Check out our weekly video Bible Lesson series designed to help you better understand the stories of the Old Testament and better grasp God's amazing grace to you in Jesus.
Check out our weekly video Bible Lesson series designed to help you better understand the stories of the Old Testament and better grasp God's amazing grace to you in Jesus.
With the World Cup arriving on home soil in June, American communities have the rare chance to plug directly into the global game. Courtesy Visit KCK With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to take place across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, the world’s biggest sporting event is no longer something happening an ocean away. It’s arriving on home soil, bringing unprecedented attention, international visitors, and a rare chance for American communities to plug directly into the global game. While only a select group of cities will host matches, the opportunity to engage with the tournament extends far beyond stadium walls. From downtown plazas to local sports facilities, destinations of all sizes are stepping into the spotlight by creating dynamic fan zones and watch parties that capture the tournament’s energy. For sports event organizers, it’s a moment to think bigger than a broadcast—leveraging the scale of the World Cup to design immersive, community-driven experiences that feel every bit as electric as being in the stands. But what does that look like in practice—and how does the approach shift depending on your market? From grassroots facilities building all-day, family-focused watch experiences to host destinations producing large-scale festivals designed to complement the stadium, successful activations are less about replicating the match and more about reimagining the experience around it. The following examples highlight two distinct—but equally effective—approaches to celebrating the World Cup, offering a blueprint for how communities can create meaningful, memorable gatherings for both local fans and visitors from around the world. Even if you’re not one of the host cities, there are numerous ways facilities can engage fans, such as hosting a watch party. Courtesy Erie Sports Center Creating a world cup experience without a stadium At Erie Sports Center, the approach to the 2026 FIFA World Cup starts with a simple but often overlooked premise: the match itself isn’t the event—it’s the anchor. With a built-in audience that includes a 400-player youth soccer club, a full-time academy, and a steady calendar of tournaments, the facility is leaning into what it already does well—community, competition, and connection—and scaling it for the global stage. Its 120-seat clubhouse, complete with TVs, restaurant, and bar, will serve as the hub for a series of fan nights and watch parties, particularly around U.S. matches. “The first thing is you have to make an event out of it—the game isn’t enough,” says Troy Bingham, owner of Erie Sports Center. “We’ll start our activities two to three hours before kickoff, and they’ll be very interactive—clinics, games, things for kids and families to do.” That early arrival window is intentional. Before the broadcast even begins, the facility transforms into a festival-style environment, with mini soccer games, skills sessions, and open play designed to keep younger attendees engaged. “You need to cater largely to the kids because they bring the parents,” he says. “The kids want to be active—they want something to do.” From there, the experience will shift into the match itself, but the interactivity doesn’t stop. Giveaways and contests—things like best dressed, score predictions, and themed competitions—are layered throughout the viewing window to keep fans invested beyond the screen. “You have to give them a reason to go out of their way to dress up, to be engaged in the game,” Bingham adds. That engagement is supported in part through strategic partnerships. By working with food and beverage vendors and sponsors—some of whom already have ties to the World Cup—the Erie team has secured a range of branded merchandise and prizes, from caps and jerseys to soccer balls and even collectible items. “If you can find sponsors already linked to the World Cup, that’s ideal—they’ll have access to that kind of merchandise,” he says. “If not, you lean on your existing partners or invest in items yourself.” Food and drink also play a key role in the overall environment, with special offers designed to keep fans on-site and participating throughout the event. Importantly, the experience remains free to attend—a deliberate choice aimed at maximizing accessibility and turnout. “We don’t charge people to take part,” Bingham says. “We want people here, enjoying themselves, creating a great atmosphere.” While U.S. matches will anchor the biggest activations, the facility will remain open for other games as well, offering scaled-down watch opportunities with ongoing promotions and giveaways. At its core, the strategy is less about competing with host-city spectacles and more about embracing the role local facilities can play in the broader World Cup ecosystem. “If you have a facility and you have youth that play there—especially soccer—I think it’s almost our duty to give people the opportunity to be part of the culture and atmosphere of the World Cup,” Bingham says. Because in the end, what’s being created isn’t just a watch party—it’s a memory. “Kids will remember watching a big moment—maybe the U.S. advancing, a tight game, everyone going crazy,” he says. “They’ll remember being there with their friends and family. That’s what lasts.” Kansas City, Missouri, is one of the host cities, but its stadium can only hold so many people. That’s why it transformed the grounds of the National WWI Museum and Memorial into a large-scale, free-to-attend fan festival designed to accommodate up to 25,000 people at a time. Courtesy Noble 33 Host city spotlight: Bringing the World Cup to the streets In Kansas City, Missouri, being an official host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes