Morning Highlights:
After breakfast at The Vanguard Ann Arbor, attendees split into two tracks designed to help them either strengthen their destination strategy or hear directly from event organizers.
The day began with Opening & New Product Releases, followed by a panel discussion on Best Practices: What Destinations Need in RFPs? Destination leaders shared insights into the information, priorities, and details they look for when evaluating event opportunities and responding to RFPs from event organizers.
Following the panel, attendees split into two tracks: Shark Tank EO Pitch Sessions and hands-on Compass workshops.
Shark Tank EO Pitch Sessions
One of the Summit’s most anticipated experiences returned as event organizers pitched their organizations directly to a room full of destinations, venues, and industry leaders.
Throughout the day, attendees heard from organizations including:
- US Senior Pickleball
- 3STEP Sports
- XTERRA
- H3 Athletix
- NECC
- TRIBU USA
- Weekend Hockey Tournaments
- American Junior Golf Association (AJGA)
- Ann’s Angels
- NCAA
- Prep Network
- MARS
- USA Table Tennis
- Big Bear Tournaments
- National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA)
Each pitch provided a firsthand look at upcoming opportunities, growth plans, and what organizers value most in destination partners.
Compass Workshop Track
At the same time, attendees participated in hands-on Compass workshops, learning:
- How Compass works
- Designing AI-powered visitor experiences
- Using Advisor to better engage visitors and event organizers
These sessions gave destinations practical strategies they could immediately bring back to their organizations.
Lunch Presented by Discover Davis
Attendees gathered for lunch and continued conversations sparked throughout the morning sessions.
Afternoon Highlights:
Touchpoints on the Event Experience
The afternoon featured a discussion on the many moments that shape an attendee’s perception of a destination – from pre-event communication to on-site engagement and post-event follow-up. Panelists explored how every interaction contributes to the overall event experience.
Purpose Project
Attendees also learned more about The Playeasy Purpose Project and the impact being made through community-focused initiatives. We we’re so excited to announce this years recipients! Girls on the run, Team Impact, and 4-3-6 Foundation.
Closing Remarks
The day concluded with reflections on the lessons, partnerships, and opportunities created throughout the Summit.
Exclusive Experience at Michigan Stadium – The Big House
Sponsored by Ann Arbor Sports Commission, attendees spent the evening inside one of the most iconic venues in sports: Michigan Stadium, known around the world as The Big House.
The experience provided an opportunity to continue conversations from the day’s sessions, strengthen relationships, and connect with peers from across the industry in a truly memorable setting. As attendees explored the venue and its rich history, the evening served as another reminder that some of the best ideas and partnerships are built outside the conference room.
Thank you to Destination Ann Arbor for hosting this unforgettable experience and showcasing one of the community’s most recognizable landmarks.
After-Hours Networking at Conor O’Neill’s
We wrapped up the night at Conor O’Neill’s, where conversations continued long after the sessions ended and new connections turned into lasting relationships.
The Playeasy Innovators Summit has always been about bringing the right people into the same room, and this week was no exception. Whether it was during a Shark Tank pitch, a Compass workshop, a conversation at Michigan Stadium, or a late-night networking session, attendees spent the week learning from one another and building connections that will continue long after Ann Arbor. Thank you for being part of it – we’ll see you at the next one!
