Creating Connection: Why Personal Touches Matter in Sport and Events

In a world where we’re constantly moving from one thing to the next, moments that make us “feel something” are the ones that stay with us. In sport, programs, and events, it's not just about the outcome or the experience itself, it's about the connection. That sense of belonging. The feeling that "this was for me."

Think back to an event where your name was on a media wall. Maybe you signed your name, left an inspiring message, or saw your contribution recognized publicly. It’s a small gesture, but it speaks volumes. It says, “You matter here.”

Whether it’s:

• A media wall where people write what inspired them to show up

• Finisher medals with personalised engravings

• Volunteers and staff remembering names,

• Or something as simple as a thank you message in the post-event email,

These touches remind people they aren’t just another number.

In community sport and event experiences, we have a real opportunity and responsibility to create these moments. When people feel seen, they return. They tell others. They connect on a deeper level.

So here’s the challenge:

• How are you making your event, your sport, your program feel personal?

• What little touches can you include to turn an everyday experience into a moment to remember?

Because in the end, that’s what keeps communities coming back—not just what they did, but how it made them feel.