with global attention—but it also comes with a practical reality: not everyone will make it inside the stadium. And that’s exactly where the city’s FIFA Fan Festival strategy comes into focus. Arrowhead Stadium only has approximately 70,000 seats, so from June 11 through Kansas City’s final match on July 11, organizers are planning 18 days of programming, transforming the grounds of the National WWI Museum and Memorial into a large-scale, free-to-attend fan festival designed to accommodate up to 25,000 people at a time—and potentially cycle that number multiple times throughout the day, explains Bobby Sloan of Populous, the firm designing FIFA Fan Festival. Like any major event of this scale, the strategy started years in advance—with site selection. “Step one was finding the right site that could accommodate the number of people we want, but also celebrate Kansas City,” Sloan says. The WWI Memorial offered both: a centrally located, historically significant gathering space with built-in infrastructure for large-scale activations and a track record of hosting major civic events. From there, the focus shifted to building an experience that extends well beyond match viewing. “We’re looking at the diehard fans who will come out,” Sloan explains, “but also the casual fan—or even someone who’s not a soccer fan at all—who wants to come down, feel the international flavor and have a fun time.” That philosophy plays out in both the physical design and the programming. The site is anchored by a 65-foot “KC Heart” sculpture, creating an immediate “wow” moment upon entry and a natural gathering point. From there, the layout guides fans to a main stage along the memorial’s central axis, providing a dramatic backdrop for match broadcasts and entertainment. A secondary zone invites exploration, with soccer activations, kids’ programming, and food and beverage experiences at its core. “We really start to study dwell time,” Sloan says. “You may come for a U.S. match and spend two hours and 15 minutes watching, but we want you to spend another 90 to 120 minutes exploring, whether that’s with friends after work or coming back with family on the weekend.” To make that happen, organizers are layering in programming that evolves day to day. While certain elements remain consistent—watch parties, activations, concessions—others rotate, from live entertainment and cultural programming to more unexpected additions like silent discos or even hot yoga sessions. “There will be core staples every day,” he says, “but every day will look and feel a little different.” Equally intentional is the decision to keep the event free, removing barriers to entry and reinforcing its role as a true community gathering place. Combined with strategic scheduling around key moments—U.S. matches, Kansas City-hosted games, weekends, and holidays—the goal is to create a steady rhythm of activity that draws repeat visitation throughout the tournament. “This is really where most of the community is going to engage with the FIFA World Cup,” Sloan says. “For a lot of people, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—so being able to come down, be part of that atmosphere and celebrate together, that’s what it’s all about.” St. John’s Parish, in Kansas City, Kansas, will host dedicated watch events for Croatia matches, reflecting the area’s deep-rooted Croatian heritage. Courtesy Visit KCK Cross-Border Activation: Extending the World Cup Across the Metro Just across the state line, Kansas City, Kansas is leaning into the global spotlight with its “Kick It in KCK” campaign, an effort designed to ensure the 2026 FIFA World Cup experience extends well beyond primary host venues and into the broader regional community. Rather than centering on a single large-scale footprint, the approach here is more distributed, activating local venues and cultural touchpoints across the city. Watch parties and fan gatherings are planned at locations like Memorial Hall, while St. John’s Parish—long known for its high-energy matchday atmosphere—will host dedicated watch events for Croatia matches, reflecting the area’s deep-rooted Croatian heritage. It’s a model that blends global fandom with hyperlocal identity, giving visiting fans and residents alike a reason to explore the destination’s different corners. At the same time, the city is tapping into the operational side of the tournament. Children’s Mercy Park will serve as an official training site, with defending champions Argentina based there during the competition, and will host at least one public training session offering fans rare, up-close access to the world’s top players. To help connect visitors to these opportunities—and everything in between—Visit KCK will also operate a temporary welcome center at Nebraska Furniture Mart, serving as a hub for information and trip planning. Beyond the matches, the strategy leans heavily into a sense of place. From the KCK Taco Trail and BBQ Trail to immersive attractions like Atlas9 and historic sites such as Quindaro Townsite, the goal is to give visitors a layered experience that extends well past the pitch. “We are excited to welcome visitors from around the world to Kansas City, Kansas,” says Alan Carr, executive director of Visit Kansas City, Kansas. “KCK offers an experience that is both global and deeply local. Visitors can celebrate the world’s game while discovering our culture, cuisine, and sense of community.” For cities and organizers looking to capture even a fraction of the energy of the World Cup—whether you’re a host city like Kansas City or just a fan of the game like Erie—these approaches offer a clear blueprint. While the scale may vary, the fundamentals—intentional planning, community-driven programming, and a focus on experience over simply the broadcast—translate across markets of all sizes. With the right plan, you, too, can build a world-class fan experience The post How destinations can capitalize on World Cup excitement, whether or not they are hosting a game appeared first on SportsEvents Magazine.
