You have probably seen the announcements in Tennis Industry magazine and our Facebook page, but in case you missed it, I wanted to make you aware and send out a special invitation to our very first USRSA World Conference. The conference will be held at the new USTA National Campus in Lake Nona (Orlando), Florida, October 6-9, 2017.
The conference will be a gathering of racquet technicians from around the globe to learn and network. We have presentations and workshops planned for Racquet Fitting, Machine Purchase & Maintenance, Frame Customization, Servicing Racquets for Indoor Sports, Mastering Racquet Service, Tournament Stringing and more.
We will also host a Round Table discussion with some of the leading manufacturers, seminar leaders, and others to discuss the state of the industry and what we, as racquet technicians, can do to help improve it and provide an opportunity for those attending to present ideas, voice concerns, etc. to the leaders.
The events will begin on Friday evening, October 6, with a welcoming reception at the hotel. Saturday will be a full day of seminars and workshops at the USTA National Campus followed by an evening reception at the hotel sponsored by the manufacturers. This will provide an opportunity to meet face to face with the various sponsors. On Sunday we will continue with a full day of presentations and end the day with the Round Table discussion.
On Monday, October 9, we will be conducting USRSA Certification exams for those who sign up. We will be introducing two new certifications exclusively for current Master Racquet Technicians: MRT-Tournament Stringer Specialist and MRT-Customization Specialist. Our certification program is recognized in the industry as the standard for excellence in racquet service. The MRT is our highest standard but we have had many requests from MRT’s over the year for more, so we felt this was the best way to maintain that standard and provide a way for MRT’s to add to their credentials with specialty certifications. Testing will not be as widely available as our other certifications. For now, they will be introduced at the conference and we will likely designate a few test sites around the world to administer these exams. Details will be coming in the next few weeks.
Both the USTA and the USPTA are supporting this event and it would not be possible without their generous help. We have also reached out for support from the manufacturers. Many will be on-site to meet you, many others have graciously loaned machines and equipment and all have donated product to provide each one attending with a SWAG bag full of goodies.
The host hotel for the event is the Doubletree Hotel by Hilton–Orlando Airport. Special room rate of $112 per night includes free shuttle to and from the airport and daily shuttle to and from the National Campus. For those driving in, the hotel parking fees are also waived. To register your stay click here.
Registration for the conference is now open for USRSA Members only for $400. To register click here.
Space is limited to 60 people and will be accepted on a first come basis with no exceptions. We have already had a great response, so please don’t hesitate or you will miss out. We only have room for 60 so register early. If there are still spaces available, registration will open to the public on July 1.
Please consider joining us for this great event. I hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Bob Patterson
Executive Director
United States Racquet Stringers Association
310 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Suite 400
Birmingham, AL 35203
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