January 10-14, the DMO sponsored The Express Conferences’ Sports Express Conference at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel. This is the first corporate/sports conference hosted by the destination.

“As we work to bring conferences and corporate events to our destination, we believe in contributing more than an economic impact to our local communities. We are proud to connect corporate meetings with local non-profits to create a positive impact for conference goers and locals alike,” said Tourism Director, Adam Thomas.

In partnership with MGM Resort International, the Sports Express Conference incorporates half-day community service projects into each location to continue their commitment to corporate responsibility and balance.

“The Community Service Project is an essential element to our conference. It is important for us to give back to the communities that have entrusted us to host our conference and leave the destination in a better place than when we arrived,” said Roy Edmonson, CEO of The Express Conferences.

Experience Florida’s Sports Coast and Sports Express Conference partnered with local non-profit, Keep Pasco Beautiful and the Pasco County Department of Public Works for a half day coastal clean-up. In just 75 hours, conference attendees collected 1,720 pounds of trash which equated to $2,140.50 in man hours.

“It is estimated that 80% of the trash in our waters originated from land, which is why roadside cleanups are so important. Volunteers and community partnerships are critical to marine debris prevention - helping to keep Pasco waters beautiful,” said Kristen King, Program Coordinator for Keep Pasco Beautiful.

For more information contact Communications Manager, Kolby Gayson at kkucyk@flsportscoast.com or call 727.514.1675.

About Florida’s Sports Coast

Paying homage to its sports roots, the destination’s new tagline, "Let’s Play!” celebrates the active traveler, adventurous family, avid angler and lively local in an approachable and spirited way. The destination has redefined the recreational retreat and serves up endless fun for adventure seekers. With 35 area parks, vibrant nature trails, thrilling zip line courses, hot air balloon outings, nearby islands with four artificial reefs, year-round recreational fishing, paddleboard and kayak trails, the options for exploration are unlimited.

About Sports Express Conference

The Express Conferences are founded upon maximizing interactions with the industry’s most active event rights holders. The unique format is focused on limiting attendance to assure a 2-to-1 ratio of sellers to buyers, which allows for an abundance of relationship-building opportunities. The Express Conferences limit attendees to 90 individuals per conference and will also include a half-day community service effort for all attendees and a portion of registration fees go directly to charity.

About Keep Pasco Beautiful

Keep Pasco Beautiful is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established in 1992 with an environmental focus. Their mission is to improve Pasco County by engaging the community in sustainable efforts to reduce litter, promote waste reduction, and encourage beautification.