Michael Mulone, director of event and tourism partnerships at B.A.S.S., was recognized as an industry leader in Connect Sports magazine’s “Game Changers” feature in the fall 2017 issue. Connect Sports is a national, B2B magazine that provides resources and ideas to professionals and planners in the sports tourism industry.
Peers in the sports events world nominated Mulone, who appears on the magazine’s cover. Nominations were received from across the country, then reviewed and evaluated by the Connect Sports staff based on references, industry involvement and other resources. An annual feature in Connect Sports magazine, “Game Changers” honors leaders who have earned respect from industry professionals and media.
These leaders will be recognized in front of their peers at Connect Sports in New Orleans, Aug. 21-23, 2017.
The entire list of recognized honorees and individual profiles can be found here.
Editor’s note: Read the full profile below.
2017 Game Changers: Michael Mulone, B.A.S.S.
By Connect Sports Staff
What I do: I’m responsible for event partnerships, site selection, sponsor hospitality and activation, and meeting and event planning for the Bassmaster Tournaments. Bassmaster Elite Series and GEICO Bassmaster Classic air on ESPN.
How I got here: I was a sports writer for small newspapers out of college, then moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, in the 1990s, got into hotels and worked my way up. I went to the CVB sports side, then back to hotels, before I landed again at a CVB, which led to an events gig at ESPN. ESPN owned B.A.S.S. at the time; I then jumped to site selection with B.A.S.S.—this was over 12 years ago. The job has since expanded to a host of responsibilities, all of which I love to do.
Why I’m a game changer: I lead with empathy. It is easy to say that because I have worked on both the hotel and CVB side, I ‘get’ what their needs are. However, my goal is to understand and empathize with the person. Negotiations then go away, and honest and open conversations thrive.
My greatest career accomplishment: My work around the GEICO Bassmaster Classic. Classic week is a special time, and I have a lot of touch points during the event, from large-scale VIP functions to a community service project with the anglers to a multihotel block with over 3,500 room nights.
Impressive stats: My impressive stats are the variety of hats I wear. Beyond site selection and event planning, my responsibilities extend to sponsor activations, hospitality and media relations. I am proud I can do many different things effectively. The stats, however—like increased attendance, securing new partnerships and positive sponsor engagements—are shared success stories with the team at B.A.S.S. I am so fortunate to work with wonderful professionals.
What I’m working on: We are working with cities to host the GEICO Bassmaster Classic through 2023. The first Classic I booked was in 2007, and the event continues to grow in size and scope.
What I do outside of work: I enjoy saltwater fishing (don’t tell the bass!), golfing and cooking. I love to cook—it’s where I can be most creative. All of those are fun, but even better with my family. I also like trapshooting, painting and photography. Actually, the last three were two truths and a lie. Oh and I’m a goofball, which is delightful for our teenage daughters, who have perfected the eye roll. My wife has a home decor-vintage furniture retail store, where I relish my role as the director of heavy lifting.