RacquetX Preview: Q&A with Co-Founder Robyn Duda on the B2B & B2C Show Launch
November 21, 2023
Two industry veterans — Robyn Duda and Marco Giberti — have teamed up to launch RacquetX, a B2B conference with a B2C component for all racquet sports under one roof. Debuting March 24–26, 2024, in Miami during the middle weekend of the Miami Open, RacquetX is hoping to capitalize on the recent boom in racquet sports including tennis, pickleball, padel, squash, table tennis and more.
“Tennis has experienced a 33% boom in participation since 2020,” said Duda. “Pickleball is taking North America by storm with the number of people playing growing by 59% over three years, reaching a total of 8.9 million in 2022. Padel is widely accepted as the world’s fastest-growing sport with more than 25 million players.”
RacquetX — the brainchild of events guru Duda, founder of RDC who led events at UBM (now part of Informa) for seven years, and Giberti, an entrepreneur, investor and advisor for the event industry — plans to take over the Miami Beach Convention Center.
“Racquet sports is truly one of the most exciting sectors out there right now, and this is the place to take advantage of that, whether you’re a seasoned industry professional, an investor, a club owner or parks and recreation planner or even just a fan – there will be incredible experiences for everyone at RacquetX,” said Duda.
We caught up with Duda to find out the inside scoop on the first-time consumer and trade event for one of the hottest sports sectors. Watch or listen to our full interview here or read highlights from our interview.
Tell us about the inspiration behind RacketX and what prompted the idea of hosting a conference for all racket sports under one roof.
I'd love to take credit for the initial idea, but that was where my co-founder, Marco Giberti, came into play. He's been a racket sport enthusiast, fan and player in multiple sports for a really long time, and he came to me and said he saw there was some white space in the event world.
There were very association-driven events in each of the specific types of racket sports, and it was attempted in the past to do an all racket sport conference, but it didn't really stand the test of time. Was there a way that I would be interested in doing this different post-COVID, really celebrating the growth of the industry?
It’s [racket sports] had explosive growth all over the world, not just what we hear about pickleball in the U.S. There should be a place for everyone to collaborate, to learn from each other, from other industries, other sports and keep that momentum and that growth going. So that's where we came from — an enthusiast, a launcher and a lot of hard work.
Have you been involved with a trade show launch before?
I have at UBM. I actually led the launch of CPHI North America before I left, [and] it was a massive launch in the U. S. I think it was UBM's largest portfolio and event they had at the time. Launching that in the U. S. was no easy feat, and we did that in two years, and we went from 3 million to 8 million. We [grew] it several times over the course of the launch. I understand the grind that's involved in it. I love the frenetic energy.
Tell us why Miami in 2024.
Lots of debate on this, but what we wanted to do, at least from a launch year, was launch with something else in the industry. The dates we chose, March 24-26, are during the Miami Open, which is very exciting. We will actually be doing a joint ticket sale with them where you'll have access to the Miami Open for a period of time and to RacquetX’s exhibit floor, which is amazing.
There are only a handful of major tournaments in the U.S. and that was the one where we felt we would have the most traction with because it's not just tennis, it's not just pickleball, it's the entire racket sport community. Padel is hugely popular in South and Central America, so we'll be pulling from that population as well. We thought that this would be a great spot for a launch for us. Plus, we love Miami and who doesn't love coming to Miami in March, right?
Want to know more?
RacquetX tickets and media passes are available here or stay up to date with the latest speakers, events and news around the event at theracquetx.com. Follow RacquetX social channels on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn!
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
Add new comment