Summit: SC - Playmakers

03.27.25 SUMMIT:SC

Join us for our first Community Playmaker Summit of 2025 at the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center in Myrtle Beach!

Community Playmaker Summit:SC will provide regional leaders with a chance to explore important topics including how youth sports are transforming South Carolina’s local economies and how to grow and maintain a strong workforce in your city.

Attendees will learn how thriving venues – like the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center – have become a powerhouse for tourism, business growth, and community development.

Attendees will also gain actionable tools to address today’s pressing challenges, including employee recruitment and retention in local government.

This year’s event will also celebrate the 10th anniversary of the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center, highlighting its journey from concept to success as a cornerstone of the community and a driver of economic growth.

City leaders, don’t miss this opportunity to unlock insights, forge partnerships, and set the course for your community’s success.

Hosted at the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center

2115 Sports Center Way

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Key Speaker

Mayor Brenda Bethune
Mayor of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Justin Hancock

Director of the Office of Recreation, Grants and Policy at the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism

Jonathan Paris

Executive Director of Sports Tourism at Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance

Event Information

Date: Thursday, March 27th, 2025

Time: 9:30 am to 3:00 pm

Location: John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center. 2115 Sports Center Way, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Registration Costs:

$64.99* I Early Bird | Jan. 1 – Feb 27, 2025

$94.99* I Regular Registration | Feb 28, 2025 – March 27, 2025

*Registration fee includes light breakfast bites, lunch, and admission to all sessions and the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center’s 10^th-anniversary celebration. Tickets are non-refundable.

Agenda At Glance for Summit:SC

Full Agenda

9:30 - 10:00 am

Arrival/ Check-In

Coffee, and continental breakfast items provided

10:00 - 10:15 am

Playmaker Introduction/Welcome

10:15 - 11:15 am

The Evolution of the Youth Sports Industry In Our State

Over the years, youth sports has grown into a $54 billion industry with venues transforming the physical and economic health of communities throughout the country. Learn from our panel of industry experts, including Justin Hancock, Director Recreation, grants & policy at South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, Jonathan Paris, Executive Director of Sports Tourism at Myrtle Beach CVB, Tim Huber, Sport Tourism Director at the City of Myrtle Beach, Kevin Schneider, Chief Operating Officer of Big Shots about the origins of the youth sports movement, the keys to its growth, where it’s headed, and why there are still tremendous opportunities for cities of all sizes.

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11:15-11:30 am

Break

11:30 am - 12:30 pm

The Rise of Mixed-Use Developments in South Carolina: Transforming Myrtle Beach & Beyond

Mixed-use developments are rising trend across the country. From seamlessly blending retail, entertainment, and sports facilities to creating year-round destinations, these developments are fueling tourism, enhancing quality of life, and unlocking new investment opportunities. Join Evan Eleff, partner at The Sports Facilities Companies and Lacey Bacchus, Senior Director Community Partnerships at Retail Strategies as they explore the evolution of mixed-use projects, their impact on local economies, and the future of integrated spaces that cater to residents and visitors alike.

12:30 - 1:00 pm

Lunch

Catering will be provided by a local restaurant

1:00 - 2:30 pm

Celebrating Myrtle Beach’s 10-Year Journey From Concept to Success

Learn how this beautiful facility went from great idea to grand opening to 10 years of success

This discussion will be led by Mayor Brenda Bethune, Mayor of City of Myrtle Beach, Mark Beale, General Manager at The John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center, and John Pederson, past city manager.

2:30 - 3:00 pm

Networking and John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center Tour

Connect with Playmaker staff and other local government leaders.

Tour the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center Tour with General Manager Mark Beale. Learn about the operational and design features that make this one of the nation’s most successful youth sports destinations.

Summit:SC Guest Speakers

Mayor Brenda Bethune

Brenda Bethune is the mayor of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Jonathan Paris

Jonathan Paris is the Executive Director of Sports Tourism at Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance

Justin Hancock

Justin Hancock is the Director of the Office of Recreation, Grants and Policy at the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism

Kevin Schneider

Kevin Schneider is the COO of BIG SHOTS Basketball

Tim Huber

Sports Tourism Director for the City of Myrtle Beach.

John Pedersen

Former City Manager with the City of Myrtle Beach

Mark Beale

General Manager at The John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Complex.

Lacey Bacchus

Lacey is the senior Director of Community Partnership for Retail Strategies

Ashley Whittaker

Ashley is the editor-in-chief of Community Playmaker and a partner at the Sports Facilities Companies.

Evan Eleff

Evan Eleff is a partner at The Sports Facilities Companies.

Gregg Wisecarver

Gregg Wisecarver is the Regional Vice President of Strategic Development at The Sports Facilities Companies

03.27.25

SUMMIT:SC

Join us for our first Community Playmaker Summit of 2025 at the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center in Myrtle Beach!

Hosted at the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center

Key Speaker

Event Information

*Registration fee includes light breakfast bites, lunch, and admission to all sessions and the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center’s 10th-anniversary celebration. Tickets are non-refundable.

Agenda At Glance for Summit:SC

Full Agenda

Summit:SC Guest Speakers

Mayor Brenda Bethune

Jonathan Paris

Justin Hancock

Kevin Schneider

Tim Huber

John Pedersen

Mark Beale

Lacey Bacchus

Ashley Whittaker

Evan Eleff

Gregg Wisecarver

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*Registration fee includes light breakfast bites, lunch, and admission to all sessions and the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center’s 10^th-anniversary celebration. Tickets are non-refundable.