Wisniewski strives to enhance OKC’s sports tourism reputation while in new CVB role

The annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon draws thousands of runners from across the globe to Oklahoma City.

Adam Wisniewski is glad to be back in the Sooner State. Although he called Stillwater home for several years while attending Oklahoma State University, he is happy to be living and working in Oklahoma City after the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau recently selected the Allen, Texas, native as their new Vice President of Sports Development.

“Without question, my history in this state played a significant factor in moving to Oklahoma City. Ever since I left Oklahoma, I’ve missed it. The community and culture are things you must experience to understand, and once you’ve experienced them, they are always a part of you,” Wisniewski said. “Seeing my favorite Oklahoma State bright orange around every corner is certainly a great bonus as well!”

In his new role with the Oklahoma City CVB, Wisniewski will primarily work with CVB staff and other partners to attract local and national sporting events to Oklahoma City, and collaborate with event organizers to effectively increase attendance at all local sporting events. He will also develop and maintain relationships with various stakeholders locally, regionally and nationally, including event producers, sports-facility managers, academic officials, sports organizations and others to increase Oklahoma City’s brand and image within the sports market.

“We are thrilled that Adam will be joining the CVB team and using his talents and skills to help us attract more sports-related events to Oklahoma City,” CVB president Zac Craig said. “Being a former Oklahoma State University graduate, Adam is thrilled to return to the state and continue the wonderful momentum already begun in the sports sector.”

Wisniewski spent the last four years in Texas with the Arlington Sports Commission as their sports account director, recruiting all tourism-related sports business to the city of Arlington. He was directly involved with numerous events while in Arlington, including the UIL Texas High School Football Championships, RFDTV’s The American Rodeo, PGA’s Korn Ferry Tour and the Esports Awards. He also served a short stint in Florida with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission as corporate partnership resident, where he played an important role in that city’s hosting of the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

“I have been a part of communities that simply put, have hosted the largest events in the sports industry. I know what it takes to work with those groups, to use sports as a vehicle to truly put your destination on the map. Oklahoma City already shows that capability with the Women’s College World Series, OKC Memorial Marathon, and various Big 12 Championships, and I know we are also capable of even more events of that caliber,” said Wisniewski, who earned undergraduate degrees in sports management and economics from OSU. He also earned dual graduate degrees from the University of South Florida's Vinik Sports and Entertainment Management program.

Oklahoma City’s reputation as a sports destination and its continued trajectory within the sports tourism world were two significant factors why Wisniewski chose to pursue the CVB position in the first place.

“When looking at destinations, I always look for two things: first, a community that cares. It has to be a part of the culture, and Oklahoma City is certainly a community that cares about what we do. Second, the goal is always to find a destination with sports in its DNA. Once again, Oklahoma City certainly checks that box. I consider myself incredibly blessed to find myself in this position and to be given such unique responsibility,” Wisniewski said.

Sports is an industry that at its core is about making memories, he said. Events of all sizes have the opportunity to create a moment that an athlete, family member, spectator or community will remember forever.

“Working in sports tourism, I am honored to spend each day striving to set the stage for an unforgettable experience, and there is no better place to work towards that goal than in Oklahoma City.”