WHY PICKLEBALL IS THE SECRET INGREDIENT TO MORE PROFITABLE CORPORATE EVENTS

Why Pickleball Is the Secret Ingredient to More Profitable Corporate Events

Why Pickleball Is the Secret Ingredient to More Profitable Corporate Events

Blog Article

As the corporate events industry evolves, so do the expectations of attendees. Gone are the days when networking mixers and keynote speakers were enough to create a memorable experience. Today’s events are shifting toward interactivity, wellness, and unique experiences that leave a lasting impression—and one activity is emerging as a surprise frontrunner: pickleball.

With over 36.5 million players in the U.S. in 2023 (up from just 4.8 million in 2021, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association), pickleball has seen meteoric growth across all age groups. Event planners are beginning to take notice—and not just because it’s trending. Pickleball is proving to be a smart, versatile tool for increasing engagement and revenue at corporate events, especially when implemented through portable court systems.

Here’s why it works—and how it can add serious value to your next event.

 

Pickleball Meets the Moment


Pickleball combines the accessibility of ping pong with the athletic appeal of tennis—played on a smaller court, with lighter paddles and a plastic ball. It’s easy to learn, low-impact, and addictive to play. Most importantly, it’s incredibly social.

That social element is exactly what makes it a perfect fit for corporate events: it lowers the barrier to interaction, encourages movement, and brings people together in a relaxed and inclusive way.

 

Built-In Networking, Without the Awkwardness


Let’s face it—networking often feels forced. But when you add an activity like pickleball to the mix, it becomes a natural icebreaker. Whether attendees are rotating through casual matches or cheering from the sidelines, conversations flow more easily when people are playing rather than just mingling.

For team-building events, this is especially valuable. Mixed-department doubles games can foster collaboration, break silos, and even surface leadership skills—all while keeping things light and fun.

 

Portable Courts Make It Possible


Here’s the catch: Most event venues weren’t designed with pickleball in mind. That’s where portable pickleball courts come in.

These modular, transportable court systems can be set up quickly in indoor or outdoor venues—ballrooms, convention halls, parking lots, you name it. They don’t require permanent installation, making them ideal for single-day events or rotating pop-ups. For event planners, this means maximum flexibility with minimal hassle.

 

Turning Pickleball Into Profit


Beyond enhancing the attendee experience, pickleball also opens the door to new revenue streams. Here are just a few creative ways event planners are monetizing the trend:

  • Entry Fees for Tournaments
     Host a friendly competition or corporate bracket challenge and charge a small fee for participation. Prizes or branded trophies can increase appeal.


  • Sponsorship Opportunities
     Offer naming rights to the court or tournament, branded paddles or balls, and sponsored signage. Brands love visibility in interactive spaces.


  • VIP Add-Ons
     Include court access in upgraded ticket packages for attendees who want an exclusive activity beyond the main event.


  • Merchandise Sales
     Branded pickleball gear makes for great giveaways or revenue-generating swag—plus, attendees take it home and remember your event.



 

Healthier, Happier Events


In addition to being social and fun, pickleball promotes physical activity—a growing priority in corporate event design. With more companies investing in wellness-focused experiences, offering guests a way to get moving (without the intensity of a bootcamp) adds real value.

Studies have shown that light physical activity during events can increase energy, focus, and satisfaction, all of which contribute to better outcomes for hosts and attendees alike.

 

Getting Started


To bring pickleball to your event, start by assessing your venue space and desired format. Will it be a free-play zone? A structured tournament? A networking activity? From there, you can arrange for a portable pickleball setup that matches your audience, goals, and layout.

Don’t forget to promote it ahead of time—tease the activity on registration pages, social media, and email invites. The earlier guests know, the more excited they'll be to pack their sneakers.

 

Final Thoughts


Pickleball is more than a trend—it’s a smart addition to modern corporate events. It checks all the right boxes: it’s inclusive, energizing, low-cost, highly social, and incredibly popular. Thanks to portable court systems, adding it to your next event is not only possible—it might just be the most memorable part of the day.

Report this page