October-November 2006 -- Pardon my cliché, but USPTA always hits the jackpot when it comes to our World Conference experience in Las Vegas.
This year’s event was attended by 1,200 people, who enjoyed all the usual activities associated with our conference and also were able to spend time at various casinos, attend Vegas shows or shop at some of the world’s most glamorous retailers.
We packed just as much education and fun into a schedule that was two days shorter than usual. Members were still able to gain new knowledge, attend parties, test their skills in tournament play, participate in a great trade show and spend time with fellow professionals. We shortened the conference at your request, and from the comments I got in Vegas, you like being able to attend your conference without missing those all-important weekends at your facilities or time away from family.
Many of the 18 seminars, eight general sessions (all unopposed) and 10 specialty courses were filled to capacity. There were also 14 mini seminars, which were part of the national Seminar Contest. Fourteen of our 17 divisions participated, which is a tribute to the growing popularity of this program and the quality of presentations.
The parties were definitely a highlight of the week. The tournament player party kicked off the festivities. With more than 150 participants in the tournament, the party offered great food and lots of camaraderie after the first day of competition. The party was sponsored by tennis enthusiast and Las Vegas attorney, Rob Kinas, and his law firm, Snell & Wilner.
The Welcoming Party, hosted by HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports featured both great food and entertainment. More than 700 people enjoyed performances by a duo of contortionists and a pickpocket artist.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard as many positive comments about the USPTA Tennis Buying Show and dinner. The one-day event is the largest show of its kind in our industry and showcases every major tennis company. This year’s show included nearly 80 booths. The silent auction benefiting Lessons for Life™ and the USPTA Education Foundation created great enthusiasm during the night and kept the crowd circulating through the show. The auction raised $6,400, which will be used to fund grants to tennis programs that target economically disadvantaged children and adults.
There’s no doubt this year’s conference was a huge success. Members and guests loved the shortened format, the venue and the schedule of events. I’m only sorry the convention didn’t give me the extra time I usually have to talk to more members, visit seminars and walk through the conference site. The shortened format kept me behind closed doors much of the time meeting with industry partners and international guests. I hope I can schedule more free time to visit with you personally next year at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Fla.
Thanks for making Vegas a winner!
