SHELLEY CRAWFORD, CSEE

SHELLEY CRAWFORD, CSEE

SHELLEY CRAWFORD, CSEE

Regional Director
905-476-2833
scrawford@meetingencore.com

After working more than 29 years in the restaurant, hotel, sport tourism and destination marketing industry, Shelley joined Meeting Encore / Fuel Sports a division of Meeting Encore as Regional Director in Jan 2020.

She has developed an extensive network of sport connections across Canada and the US over the last 15 years as Account Director – Sport at Tourism Toronto and in her over 12 years of work in hotel sales in IHG, Metropolitan and Four Seasons properties.  Shelley has consulted on different sport bids and has been a part of a variety of advisory committees and has facilitated sport education sessions at Humber College and George Brown Colleges along with co-writing of magazine articles. Shelley has  a wide variety of experience writing bids to win business from Pan AM Games 2015, World Masters Athletic Championships, FIFA World Cup 2026, Gay Bowl 2021,  Volleyball Canada Nationals, Skate Canada Nationals and Ontario Volleyball Provincials 2020, 20203 & 2026 to name a few. In June 2020, Shelley was awarded the “Corporate Award 2020“  for all her work finding a bigger home for Ontario Volleyball Association provincial championships in future years. Shelley was the first person in Canada to earn the “Certified Sport Event Executive” designation (CSEE) back in 2010 and continues to follow her passion in the sport market. 

Shelley and her husband Doug live in the GTA and have one son going off to the University of Indianapolis this fall to play for the UIndy Men’s Lacrosse Team and study Kinesiology. Shelley will be watching livestream lacrosse and keeping busy with her love of craft projects. 

What is your favourite sport to participate in?
I love Badminton and Squash, but it has been awhile since I have been able to participate in these. I have trouble just watching these; always feel so young at heart and want to jump in.  Enjoy swimming and biking as alternatives depending on the season.

What is your favourite sport to watch? And who do you cheer on?
I absolutely love watching field lacrosse and hockey.  Honestly, I enjoy watching all sports but always get excited about watching Team Canada compete at both the Summer and Winter Olympics. Go Canada Go!!

Why are Sports your Passion?
Teamwork, patience, dedication to your training, and the lessons you learn from being involved with sports at all levels truly builds character and shapes a person. I have been lucky to take my hospitality training and combine this with my passion for all different kinds of sports and be able to work within the market daily.  Taking the time to assist others and give back to the sport community is one I take pride in. I have personally witnessed that saying, “Sport is not a sprint, it is a marathon”.


What People Are Saying

I have had the pleasure of working alongside Shelley Crawford in a sport tourism capacity for 10 years. Much of my success as a sport tourism leader I can attribute to Shelley's ability to communicate and build relationships in the sports industry that translated into event bidding success for Mississauga. There is no one in the Sports Tourism industry with more experience, integrity and "get the job" attitude. NSO's and PSO's alike can attest to her professionalism and her going "above and beyond" work ethic in order to find the best venue, accommodations and host city to meet the needs of their athletes, officials and financial plans. I hope that our paths continue to cross so that I always have the opportunity to work with and learn from Shelley's vast experience and knowledge of all things sports tourism.

Clara Grassia
Manager of Sport Development and Markham Pan Am Centre

I have had the pleasure to work with Shelley for over a decade on a number of projects. She brings creativity, enthusiasm and a relentless determination to the table in helping solve complex challenges. Over the years, Shelley has been our go-to resource when we needed help to ensure success.

Aaron Soroka 
Chief Operation Officer - GWN Events & Sponsorship Canada

I have worked with Shelley for over 4 years and I have always received a warm greeting and a helping hand. Shelley is eager to assist with any questions or issues, no matter how busy she may be. Her vast knowledge of the sport tourism industry, her reliability, and her friendly personality always make for an enjoyable work experience.

Sandra De Graaff
Director, Domestic Competitions - Volleyball Canada

Shelley has significant experience in both sports and the tourism industry and can blend the two seamlessly into a manageable and exciting project. Her contacts are extensive, and she applies an enthusiasm that is rare when engaging an outside agency. We trust her opinions and guidance. I highly recommend working with Shelley. She is smart, personable and professional, and she has a passion that is infectious.

John Craig
President/CEO -Toronto Athletics Event Management Inc.

I have had the pleasure of working with Shelley on several sporting events over the years.  She is very knowledgeable, dedicated and will work with you to find the best pricing for your needs. When working with Shelley she gets everything done in a timely manner and takes the time to explain everything to you.  Shelley is one of the best in the business - you will not be disappointed!

Shauna Bookal
Executive Director - Field Hockey Ontario

Fuel Sports have delivered! Rowing Canada, the Canadian Indoor Rowing Association and the City of Mississauga, ON were recently awarded the 2023 World Rowing Indoor Championships. Fuel Sports were an integral member of the successful Bid team and continue to play a pivotal role in assisting us plan for this exciting World Rowing event. Totally professional, efficient and a real ‘force multiplier’ - sincere thanks Shelly and thankyou Fuel Sports!

Matt Draper
National Events Manager - Rowing Canada Aviron