Ten lucky attendees were selected as winners of ABC's first-time attendee contest, and won free full-conference registrations, valued at $449 each. Entrants were required to answer a short survey, and explain why they felt they should receive a free registration.
Respondents were anxious to attend for a variety of reasons, including professional development, access to the trade show, networking opportunities, and assistance in building both collegiate and community recreation and fitness programs.
One winner with budgetary constraints is now able to attend, saying "I am constantly seeking opportunities to network with other athletics, fitness and recreation professionals, but I will be unable to take advantage of the full ABC without the free conference registration. Attending ABC would allow me to continue to network with others and implement continuous performance improvement based on current standards and trends within the field." Another said, "I am constantly seeking the industry's best professional development opportunities that will help strengthen our organization and advance my professional skill set. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to receive my first ABC conference registration free and start what I believe will be a long tradition of supporting the conference and related Athletic Business efforts."
ABC congratulates the winners:
- Sean Gennaro DePalma, Parks & Recreation Manager IV, Broward County Parks & Recreation
- Karen Fahlman, Manager, Fitness + Lifestyle Center, University of Regina
- Brian Nicholas Arnold, Campus Recreation Director, Gardner-Webb University
- Daniel Kane, Owner, Legacy Sports Camp
- Jeremy Ludlum, Facilities/Program Director, Williston Parks & Recreation District
- Dwayne Douglas, Owner, Hunger 4 Fitness LLC
- Keith Hernstrom, Senior Assistant Director of Campus Recreation, Centers LLC at Marshall University
- Matt Beck, Parks & Recreation Supervisor, City of Enid, Oklahoma
- Jennifer Sisk, Recreation Supervisor, City of Port Orange Parks & Recreation
- Baylee Nelson, Recreation Coordinator, Williston Parks & Recreation District
