Wilmington will see an influx of more than 500 people downtown as the prom convention comes to town

By Judy J. Beasley Last updated Jan 5, 2023

As the Be the Best Baseball and Softball convention celebrates its 50th anniversary, it will land in the port city for the first time. (Courtesy picture)

WILMINGTON — As the Be the Best Baseball and Softball convention turns 50, it will land in the port city for the first time.

With that will come 500 attendees, not including family and guests who will join a tour in Wilmington. The event is scheduled to take place Jan. 13-15 at the downtown Wilmington Convention Center.

“I am beyond excited to move this event to Wilmington, NC,” Lindsay Mayer, CEO of Be the Best, said in a press release. “It’s a beautiful, affordable city right in the heart of the baseball and softball worlds. I look forward to connecting thousands of coaches and athletes, as well as creating business opportunities that extend beyond the field.

Founded in 1972 as a gathering of ball coaches to learn from and interact with each other, Be the Best has grown to become the nation’s oldest baseball and softball clinic. It takes place every January with top-level attendees addressing industry concerns, from Title IX to leadership roles, from culture to team building, to balancing work and life. private life.

The 2023 event features speakers from UNCW, such as Kristy Norton (UNCW head coach ’13-’22) and Mark Scalf (all-time winningest coach at UNCW and the Colonial Athletic Association). Tyler Gillum (Savannah Bananas Head Coach), Carol Hutchins (Michigan Head Coach (’85-’22), Andrew Bartman (USA Baseball), Darren Fenster (Team USA Olympic Team/Boston Red Sox) and Trent Mongero will present also (blue collar baseball coach, author, mentor).

“No matter where we are on our individual journeys – whether it’s little league, travel ball, college or professional level – we can all learn from each other in our quest to be. the best players, coaches and I that we possibly can,” BTB Vice President Diego Ibarra said in a press release.

Admission is $50 for the three-day event, with advance payment registration recommended. It will provide an economic boost to the many downtown restaurants and shops, as well as accommodation facilities, as attendees, speakers and guests book into area hotels and on Airbnbs.

“Wilmington has so much to offer our visitors, whether here for business or pleasure, and we look forward to the opportunity to highlight some of the city’s best attributes and provide a memorable experience on the Carolina Coast,” Kim Hufham, president and CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority, said in a press release.

Do you have any advice or comments? Email [email protected]

If you want to know more about Port City Daily, subscribe now then subscribe to our free newsletter, Wilmington Wireand get titles delivered to your inbox every morning.