Interview with Joel Koester: Pioneering Tulsa's Groundbreaking Transformation Plan
Fresh Take:
When Joel Koester hopped on a plane from the urban sprawl of Chicago Southland to a place where everyone's on the same team, he knew he'd found something special. Now, serving as the Tulsa Sports Commission's Director of Sports Sales, Koester is helping Tulsa, Oklahoma, shine as a premier sports tourism destination. In this casual chat with SPG, he shares insights about transitioning to Tulsa, hosting the largest Sports ETA Symposium, and the city's bright future.
Joel's Tulsa Journey
Jumping from juggling 63 different mayors to 10 communities, Koester found that the transition was smoother than expected thanks to the collaborative spirit of Tulsa. The city's residents are united, which makes life easier when the focus is on creating a thriving community. Koester wasn't even looking for a change, but he couldn't resist the call after hearing about the opportunity to lead the Tulsa Sports Commission. Praising Tulsa's resilience and dedication to its community, he felt an instant connection.
Illuminate Oklahoma
Koester hopes that the Symposium highlights Oklahoma as a unique and unexpected destination. With surprises like an top-notch arts and culture scene, a blooming sports environment, and unparalleled cuisine, he wants people to look beyond Florida when choosing their next vacation spot. The Symposium also spotlights mid-tier destinations, ensuring each participant feels like the event is all about them.
The Large Symposium's Challenges
Preparing for a major event like the 2025 Sports ETA Symposium comes with its fair share of challenges. When they initially bid on the Symposium, it was half the size it is now. Hosting over 1,200 participants required adding extra hotels, ensuring venues were large enough, and making adjustments to maintain a welcoming and safe environment for everyone. The extra time between the initial bid and the event allowed Koester and his team to finesse the details to make the Symposium truly memorable.
Tulsa in the Spotlight
With strong community support, particularly around sports, the 2025 Sports ETA Symposium has brought tons of media attention to Tulsa. From events at BMX HQ to showcasing the city's incredible food scene, people are impressed by what Tulsa has to offer. The Symposium is not only a chance to show off Tulsa's sports infrastructure, but it also shines a light on mid-tier destinations that often get overshadowed by large cities.
The Tulsa Sports Commission's Support
Behind the scenes, the Tulsa Sports Commission's support staff worked tirelessly to ensure the various events around town and during the Symposium were successful. This allowed Koester to focus on energizing the events, taking over 60 appointments, and interacting with the community.
New Changes Since Koester's Arrival
Since arriving in Tulsa, Koester has witnessed incredible growth, from the ECHL team's transformation to a family destination and investing in a $36 million two-sheet ice center to BMX's decision to join Tulsa's growth. The city is evolving, and the future holds promise for even more developments.
Future Challenges
The addition of a new 650-room hotel, slated to open in the first quarter of 2029, will help alleviate the challenge of having enough hotel rooms for major growth events. With lots of exciting projects in the works, Tulsa continues to grow and improve its reputation as a sports tourism destination.
** remotework Tulsa **
Attracting remote workers to Tulsa is key to the city's continued growth. The Tulsa Remote program offers up to $10,000 to relocate and work remotely in Tulsa, leading to an increase in young professionals and bolstering the tech sector.
What's Next for Joel?
After a well-deserved rest, Koester will jump back into the game, as Tulsa has several exciting events lined up. With a wedding and more events on the horizon, Koester is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come his way.
Sources:
- Tulsa Regional Chamber
- Tulsa Sports Commission
- Tulsa Regional Chamber 2020 Impact Report
- Sports ETA 2025 Symposium Program
- Joel Koester, in his role as the Tulsa Sports Commission's Director of Sports Sales, is instrumental in promoting Tulsa, Oklahoma, as a burgeoning sports tourism destination, featuring not only excellent sports facilities but also a thriving sports environment.
- In an effort to attract more tourism and remote workers, the city of Tulsa is implementing initiatives such as the Tulsa Remote program, which offers incentives to relocate and work remotely in Tulsa, ultimately bolstering the city's sports tourism industry and sports facilities.
