PHOENIX—Visit Phoenix has appointed Joel Koester as executive director of the newly established Phoenix Sports and Events Commission, which launched in July 2024 to attract a range of sports, arts, and cultural events to Greater Phoenix.
The commission aims to build on Phoenix’s history of hosting marquee events while broadening its appeal through a more diverse event portfolio. According to Visit Phoenix, the initiative is expected to strengthen the city’s global brand and enhance local quality of life.
Koester will oversee efforts to secure and expand major events across the region, with a focus on those that drive overnight visitation and long-term economic growth. Targeted areas include youth and amateur sports, arts festivals, entertainment, and tech-driven experiences.
Koester joins the commission after serving as director of sports sales for the Tulsa (Okla.) Sports Commission. He was involved in more than 600 sporting events there and helped land major competitions, such as the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships and Big 12 Conference Championships. He also contributed to the launch of the $23 million USA BMX national headquarters in Tulsa.
Koester has received national recognition in the sports tourism sector, including Connect Sports’ 40 Under 40 and the Game Changer award.
“We’re honored to welcome Koester to the Visit Phoenix team at such a pivotal moment in our organization’s journey,” said Ron Price, president and CEO of Visit Phoenix. “His extensive experience, strategic insight, and deep understanding of the sports and events landscape will be invaluable.”
