A new report out this month takes an inside look at the current state of young athletes, participation by youngsters in sports and community athletic programs and the impact of these programs on health and fitness.

In an industry as tight-lipped as gaming, speculating about the up-and-coming trends is like navigating the stock market with tealeaves. Big news is kept under lock and key because even a small leak will end up on the front page of the Internet. Though it's difficult to predict which tech innovation or new entertainment trend will pop up next, I'd wager that if you really know the industry, you'd be able to paint a picture of what lies ahead. Take a look at my painting-Monet or Picasso?

At the risk of being self aggrandizing, I'll submit that as a consultative marketing researcher, I've gotten pretty good at asking probing questions. I've also become a big proponent of loyalty marketing best practices and rewarding best customers. And while I've often espoused that sports marketers shouldn't make the mistake of ascribing their own behaviors, beliefs or experiences to that of their targets, two recent incidents have me questioning one of my fundamental beliefs about loyalty marketing.

By this time next week, competitive sailing will likely have a legion of new fans throughout Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. Thousands of Midwesterners and prospective sailing "nuts" will get their first taste of world class sailing as the America's Cup brings the Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series to Chicago, a historic first on fresh water.