How Stack Sports (TeamINN) Grew 80% with a Smarter Hotel Booking Platform from EventPipe

In 2021, David Costlow joined TeamINN at Stack Sports after years of coaching high school football. He teamed up with Brandon Hollmann, General Manager of Partner Solutions (and former event operator), to manage hotel bookings for hundreds of national youth sports events. With partners like Pop Warner depending on them, their operation demanded efficiency, transparency, and scale.

Key ResultsImpact80% Revenue GrowthAchieved in under 18 months after adopting EventPipeExpanded room blocksStronger hotel relationships led to more inventory availabilityIncreased revenue per bookingCustom fees and policy controls unlocked new income streamsHigher retentionSimplified booking experience led to more repeat bookingsMore operational bandwidthAutomation freed up team resources for growth initiatives

By mid-2023, they were running into real obstacles. Hotel partners were asking for better reporting and flexible inventory. Internal processes were overly manual, and their existing hotel booking platform created more friction than flow. Communication gaps and missed revenue opportunities started to take their toll.

"We had hotel partners asking for specific reporting and contract customization, and we couldn't deliver fast enough. It became clear that if we didn't evolve, we'd lose ground with our most valuable accounts." — David Costlow

They started looking for a hotel booking platform that could move at their pace, solve their real-world problems, and support their growth. They found EventPipe.

Why Stack Sports' Existing Hotel Booking Platform Wasn't Cutting It

By 2023, Stack Sports and TeamINN had reached a tipping point. Their hotel booking operation had grown significantly, but the tech infrastructure behind it hadn't kept up.

"Every new event added stress to an already inefficient process," said Hollmann. "We were constantly putting out fires instead of planning strategically."

Here's what they were up against:

1. Inefficient contract workflows: Contracts were managed through long email chains and redlined PDFs. That slowed down turnaround times and reduced internal clarity.
2. Limited hotel data and flexibility: Hotel partners wanted real-time visibility and customizable terms. Without the right hotel booking platform, the team couldn't meet expectations or grow trust.
3. Manual processes slowing scale: Most of the booking lifecycle was handled manually, pulling valuable time away from revenue-driving activities.
4. Missed revenue opportunities: They lacked flexible fee settings, deposit controls, and cancellation policies, limiting their ability to optimize revenue or protect their partners.
5. Poor booking experience: The guest-facing interface was clunky and inefficient. Guests dropped off. Teams got frustrated. Retention took a hit.

EventPipe: A Hotel Booking Platform That Solved It All

Switching to EventPipe was a critical decision. From the first interaction, Brandon and David saw that the platform aligned with their vision and had the capabilities to support it.

"As a tech-forward company, we needed a partner that aligned with our innovation goals," said Costlow. "EventPipe checked all the boxes."

Here's how EventPipe transformed the TeamINN operation:

• Seamless implementation and immediate impact: Events were up and running quickly. Staff didn't need weeks of training.
• Hotel partner satisfaction: With flexible settings and real-time reporting, hotel partners finally got what they needed. Trust increased, and inventory commitments grew.
• Frictionless booking: Guests could book in just a few clicks through a clean, branded portal. Drop-offs decreased, and confidence in the process improved.
• Revenue control: Configurable booking fees, deposits, and policies gave them better control over profitability and partner protection.
• Smarter, real-time data: Their dashboard provided instant access to reservation metrics, pacing insights, and historical performance.
• Time savings: By automating booking tasks and eliminating email-heavy processes, the team reclaimed hours each week to reinvest in growth.
• Collaborative support: EventPipe's product and support teams delivered tailored solutions. They listened to feedback and acted quickly to improve the experience.

"They've implemented major features based on our input. We know we aren't EventPipe's only customer. But they sure make us feel like we are." – David Costlow

Tangible Results That Fueled Growth

By the end of 2024, Stack Sports and TeamINN weren't just operating more efficiently. Their new hotel booking platform helped them scale faster, close stronger hotel deals, and win new partners.

"The growth we've experienced is directly tied to what EventPipe enabled us to do," said Hollmann.

• Nearly 80% year-over-year growth
• Expanded room blocks through stronger hotel relationships
• More revenue per booking with configurable fee and deposit settings
• Higher retention thanks to a cleaner, easier guest booking flow
• More bandwidth to support new events and onboard additional teams

Conclusion: A Hotel Booking Platform That Helped Them Build What's Next

For Brandon, David, and the entire Stack Sports and TeamINN team, EventPipe has become a core part of their growth strategy. It improved how they operate, strengthened their partnerships, and positioned them to scale with confidence.

"EventPipe isn't just a platform. It's been a growth partner, one that's helped us move faster, think bigger, and serve better." – Brandon Hollmann

If your housing operation feels stuck, it's time to find out what the right hotel booking platform can unlock. Ready to streamline your housing and scale smarter? Book a demo today to see how EventPipe can power your next phase of growth.