 | • Gymnastics in Milwaukee • Familiarize yourself with state associations • Tips for planning a meet After an extensive bid process, BMO Harris Bradley Center and the Wisconsin Center, in Milwaukee, WI, will host the 2017 USA Gymnastics Championships. More than 1,800 of the nation’s best gymnasts in acrobatic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, and trampoline and tumbling will compete from June 27 - July 2, 2017. |
| “VISIT Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Center, BMO Harris Bradley Center, and our hotel community worked together to provide a package that was difficult to say no to. Our biggest selling points are Milwaukee’s affordability, central location, and numerous activities to enjoy during the families’ free time,” expressed Marissa Werner, Sports & Entertainment Sales Manager, VISIT Milwaukee. When it comes to booking large sporting events, Werner offered a few tips, “It is important to build long term partnerships with clients and create a special experience for the athletes.” Werner and her partners are working to produce a special opening reception for the athletes, which will include a unique welcome gift. “It is [also] important to familiarize yourself with current, local sporting events, which are run by local and state associations. Generally, these events have a tie to national events, which can lead to national bids,” added Werner. This is also a great way to gather local volunteers who are interested and knowledgeable of the style of event you are working to facilitate. No matter the sporting event you are looking to host, reach out to local, state, regional, and national organizations with experience and guides to help make sure you have a winning, all-around plan. |  Marissa Werner, VISIT Milwaukee |
USA Gymnastics® has many great tools to help planners. Meet Organization Guidelines is a fully downloadable checklist, designed to help meet directors plan a great event. The list is comprehensive of items needed for USA Gymnastics sanctioned events, but could be used as a great starting guide for anyone looking to plan a gymnastics meet.
Diane Callison created Meet Directing 101, as a step-by-step guide to gymnastic meet planning. Some of her tips include:
1. Start planning your meet budget as soon as you are awarded the event.
2. Secure hotel rooms for athletes, families, and judges as soon as possible.
3. A minimum of 30 days prior to the competition (if a USA Gymnastics event), apply for your sanction.
4. Request judges and start appropriate event paperwork.
5. Make sure you have an electronic scoring system arranged, with transport as needed.
6. Double check your state and regional guidelines.
7. Set up committees.
8. 14 days prior to competition, post final schedules with clubs, and on your website/social media.
For more information on planning your first, or next, gymnastics meet use USAGym.org as a valuable resource. There is no need to fall when planning for tumbling.
Diane Callison created Meet Directing 101, as a step-by-step guide to gymnastic meet planning. Some of her tips include:
1. Start planning your meet budget as soon as you are awarded the event.
2. Secure hotel rooms for athletes, families, and judges as soon as possible.
3. A minimum of 30 days prior to the competition (if a USA Gymnastics event), apply for your sanction.
4. Request judges and start appropriate event paperwork.
5. Make sure you have an electronic scoring system arranged, with transport as needed.
6. Double check your state and regional guidelines.
7. Set up committees.
8. 14 days prior to competition, post final schedules with clubs, and on your website/social media.
For more information on planning your first, or next, gymnastics meet use USAGym.org as a valuable resource. There is no need to fall when planning for tumbling.