Patches Edwards – Mississippi Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores Association & Mississippi Propane Gas Association December 6, 2023 Patches Edwards Assistant Director, Convention Coordinator & Office Manager, Mississippi Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores Association & Mississippi Propane Gas Association Jackson, Miss. Describe your job. We are a two-person office, and we operate two associations: one for gasoline distributors and convenience-store owners and the other for propane gas dealers across Mississippi. I am responsible for the overall day-to-day operations of our office, and I am the meeting planner for both associations. Our office provides education, information, and lobbying services for our members. What made you choose the meetings and events industry? I grew up in Delhi, La., a small town in the northeastern part of the state. Ever since I was a teenager, I have worked. During the last two summers of high school, I worked for a company specializing in hunting equipment, and I got to represent the company as a vendor at several summer trade expos. So early on, I experienced the vendor side of expos. After I graduated from Louisiana Tech University, I moved to Jackson, Miss., to find a job. I searched every day for two solid months. Everywhere I applied, I was either overqualified because of my education or unqualified due to a lack of adult work experience. One day, my neighbor told me her aunt was looking for someone to hire at her office. I interviewed with them the next day, and they offered me the job shortly after. This November marked my 28th year at this wonderful job. How did you get started, and what got you from there to today? From the start, I had the best mentor, Bobbi Wettach, the office’s assistant director, convention coordinator, and meeting planner. She managed our associations for years and planned the meetings, and although I was hired as the office manager, I soon started shadowing her. I have fond memories because Bobbi took me under her wing, letting me go with her to every one of her meetings and introducing me to hotel sales representatives. Bobbi allowed me to be part of the planning process to learn everything. She taught me how to be a successful planner and a gracious hostess. When she decided to semi-retire in 2014, I remained the office manager, but with Bobbi’s blessing, I also took on the responsibilities of assistant director, convention coordinator, and meeting planner. She had many years to mold me and instilled in me the confidence I needed to become the planner I am today. How do you keep up with industry trends, changes, and cutting-edge developments? I attend meetings on the national level and read trade publications. It is beneficial to have conversations with other planners to see what they are doing or what has worked for them. Networking is the most important thing you can offer at events. It’s how people connect. Let’s be honest: Most deals are not made in a boardroom. They are made while socializing during cocktail hour or over dinner. Connecting with others in a more relaxed environment is the key to making the deal, getting the contract, and forming lasting relationships. At the end of the day, that is how business is conducted in most industries. As for trends, we are hosting more virtual meetings, which is most convenient for our membership. Everyone stays so busy, and meeting on a virtual platform increases our participation and allows people who would not be able to attend in person to participate. This has allowed us to show up and be present without wasting a whole day. What essential skills should every industry professional possess? The ability to meet deadlines and communicate clearly with others is essential. Staying organized also is important; handling your business and staying caught up affects others. I also believe in being kind and respectful of other people. What is the philosophy or approach to work that gets you through stressful times? My parents instilled a strong work ethic in me. I stay on task and get my job done no matter how long it takes; I can only relax once it is done or when I am at a place where I feel comfortable pausing. What is the best professional advice you ever received, and what advice do you have for others in the industry? In hosting meetings, if something goes wrong, Bobbi taught me that it is not a problem if you can stay calm and fix it; then, none of your attendees will ever know there was a problem. It is essential for everything to be well thought out and planned so that everything flows. Describe your biggest professional success. I feel a deep sense of accomplishment whenever someone shares a positive experience with me at our meetings. To see them return year after year is the greatest reward. Share an anecdote about a meeting or event that did not go as planned (something funny or odd) and how you handled it. It was the first convention I hosted solo after my mentor semi-retired. I had planned a plated meal of surf and turf for our guaranteed 190 attendees. The gala night came, and we had a fabulous dinner speaker. But only half of the people showed up. I was horrified. How had I missed the guarantee by this much? What had gone wrong? I was completely panicking. During the dinner, I found out there had been a terrible accident on the only access road that led to the resort. This accident caused multiple other accidents in a seven-mile stretch of the highway. Most of our attendees had left the property during free time that afternoon to explore the area or shop, so they were stuck for hours in traffic trying to get back to the resort. What is the best part of your job? I enjoy building relationships with hotel personnel. It is my job to do business with a property so I can be confident about meeting my expectations as a planner. I plan the meetings and trust the hotel professionals who work behind the scenes daily to execute the plan; this is their specialty. They make me look great as a planner, and I am most grateful for their work. I would be nothing without them. What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy reading, yoga, dancing, and art. However, the thing that brings me the most joy is curling up with my adorable kitty cats.
Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Search autocomplete is currently not responding. Please try again later. We wrapped up May with some important structural adjustments and preparation for steel installation at the Waterway Village Pedestrian Bridge!Here's an update on where we stand as of June 1:𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐲The concrete and roadway contractors will return to the site in Fall 2026. The final asphalt wearing surface for the north side of E. 2nd St. will be constructed after the bridge superstructure is built and placed over the ICW. The areas on the north side of E. 2nd St. in and around 25th Ave will be completed alongside the BASE section following that bridge superstructure placement.𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧This area is currently under revision as the contractor has decided to modify the anchor bolt layout on the west side of the South Bridge Bent to properly accommodate existing spacing.𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬The submittal process and procurement remain ongoing, and we are seeing great progress on the towers' steel infrastructure:𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫: Crews are actively constructing various steel elements, including the exterior panel framing, stairs, and the walking platform that will eventually connect the elevator tower to the pedestrian bridge.𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫: The contractor is preparing to move over to the North Elevator Tower next week to begin installing its steel components.𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬: Plans are also in place to begin pouring concrete for the stairs on the South Elevator Tower next week.𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬The south side of E. 2nd St. remains open to normal traffic operations. For motorists traveling north of the ICW, please remember that access is limited to local traffic only during the pedestrian bridge superstructure construction phase.𝐓𝐰𝐨-𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝Over the next 14 days, teams will continue fabricating the South Elevator Tower steel components and kick off steel work on the North Elevator Tower. Expect to see periodic welding inspections on-site to verify the integrity of the new steel construction. Looking slightly further ahead, construction of the main pedestrian bridge superstructure is planned to begin in early July once all tower steel components are finalized. Baldwin EMC: 800-837-3374
"Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Search autocomplete is currently not responding. Please try again later. Rescheduled Regular Council Meeting - May 26, 2026 Baldwin EMC: 800-837-3374"
"The City of Gulf Shores is proud to present its Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration, taking place on Saturday, July 4. This year’s event holds special significance as communities across the nation commemorate the Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the United States. As America prepares to celebrate this historic milestone, Gulf Shores invites residents and visitors to gather in honor of our nation’s founding and the freedoms that have united generations of Americans.For nearly two and a half centuries, Independence Day has served as a reminder of our country’s birth and the enduring spirit of patriotism, service, and community that continues to shape our nation. The City’s annual Fourth of July celebration provides an opportunity for families and friends to come together and reflect on our shared history while enjoying an evening of tradition along Alabama’s beautiful coast.As part of the holiday weekend, the Gulf State Park’s Stars & Stripes Celebration will take place July 3-4, featuring live music, local art, food, vendors, and family-friendly activities leading up to the City’s annual fireworks display at 9 p.m. on July 4.The fireworks display will be launched from the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier beginning promptly at 9 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to gather at Gulf State Park and the eastern area of Gulf Shores Public Beach for the best viewing experience. Those planning to view the fireworks from Gulf State Park are encouraged to utilize the parking areas at Lake Shelby and the Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion. The timeline of public access to the Gulf State Park Pier is as follows:Saturday, July 48 a.m. – The Gulf State Park Pier will close to the public for firework setup.12 p.m. – The pier will reopen to the public 100 feet north of the firework launch site.8:30 p.m. – The Fire Marshal will close the pier and restaurant.9 p.m. – The fireworks show beginsSunday, July 56 a.m. – Pier reopens to the publicFor more information about the City of Gulf Shores’ Fourth of July fireworks, contact the Special Events Division at (251) 968-1171 or visit www.gulfshoresal.gov/Special Events. For questions regarding the schedule of operations for the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier, please call (251) 967-3474. For more information about the Gulf State Park’s Stars & Stripes Event, please visit www.alapark.com/events.The City of Gulf Shores wishes you and your family a safe Fourth of July. As a reminder, discharging fireworks within the corporate limits of the City of Gulf Shores is prohibited without a permit. Please contact the Gulf Shores Fire Marshal at (251) 968-4292 for more information on fireworks permits."
