Mitchell Sports and Events Authority approves $5,000 PlayEasy subscription for 2026

The Mitchell Sports and Events Authority voted to renew its subscription to the PlayEasy event-recruitment platform and allocate $5,000 for 2026 during its meeting (date not specified).

PlayEasy, a destination-marketing and event-recruitment platform, provides event microsites, RFP matching and analytics. Aaron, a Sports and Events Authority staff member, told the board the destination microsite and event pages have generated 885 unique visitors and 106 registration clicks across 44 SEA-awarded events since the authority’s microsite went live in December 2024. He said the platform has matched Mitchell to 207 leads but that the city had not yet “secured any events” or recorded bookings through PlayEasy’s hotel-booking feature.

Board members said the usage metrics and lead generation justified another year of subscription while the community and local organizers continue to learn to use the tool. Jeff moved to renew the subscription for 2026; a second was made and the board voted in favor.

Aaron described how PlayEasy provides each SEA-funded event with a templated event microsite, QR code and optional ticketing or registration links. He said one local organizer — the group running a pool/billiards tournament — received a microsite and had 127 unique visitors and 225 page views in 30 days, with 30 clicks toward registration links. He also noted PlayEasy’s marketplace lists active RFPs nationwide (about 154 active RFPs at the time he reported) and that some RFPs are not a fit because they require more hotel rooms or facility capacity than Mitchell can provide.

The board discussed potential future uses of the platform (including a possible AI chat integration PlayEasy offers for an additional $5,000) and agreed it was premature to pay for that extra integration while organizers are still learning to use the basic microsite feature. Several board members said the subscription has already introduced events and organizers to possibilities Mitchell staff had not previously known about, including potential foot-golf and 5v5 soccer tournaments.

The motion to renew the subscription for 2026 and allocate $5,000 passed on a voice vote with the board signaling assent.

The authority directed staff to continue outreach to local associations and to report back on metrics and any booked events that result from the PlayEasy leads.

Less critical details: Aaron said PlayEasy has added 42 event organizers to the marketplace since Mitchell’s registration and that Rapid City and Sioux Falls also use the platform. He identified local contacts he is coordinating with, including Scott Mollenmeister and organizer Andrew Vorce for a potential 5v5 soccer event in 2026.