SPEAKER_01: 0:00

Hi, I'm Shelly Bauer. And I'm Cher Am Rack. Welcome to Life Lessons from Pickleball, where we engage with pickleball players from around the world about life on and off the court.

SPEAKER_00: 0:12

Thanks for joining us.

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Before we get started, we have something really exciting to share. Our book, Life Lessons from Pickleball, is now available on Amazon, and a portion of every sale is donated to Operation Paddle Lift.

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Your purchase helps deliver paddles, nets, and resources to underserved communities around the world.

SPEAKER_01: 0:34

Thank you for being a part of Growing the Game We All Love. Now let's jump into today's episode. Welcome everyone to Life Lessons from Pickleball. Today we're so excited to welcome Kelsey Thompson, the director of PickleCon, one of the largest pickleball festivals in the country, returning to Kansas City July 24th to 26th this year, 2026.

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Kelsey, you bring such a unique perspective to this sport with nearly a decade in the sports world and leadership experience through Triple Crown Sports. You've helped grow pickleball, not just on the court, but on a national level.

SPEAKER_01: 1:13

And PickleCon has become more than an event. It's really a celebration of community and connection and everything that makes this sport so special. And welcoming players of all levels, spectators, brands, and companies into one unforgettable experience.

SPEAKER_00: 1:33

You're not just organizing an event, you're creating a space where people move, compete, learn, network, and build relationships that last long after the weekend ends. Kelsey, we're so glad you're here with us today. But before we dig into what picklecon's all about, tell us how were you first introduced to pickleball?

SPEAKER_02: 1:53

Yeah, thanks for having me, guys. Um, my brother would say that we probably played in high school, um, but that was a little while back, so I don't remember that. Um for me, it really took place uh, I'd say probably 2020, 2021 around that COVID time. Um I, you know, recently moved from Arizona to North Carolina, started running an indoor sports complex. Um, they had three indoor courts, and um there were three people on the court always asking for a fourth, and I was like, you know what, why not get my body moving? And then I ended up always being the fourth. So, you know, I played with the community, got in, started running tournaments there, and never looked back since.

SPEAKER_01: 2:31

And you were a super athlete before you started pickleball, right?

SPEAKER_02: 2:36

Yeah, so I did D1 uh track and field to start my first year of college, and then changed it up a little bit and did rugby for three years. And so full contact sports for the past few years, and then I changed it up again and then went full pickleball.

SPEAKER_01: 2:52

And then there was PickleCon. So, what was the original vision for PickleCon and what is PickleCon?

SPEAKER_02: 3:00

Yeah, so first and foremost, Triple Crown Sports has been around for over 40 years now. Um we run a bunch of different events from you know college basketball and fast pitch to baseball, volleyball, and so on. And so we were just trying to find a new sport to come into. And my partner prior to this, um, she did, you know, years of you know research on pickleball and what isn't there. You have your usual weekend tournaments, you have, you know, your professional sides of it, you have your conferences, but you don't have everything together, especially for those amateur players. And so we did a bunch of research. Obviously, after COVID, that's when we were supposed to actually come out with pickle con. There was a bunch of change. So we re-researched it. So we actually did like eight years of research before we actually ran the event. Yeah, so we we knew exactly what we were doing. Obviously, there is so much to learn. Always the world's always changing, the sports always changing, but we just wanted to build something for the everyday player under one roof for you know, three days. We used to hold it for four. We're now doing three days, and we're literally like one of the largest indoor festivals now. So we, you know, we get there days prior to. We put down 40 plus courts. We have clinics, we have tournaments, we have pro ams, we have celebrities that come in, we have vendor village, we have networking opportunities. So it's really everything for everyone. Wow.

SPEAKER_00: 4:23

40 courts? That's what I was just stuck on first.

unknown: 4:28

Wow.

SPEAKER_02: 4:28

Yeah, we've kind of down a little bit. We're just adjusting our event and listening to people's feedback. And so we started out with 80-something courts. Um last year we had about 55, and we'll be probably close to that number again this year.

SPEAKER_01: 4:44

My gosh. What's the venue that accommodates that?

