Newell-Legner, who stayed busy after her keynote with a follow-up session for existing operators and with book signings, also expressed a tremendous appreciation for the value of the Conference. “USIndoor attendees all have the same thing in common… their desire to grow and improve their business. The 2007 Conference was certainly the place to learn new business strategies to take your facility and programs to the next level.”

Core Programming for Start Ups & Existing Operators
The core programming of the Conference consisted of two tracks of educational sessions designed for existing operators and for startups. Friday’s Existing Operator Track kicked off with a panel discussion on how to maximize sponsorship revenue. The Startup Track offered an industry overview and summary of upcoming sessions during the duration of the Conference. Over the next two days through Sunday morning, topics for existing operators included: the true cost of managing employees, raising the bar on customer relations, alternate revenue streams, and roundtable discussions featuring “hot topics” for both new and more seasoned existing operators. Startup topics included: questions to ask before opening a sports facility, the importance of a feasibility study, establishing a business model, financing, and risk management.

Coors Field and Whitewater Rafting
A memorable Saturday concluded with a trip to Coors Field to take in a Rockies-Devil Rays Major League Baseball game. Approximately seventy attendees enjoyed a marvelous buffet and drinks at the stadium’s Mountain Ranch Club, overlooking the field and having the Rocky Mountains as a dramatic backdrop. It was a tremendous opportunity to get to know attendees from all parts of the country in a relaxed, informal setting.

Twenty attendees remained on hand to participate in Sunday afternoon’s whitewater rafting trip at Clear Creek, about 1 ½ hours due west of Downtown Denver. “What a great way to end a fantastic Conference experience in Denver!” said one drenched and exhilarated rafter. “I feel utterly cleansed.”

Comments from Feedback Forms
Response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive regarding the Conference’s timing, its location, choice of hotel, schedule of events, moderators, format, affordability and Trade Show. The most popular optional activities were Saturday evening’s baseball game, Thursday’s Facility Bus Tour, and the Certified Arena Operator Class. Recommendations from existing operators called for more small and informal roundtable sessions (limited to ten participants) to encourage more depth, disclosure and familiarity among attendees. Others voiced a desire to begin Friday’s general programming in the early morning, rather than the afternoon, and to conclude the Conference Saturday night, rather than Sunday. Regarding session topics, prospective startups were extremely positive. Experienced operators, especially returning attendees, suggested offering sessions on more specific programming areas (like birthday parties and camps, as opposed to the more general “Alternate Revenue Streams”), so as to have more advanced, detailed discussion. All this, however, most considered “fine-tuning,” as all attendees submitting feedback indicated they would attend another USIndoor Conference, citing the significant value of the networking and learning opportunities.

Other Testimonials From:

Existing Operators
“Loved the bus tour again!”
“The meeting of like-minded people and professionals exchanging ideas for the betterment of the sport was my favorite part of the conference.”
“Everything was great, and our expectations regarding keynote speakers are VERY high!”
“Regarding the roundtable discussions, this was one of the meetings I obtained the best results.”
“The aspects of the conference I liked the most were finding out what new and creative programs other facilities are offering... and Ruby!’
“Ruby’s program peaks my interest in what my business can do for my employees, customers and community. Inspiring!”
“The conference had some great offerings. I have made a few contacts and am working on some additional revenue streams that were introduced to us through groups like Lil’ Kickers and Zoom Media.”

Startups
“This is our second USIndoor Conference. The diversity of the programs is great, and the facility tours are always good, in addition to the tradeshow and breakout sessions!”
“Bus tour very interesting… good sites chosen. Hotel was in a great location, and the food was excellent. The Rockies game was fun, too!”
“I liked the organization of the conference, Frank Cuzzi’s presentation, and the bus tour! I came away with new ideas about implementations inside the stadium, and I really enjoyed the tour of the Rapids stadium!”
“I enjoyed the meeting tremendously. The presenters were very helpful and the format was great… Maybe the sessions can be a bit longer to gain more information.”
“I have no doubt that more members will want to come back year after year making it an annual event.”

As in years past, USIndoor will build on the positive and make adjustments where appropriate. Attendees who have not yet had an opportunity to provide feedback may still do so via e-mail. Input towards the 2008 Conference is also welcome from those who were unable to attend this year

Exhibitors
“One of the best conferences I have been to. We generated a lot of excitement (and business) among your members.”
“I was impressed by the attendees’ enthusiasm for all opportunities.”
“The format was great and exhibit time just right.”
The Conference was very well organized and professionally run.”

Looking Back and Ahead:
Since USIndoor’s initiating programming in late 1999, USIndoor Members can be very proud of our industry achievements:

• Facility membership comprises well over half the indoor soccer industry and continues to climb.
• Cost-saving programs, particularly in Insurance (The Monument Sports Group), have been widely successful. Other affinity programs introduced just within the past year provide benefits in: Human Resources (O2HR), Utilities Management (Affiliated Power Purchasers International) and Office Supplies (Office DEPOT).
• With two new hires in the past year and a more active Advisory Board, USIndoor is better positioned to serve its members needs through educational programming (like its Certified Operator Program and Teleconference Series), enhancements to its Annual Facility Operators Conference, and general communications (USIndoor.com, facility e-newsletter, referee e-newsletter, etc.)
• GOAL Indoor (USIndoor’s national magazine) enjoys nationwide popularity and continues to expand its circulation, bringing increased recognition and appeal to the sport of indoor soccer.
• The Official Rules of Indoor Soccer, becoming more and more the accepted standard, is in its second printing and represents the core curriculum of USIndoor-certified referees.
• A specialized Referee Training Program, which continues to broaden its outreach, further supports the quality and integrity of the game and includes medical and liability insurance for certified officials.
• USIndoor’s alliance with Zoom Media Corp., representing several million dollars of 3rd-party investment in back-lit advertising boards and installations in about 75 member facilities as of this writing, positions members even more positively to attract local and national advertisers using signage and sampling.
• Seven successful national conferences (2001-2007) have demonstrated an ability to grow, as well as USIndoor’s eagerness to respond to the needs of its members and the marketplace.

USIndoor’s goals for the remainder of 2007 and into 2008 are to ensure the successful launches of the CAO Program’s Teleconference Series and new Corporate Members, O2HR and Office DEPOT; to build on existing programs, such as the National Conference and CAO and Referee Certifications; to develop a national marketing presence; to widen membership to more multi-sport venues; and to continue to explore opportunities to enhance member value. For members wishing to become more involved, volunteers are desired on committees established to explore the possibility of a USIndoor national tournament, to help design an individual membership program, and to provide input toward an online password-protected facility members’ area within USIndoor.com. Additionally, plans are underway for USIndoor’s 2008 Conference sometime in June, likely near or within the United States’ Eastern Seaboard. You may expect an announcement this summer!

USIndoor remains dedicated to serving its members’ best interests. Thank you for your commitment to all that USIndoor represents and for your involvement and support where possible.

Respectfully submitted,

Don Shapero
President

United States Indoor Soccer Association
P.O. Box 6569
Arlington, Virginia 22206
703-820-2810
509-357-7096 (Fax)
info@usindoor.com