2021 World Games CEO to speak at Chamber Luncheon

Four-plus years have passed since the International World Games Association named Birmingham as host of the 2021 World Games. Attendees at the May 16 Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon will have a chance to hear from DJ Mackovets, CEO of the 2021 World Games, about the 10-day international event.

The World Games will feature more than 30 sports across 29 venues in the metro Birmingham area in July 2021. The luncheon, sponsored by Prestige Alarm and Specialty Products, will begin with a networking time at 11:30 a.m. at Trussville Civic Center. 

“[The World Games] is by far the largest event to be held in the southeast United States since the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta,” Mackovets said. “These speaking engagements help us build a grassroots marketing team in everybody’s respective communities.”

Trussville is a key community in the games. Spare Time is projected to host the bowling competition, where Team USA will look to defend its 2017 World Games gold medal in women’s singles. Mackovets says there will be opportunities to volunteer at the bowling venue or other venues.

Bowling, women’s softball, men’s lacrosse, gymnastics, racquetball, karate and kickboxing are familiar sports to most, along with sumo, handball and power lifting. However, boules, korfball or Muay Thai may be foreign to locals.

“There’s something for everybody with this event. There’s such a unique offering with this event, many that the average American has never seen before,” Mackovets said. “So many of our sports require an education before people would become interested to come out and watch those unique sports.”

Mackovets will use the speaking engagement to provide an update on progress since earning the host bid in early 2015 and to discuss what is needed over the next two years. Major items on the to-do list including educating the metro Birmingham community and fine tuning plans for everything from transportation and security to venue and housing preparations to broadcasting and ticket sales planning. Volunteer recruitment and training will be key also. 

“Most of us are used to single events and a single venue. Understanding the integrated planning that you have to have throughout the entire community to knit all of this together is very important,” Mackovets said. 

Mackovets is a 40-year veteran in the sports industry, having worked Super Bowls and Final Fours. The 2021 World Games will be his eighth multisport events, including the 1996 Olympics, the 2015 World Police & Fire Games, the 2011 National Senior Games and past World University Games and Goodwill Games. 

Cost for the luncheon is $17 (cash, debit or check) or $17.68 if paying by credit card (includes a four percent processing fee). Online registration is closed at midnight on Monday, May 13, but the Chamber office will accept registration by phone until noon Tuesday, May 14. All non-members must pay in advance. 

To register, visit TrussvilleChamber.com or contact June Mathews by phone at 655-7535 or email june.mathews@trussvillechamber.com. For more info about TRC, contact Diane Poole at diane.poole@trussvillechamber.com.