SPEAKER_02: 4:48

Yeah, so right now we use a convention center. So we're in Kansas City for year three at the Kansas City Convention Center. Um, we use about 300,000 square feet we utilize. Oh my gosh.

SPEAKER_00: 5:02

What has like even the first year, like how many people have you had attending these events?

SPEAKER_02: 5:08

Yeah, so it's growed year over year. So um year one, unique-wise, we were at about 2,100 attendees. Last year we were over 2,300. Um, you know, this year I would love to hit that 3,000 mark unique-wise, um, and just continue to grow it and grow it from there. Um, and we'll adjust as needed. So if we need a bigger venue, if we need to extend the days, we've actually shortened the days um and condense it into three days this year, just because we think it's more viable for our vendors to be there for three days for our players to do a Friday through Sunday instead of having to come in on a Thursday. But we'll adjust as we grow, and that's the plan.

SPEAKER_01: 5:44

And what are the different events that take place over that weekend? Obviously, pickleball, but what else?

SPEAKER_02: 5:50

A lot of pickleball. Um, but there's nightly entertainment as well. So we've partnered with Brickwall Pickleball this year, and so they're holding their all-star inaugural event. Um, and so they'll bring in pros and they'll compete at our championship court that night when we do have our kickoff event. Um, and included in our kickoff event, everyone has access to glow in the dark pickleball, which runs into a glow in the dark tournament, which is a bunch of fun. And then we have a celebrity pro-am event. So we partner celebrities with professional pickleball players and they compete and go back and forth one night. And then we're doing our farewell festival, which we've never done before, and that will be held Sunday, three to five, and it's gonna be loads of fun. So we're celebrating Kansas City. We're gonna have local Kansas City organizations out there. We're gonna be doing giveaways, we'll have King of the Court. It's gonna be just loads of fun. But yeah, that's like the entertainment part of it that we kind of add in. Um, and then you have your usual clinics, we have tournaments for all ages, all skill levels from um, you know, juniors to seniors to amateurs to minor league will be there. We'll have duper ratings, we'll have an adaptive style, we'll have what else am I missing? We'll have like socials. So, you know, if you're a beginner and you're just trying to get on the court, but you're a little intimidated, they'll there'll be like a rec side of it as well that that runs a tournament. So it's really for everyone.

SPEAKER_00: 7:12

How many vendors do you have at this event then?

SPEAKER_02: 7:16

Yeah, so minimum we'll have 70. So we have a full vendor village and it's incorporated. It actually runs around. We have a demo court in the middle where people can do product demos. Um, and then we have championship court right there. So um super interactive. It's kind of like a full circle, like kind of going around. And like we said, we listened. We we used to do panels um and we loved everyone. We loved the panelists, but they wanted more networking. They wanted to really engage with other people in the business and really get their products and showcase. So we've actually done daily networking events this year, which I'm excited to see how those roll out. So, like Friday morning to start the event from 7:30 a.m. to nine, we'll have something called community and coffee. And so we'll have complimentary coffee there for everyone. Um, and it's really for our partners and our vendors, and they'll start with a round table. So they'll have about you know 10-15 minutes to talk to each other, meet new people, and then we'll have keynote speakers. They'll kind of do their speaking for about 20 minutes with a QA, and then we'll finish with that round table again. So it's time to connect before the day starts. And then Saturday night at our celebrity pro event, we'll have a VIP area with snacks, drinks, things like that, where now it's a little more loosey-goosey. You get to really enjoy yourself. You guys have already met, and now it's really just hang out and enjoy the time.

SPEAKER_01: 8:34

What's the hardest part about putting on this enormous weekend?

SPEAKER_02: 8:40

Yeah. Um, you know what? We love everyone we work with. We have great partners who makes the process super simple. I will say, like on site, it's very hands-on. So we're the ones putting down the courts. We bring in a bunch of volunteers and thank you to our volunteers, or this event would not happen. But that's the hardest part is like we prepare everything beforehand, but once you get on site, you never know what's gonna happen. And so being able to adapt really quickly, but you know, putting down 40 plus courts on your hands and knees, it's uh it's tiring after, you know, day three of doing it.

SPEAKER_01: 9:11

Wow, I can only imagine. And are you using one of the companies that actually provides the bring the courts and clicks them together, or is are these click together courts, or how how do you do those?