"The City of Gulf Shores is proud to present its Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration, taking place on Saturday, July 4. This year’s event holds special significance as communities across the nation commemorate the Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the United States. As America prepares to celebrate this historic milestone, Gulf Shores invites residents and visitors to gather in honor of our nation’s founding and the freedoms that have united generations of Americans.For nearly two and a half centuries, Independence Day has served as a reminder of our country’s birth and the enduring spirit of patriotism, service, and community that continues to shape our nation. The City’s annual Fourth of July celebration provides an opportunity for families and friends to come together and reflect on our shared history while enjoying an evening of tradition along Alabama’s beautiful coast.As part of the holiday weekend, the Gulf State Park’s Stars & Stripes Celebration will take place July 3-4, featuring live music, local art, food, vendors, and family, friendly activities leading up to the City’s annual fireworks display at 9 p.m. on July 4.The fireworks display will be launched from the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier beginning promptly at 9 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to gather at Gulf State Park and the eastern area of Gulf Shores Public Beach for the best viewing experience. Those planning to view the fireworks from Gulf State Park are encouraged to utilize the parking areas at Lake Shelby and the Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion. The timeline of public access to the Gulf State Park Pier is as follows:Saturday, July 48 a.m. – The Gulf State Park Pier will close to the public for firework setup.12 p.m. – The pier will reopen to the public 100 feet north of the firework launch site.8:30 p.m. – The Fire Marshal will close the pier and restaurant.9 p.m. – The fireworks show beginsSunday, July 56 a.m. – Pier reopens to the publicFor more information about the City of Gulf Shores’ Fourth of July fireworks, contact the Special Events Division at (251) 968-1171 or visit www.gulfshoresal.gov/Special Events. For questions regarding the schedule of operations for the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier, please call (251) 967-3474. For more information about the Gulf State Park’s Stars & Stripes Event, please visit www.alapark.com/events.The City of Gulf Shores wishes you and your family a safe Fourth of July. As a reminder, discharging fireworks within the corporate limits of the City of Gulf Shores is prohibited without a permit. Please contact the Gulf Shores Fire Marshal at (251) 968-4292 for more information on fireworks permits."
"Gumball 3000 Official Route Stop! admin Fri, 06/05/2026 - 19:43 Gulf Shores Over 100 incredible cars will be rolling through town, driven by an international whos who of celebrities, royalty, influencers, athletes, music icons, gamers, YouTubers, and business leaders representing more than 40 countries. Expect to see everything from beautifully restored custom classics to the latest, jaw-dropping hypercars. Gumball 3000 is celebrating its 27th Annual Rally, and this years routeMiami to Mexico City 2026is bringing the action right to us! Were excited to share that Tap & Still is an official stop along the route. While the drivers enjoy a private lunch, the public is invited to come out and experience the energycheck out the cars up close or catch them cruising through town. Come be part of the excitement and help us show these drivers some true Southern hospitality! MIAMI - MEXICO CITY 2026 Gumball 3000 "
"Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Search autocomplete is currently not responding. Please try again later. Regular Council Meeting Agenda - June 8, 2026 Baldwin EMC: 800-837-3374"
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