Tim Hinchey: Medals, membership and fast-lane change
The USA swim team have one of the best records in sport – they have not lost an international meet in over 60 years.
While this success may be formidable, it does not necessarily prepare the organisation for the wider challenges of modern governance. That’s why president Tim Hinchey is putting participation, content, communication, CRM and safe sport at the top of his agenda, alongside those all-important Olympic preparations.
Meanwhile, the commercial acumen he honed at Derby County, Charlotte Hornets and Colorado Rapids is being put to good use, even at a non-profit organisation like USA Swimming, as Hinchey builds for the next three games in Tokyo, Paris and Los Angeles.
Topics
His early work at USA Swimming
The issues of modernisation
Communicating with swim parents
Launching into CRM and the content strategy that feeds it
The Olympic Trails and their commercialisation and sponsorship activation
Lessons from being an American at Derby County
The television and live streaming strategy
The importance of top stars in keeping USA Swimming relevant, especially outside the Olympics
How a new swim league is allowing swimmers to create interest and sponsorship
The Olympics restrictions on commercialisation by athletes and how they might change
Safe Sport – how has USA Swimming reacted to Larry Nassar case in gymnastics
The breadth of his role. Being judged on medals but having to care for the recreational
Why swimming may fit perfectly in the modern world
The cost of giving back. Why membership dues have not changed in over 30 years
Why transparency is key for a non-profit
The fast-track learning in a period of significant growth in MLS
USA Swimming’s relationship with para-swimming – “We are supporters on the sidelines”
The Olympics targets and priorities
Leveraging Olympic success to create new fans