SPEAKER_02: 9:23

No, yeah. So um, for our tournament courts, we use pick a roll, who's a great partner of ours, um, coming back for year three. And they come on a palette and they come in squares. So we're literally putting a bunch of squares down, taping the bottoms of them, making sure there's no bubbles underneath. It's great we do have them on site. So if anything was to happen, they're right there to help out. And then um for our open play, our clinics, we worked with pickleball management company year one, and we have some rollout courts as well. Just as great. We do the same thing. They come, I believe, in five rolls. We roll them out, we tape the bottoms. So yeah, we two different types, and you know, we're always welcome, you know, with new foreign companies that are just getting in, and we allow them to come in and put their court down if they wanted people to demo it as well.

SPEAKER_01: 10:08

That's a great way to do it, isn't it? You mentioned it's all ages. Literally, what what's the youngest that you've had?

SPEAKER_02: 10:17

Oh, geez, we have pictures of like a three, four-year-old swinging on swinging on a court, you know, the past few years. But we do have National Junior Pickleball League there.

unknown: 10:28

Okay.

SPEAKER_02: 10:28

And they run their youth division. I want to believe they start at 12, so they go like 12 to 18. But it really is like a family event. So let's say they wanted to get in and there wasn't a tournament for them, they could just reach out to me. We'll find space for them. If we need to add it to a tournament, a younger division, we could do so. But then there's open play. So we have a minimum of 10 open courts um all day, every single day for anyone to jump on. So if a family just wants to get out there and it's, you know, grandma, parents, you know, a five-year-old, whoever it be, we have the space for you to do it to just try out the sport.

SPEAKER_01: 11:03

And the eldest, what's the oldest person you've had?

SPEAKER_02: 11:08

Last year, I think that we recorded down was 86. I think was the oldest that we had. Um I'm trying to get my grandma out there. She's um, I think she's 93 now. Um so if I if I could get out there, she might hold the record.

SPEAKER_01: 11:25

I bet she would. Let's go. So she'd be a celebrity. That she would. And so the hardest part is getting all those courts down. What's the what's the easiest part? Or what maybe not the easiest. What's what do you enjoy the most?

SPEAKER_02: 11:41

I enjoy the relationship building. It's something, you know, I think is really valuable, especially for these events, is you know, building the event with my partners, building the events with people that are in the space, in the community. Because, like I said, we're just learning too. We we're new in pickleball, even though we've been researching it for so long and we're on our third year, like it's always evolving. Um, there's always new people. So relationships is is huge for me. And I always tell people that like, just give me a call. We could talk it through. If there's something in the event you're not understanding, if you think we can incorporate something else, give me a call and let's figure out a way to build it in.

SPEAKER_01: 12:17

Wow. So it really, I mean, your community from the ground up.

SPEAKER_02: 12:21

I mean, 100%. We actually just rolled out our ambassador plan. So, like, if people want to be ambassadors and build the event with me and do, you know, let's talk on the phone once a week. Let's get you involved. So we now have an ambassador program on our website for people interested in getting involved in PickleCom. Is every state represented? So we've had 39 states represented in two countries. Um, we'd love to get to 40 this year. That'd that'd be great.

SPEAKER_01: 12:49

That'd be awesome. Let's do 50 this year. Let's just let's just blow it out on the world.

SPEAKER_00: 12:58

You know, you you're talking about how important the community is, and I think that's how we all feel about pickleball. It's just the pickleball community is just an amazing bunch of folks, isn't it? And uh I understand you had an accident in July. Tell us about that and how this amazing community was there for you.

