundreds of people, many of whom he challenged to a game of ping pong! This opportunity reinforced his confidence in his ability to roll up his sleeves and work hard. I will cherish the memories he and I made that week for a lifetime!
Photo: Jennifer and Wyatt at Sports ETA’s Annual Symposium in Kansas City
Creating Genuine connections around the globe
We all know sports events and tourism is a global industry, but this year I had the magnified opportunity to engage with the broader sports events and tourism community. From time in Canada presenting with true friend and colleague Grant MacDonald, President of GM Event Inc, to spending hours wandering the streets of Girona, Spain with my family and our comrade and exceptional local guide, Maurici Carbó, Founder of Sports Tourism Consulting. I was honored to meet Maurici while presenting at the UNWTO World Sport Tourism Congress in 2021. We spent the morning strolling stone streets, hearing the history of his community, how cycling has transformed the city, and chatting about our industry philosophies. I am reminded and grateful for the amazing people who are the fabric of this industry around the world.
Photo: The Stoll Clan and Maurici Carbó at Plaça de la lndependència, Girona, Spain
Helping and supporting friends chase their dreams
Nothing excites me more than seeing God-inspired vision come into someone’s life and that person has the courage to act on it. My good friend, Bryan Derbyshire, is doing exactly that with Protecht. Under Bryan’s leadership as Founder and CEO, and with support from his outstanding team, their perseverance and hunger are completely disrupting the experience economy and live event space. Our families met a dozen years ago in our church’s Young Marrieds class. Flash forward to today, and I am grateful to play a small role in their efforts as a member of their Board of Directors. I’ve found so much joy in engaging with our broader industry in the private sector, and it has forced me to learn and grow in so many ways!
Photo: Derbyshires and the Stolls at the NASCAR Cup Championship
Cheers to 2024!
Every year brings its fair share of challenges and hardships, but it’s in those moments that growth and beauty truly unfold. Looking back on 2023, it’s clear that distinguishing between ‘work’ and ‘family’ can be a wild and exciting but rewarding ride – especially for the Stoll clan! The key is to enjoy what you do and, most importantly, who you do it with! Afterall, the industry isn’t who we are, it’s what we do. And I’ve never been more excited for what is to come!