SPEAKER_02: 13:17

Yeah, so um unfortunately, I was crossing a crosswalk this past July um after work. Um, and I got hit by a car at about 40 miles per hour. Um yeah, so um fortunately I'm still here. I'm getting healthy every single day. So I'm I'm super grateful. Um, but was in a wheelchair for about two months. I broke my leg, tore my MCL, had a concussion, had it all. Um, you know, was on crutches for for longer. I'm still doing physical therapy seven months after. Um so yeah, we're we're finding our way. But what I learned is like the pickleball community is really for everyone. It's really there for you. Sitting on a couch for so long, I was like, what am I gonna do with myself? I'm a very active person. So right when, you know, I got off the crutches and I started physical therapy, I was like, can I at least just go to the courts? And I didn't know how it was gonna be. Um, and so that's what I did. I just went to the courts. I, you know, I couldn't move. I'm, you know, I'm still finding my way out there, definitely getting back to where I where I used to be, but just dinking over the net, you know, just being able to get up, go outside, move your body just a little bit. And coming from a being a contact athlete, it was super hard for me. I was like, what am I gonna do without sports? You know, not only am I professionally involved in sports every single day, but like personally, like, you know, I'm I'm all in on sports. I still play and um it it just holds true to its value that pickleball is for everyone. Um, you know, whether, you know, you're walking every single day, whether you're in a wheelchair, whether you're a 5.0, whether you're a 2.0, like it is it's for everyone. And I've learned that these last seven months, that um you could really start from the bottom and work your way back up. And and that's what's great about pickleball.

SPEAKER_01: 15:04

I love that you've included adaptive sports in in this uh pickle con. And for those who might not know, adaptive sports is for those who have any kind of challenge, and you make it access the pickleball accessible. Awesome. I was watching the other day, just happened upon a wheelchair pickleball, and man, they fly across the court in their wheels, and they'll know who's gonna take the long one and who's gonna go short, and they just are it's really thrilling to watch when you see people who are loving that sport and they are in wheelchairs, they're way better players than I'll ever be. And that's just one kind of adaptive sport. That's so cool that you guys have included that. How about personally? I mean, I get that you rugby, hello, that's talk about a contact sport, yeah, and you had all these years of being an athlete, and then you it's like boom, you had to stop. So did that impact you personally? Do you find yourself being a different person in any way from having gone through that?

SPEAKER_02: 16:14

Well, I will say I have a great support system. Always holding me up. You know, you always when when things are changing, you you always feel down in the dump just a little bit.

SPEAKER_01: 16:23

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02: 16:24

But it was everything I could really dream of is is for someone who actually hates cardio, um, pickleball is actually what I needed. So be being a track athlete, you know, I never ran more than an 800. I was a jumper, I was a sprinter. And so when I could find a sport that I could play four hours plus and still like I'm tired, but I'm motivated to keep going. Um this this was the right sport for me. So yeah, well, I always miss contact sports. I, you know, it's it's part of me, it's what I enjoy. I'm a very competitive person. Um, but pickleball is just as competitive. I have great times where I'll go, you know, go open play at at the local rec courts and I'll be out there playing best two out of three, and then that you know starts into best three out of five, and then best five, like it just keeps going because you you can't get us off the courts because it's so fun and competitive.

SPEAKER_01: 17:16

You know, it's like, oh, we can do one more game.

SPEAKER_02: 17:18

We can do one more. It's like, oh just be here for an hour, four hours later, the lights are turning on.

SPEAKER_00: 17:25

So is that challenging with PickleCon to balance like the competition and the fun and accessibility for people?

SPEAKER_02: 17:36

No, no, I don't think so at all. So we're provided that space. Like we have so much to do, you know, with all the courts that we do have and the partners. So we've ran our own amateur event in the past. We actually have InPickle Nation running the amateur event this year, but we partner with all our partners to make sure that we we can provide them with the space they need. So, you know, we're working with U.S. Senior Pickleball, providing them that space. We're working with National Junior Pickleball to provide them that space, even when it comes to adaptive play. You know, we have two courts that are just a little wider for the wheelchairs. Um so anything we could do to help make sure everyone has what they need to run those events. But yeah, we don't we don't see the challenge in it. We actually love it. We love being able to make sure everyone has what they need, and we make sure they don't overlap as well. So, like, I don't want people having to compete for other players. So that's why we only have one person running the amateur, one person running seniors. We don't have like our amateur actually stops at 50 years old. So then US seniors could have the rest of those players. And so there's other opportunities as well. So, like, you know, go play a tournament for for two days and then go play open play, or go play glow-in-the-dark tournament. So there's opportunities for everyone, and we definitely don't take players away from other organizations that are coming in, and that's something that's kind of guaranteed as we get involved with one another as partners.

SPEAKER_01: 19:01

That's very conscientious of you. I just love how intentional you all have been, and the fact that you did all this research and clearly you can tell with your heart. I mean, you just a you're a sweetheart. Sorry about that. You're just a sweetheart. And so that just shows in everything, all the decisions you're making for this incredible weekend. I just am overwhelmed to think about all that you are. You're a young'un and you have this amazing team, and you're doing amazing work. It's just really quite impressive. And I told you before you even got started, we are over the moon impressed with everything that you're doing. Where do people stay when they go to PicleCon?

SPEAKER_02: 19:40

Yeah, so we have uh partners, so we have discounted lodging, um, and it's on our website. So there's a tab on there that goes over parking and lodging. Um, and you just click right on that link, it'll bring you anywhere from you know five hotels to 20 hotels. We try and get as many hotels as possible, discounted within walking distance. It is downtown Kansas City, so I encourage people to be within walking distance, so then you're not trying to find a parking garage, you're not paying for parking, things like that. I'll be transparent, it's not fun looking for parking around there. Also, I don't want I don't want people to spend money for additional parking time. So you know, fly in, you know, Uber to your hotel and then your walking distance from there every single day. I when I we go in, there's a nice Marriott right there, and I'm a minute walk to the convention center every single day. And it's great, especially for me who has to be there at you know 5, 6 a.m. and I'm not leaving till 11 p.m. at night. The short walk is what I want. Yeah. A short walk into bed. Yeah, exactly that.

SPEAKER_01: 20:42

Oh my gosh, I just am I'm just a bit amazed. What do you what are you about to say, Shell?

SPEAKER_00: 20:49

Oh, I was just gonna say, what excites you the most about the future of PickleCon?

SPEAKER_02: 20:54

I think I think it's growth. I think there's so much room for growth. I think we could, you know, we already have so much, but I think more can be included. I think um there's so much to add. I'd love to get more partners involved. Um I think a lot of people don't understand what it is until you actually get there. Like, you know, I could be telling you guys all this, and everyone could be like, there's no way that actually happens. Come and find out. Like, I I want you guys to come see it. Once you see it, like I have people that have started with us from from day one. Um, and they're like, nope, just give us the dates and we'll be back there. Like it's a one-of-a-kind experience, you're not gonna get anywhere else. And so the growth of it is what I'm really excited to see over the next few years.

SPEAKER_01: 21:35

So let's flesh out the partner business. So, are there certain segments that you don't have partners in that you'd love to, or is it not that specific?

SPEAKER_02: 21:45

It's really for everyone, it's not super specific. Something different this year that we've never done before is we actually have sponsorship opportunities. So if you wanted to be a title sponsor of PickleCon, if you wanted to sponsor a certain event, let's say we have Puppy Yoga, if you want to be the sponsor of Puppy Yoga, you Could do that. Oh yeah. So there's opportunities there for everyone. And we have a partner deck that we just just established. It's on our get involved page with PickleCon. But we're just providing more opportunities for for companies and people to get their names out there. I think it's also great for newer businesses as well. Um you know, everyone is kind of trying to sneak in. Um we're at like a vital time in Pickleball where you know everyone's trying to make their mark, and this is the place to do it.

SPEAKER_01: 22:30

Sounds like it really is. So just before we forget, what is the website?

SPEAKER_02: 22:36

Yeah, so it's just Picklecon.com. Um make it simple, easy. And then um we're on Instagram, TC Picklecon. Um so yeah, we're that's that's the place to find us. And then obviously my information is on there. So if anyone has any other questions or or things like that, you can find me. Um, Kelsey at triple crown sports.com.

SPEAKER_01: 22:59

So in all of your adventures, my dear, what life lessons have you gleaned? Either playing pickleball or getting this pickle con off the ground and running it. What are some of your life lessons?

SPEAKER_02: 23:14

Yeah, so probably super cliche, but consistency is key. That's kind of what I live by. But it it does hold a lot of value. What I've learned is like you could get burnt out really quick. And everyone has their bad days, but I've seen people where like they have motivation for like one month and they've either just hit their goal or they haven't, and you know, they're like, oh, we're not gonna do it. But if you show up every single day, even if it's at 80%, um it'll go a long way. Consistency is what takes to run these types of events. I'm not saying um I come to the table with a hundred percent every single day. Who does? Did I want to wake up this morning, go to PT, go do meetings, go do emails? No.

SPEAKER_01: 23:56

No.

SPEAKER_02: 23:57

But what I will say is like, I'm super grateful for this life I have, I'm super grateful for the job I have. Um, and I get to put on this amazing event. So if I just am as consistent as possible with my everyday lifestyle, it's gonna go a long way, not just for me personally, but for the event as well.

SPEAKER_01: 24:15

So for those who are listening and watching and thinking, hmm, what should I do? Should I go? What would you say to them?

SPEAKER_02: 24:23

Oh, you gotta try it at least. Like, come on, it's just a flight away. Even if it's in your area, just a drive away, you gotta at least give it a try. Um, and and that's just what I tell everyone now. Like, don't don't knock until you try it. That's the motto. Um, and picklecon is one of those things you gotta try for sure.

SPEAKER_01: 24:41

And if somebody's going by themselves and they think, well, I don't know anybody there, and I've never been to Kansas City. And uh, what how do you accommodate the person who is really feeling like a fish out of water?

SPEAKER_02: 24:52

Yeah, for sure. Well, first off, email me if you're alone. I do a lot of things by myself all the time, and that's the glory about this event. Like I was saying before, 39 states, two countries represented in year two. This is the place to meet people. We have this thing called the Etertainment Tour. It's a bus that picks you up, brings you to, you know, your local chicken and pickle, your restaurants that have the pickleball spaces. This is the place to do it. You could meet people from all over. You could find your new friend that you now meet once a year, um, and you go to this event and you have the time of your life. So, and like I said, don't knock it till you try it. If you need to find someone in this space, reach out to me. I bet there's 10 other people trying to figure out like it seems really good, but I don't want to do this by myself. Um, which is totally understandable. Another thing I would say is Facebook pages, and so Facebook groups with pickleball now are huge. When I moved to where I I live now, I was the same way. I was like, I want to play pickleball, but when I go to open play, everyone kind of just looks at me funny. And so I just went on there and said, Hey, I'm new to the area, I'm a 3-5 player. Does anyone want to, you know, dink around? And that's another way to do it, is just go on like the Kansas City pickleball group and just say, Hey, I'm looking to attend PickleCon. Is anyone out there that wants to meet up that weekend? Does PickleCon have a Facebook page? Yeah, we do. So it should be um Triple Crown Pickleball.

SPEAKER_00: 26:13

I believe they also can come and try that great Kansas City barbecue.

SPEAKER_02: 26:18

Oh my gosh, the barbecue is amazing. I thought I had great barbecue where I was in South Carolina, but Kansas City knocks it out of the water for sure. And they're proud of it and they should be.

SPEAKER_01: 26:29

Oh yeah. Well, you're a hoot. You are just so much fun, you're just full of life and energy and inspiration, and can't wait to be at PickleCon this year. We definitely want to be there, and we're looking forward to this brand new experience. And thanks for letting us know about it and letting our audience know about it. And thank you for everything you're doing. In the midst of your own physical recovery, you are bringing this amazing event to life, and thank you for that.

SPEAKER_02: 26:58

Yeah, I appreciate it. Thank you guys for having me. Um, can't wait to see you guys at PickleCon. Hopefully, other people join us and just thank you guys again. Love being here.

SPEAKER_01: 27:06

Thank you, Kelsey. And thank you all for joining us. Oh my gosh, go to picklecon.com and sign up and let's all meet in Kansas City in July. That sounds like a lot of fun. In fact, yeah, let's just connect with each other and let's get there together. Love it. Thanks so much, and we look forward to a new conversation next week. Bye-bye.

SPEAKER_00: 27:31

If you love our podcast, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a few seconds to follow or subscribe to Life Lessons from Pickleball. This ensures that you'll never miss an episode and helps us continue these wonderful conversations.

SPEAKER_01: 27:44

On Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, go to the show page and tap the follow button in the top right corner. And on YouTube, click the subscribe button under any of the episodes. Thanks so much. Hope to see you on the court.