The ABC staff is excited to announce the winners of ABC's First-Time Attendee Contest. The 10 lucky winners receive a free full-conference registration, valued at $449. Entrants answered a short survey and explained why they felt they deserved a free registration.
Many reasons were given for wanting to attend ABC, from expanding knowledge and connections within the fitness industry to creating new vendor relationships to learning more about the business-oriented side of the athletic and recreation profession.
"I am in search of methods to improve my management skills and creating a culture with employees who believe and support in our mission, so that we can provide better service and experiences for our customers," says one entrant. "While many conferences offer one or two sessions that I may find applicable, this is the one that seems to hit on all of my current needs as a professional, including fitness, leadership, management, marketing and customer service."
Another entrant is looking forward to the trade show. "I am interested in spending time in the trade show interacting with vendors to stay current on new equipment and technology. Each year our department purchases up to $200,000 in new fitness/weight equipment to provide our students and members the latest and greatest workout equipment. I will also look to interact with climbing wall and artificial turf vendors."
One winner with budgetary constraints is now able to attend, saying "Money is tighter than ever and I believe attending the Athletic Business Conference would be a great opportunity. Our budgets have been cut for the past two years and I am continually looking for ways to stretch our dollars."
"More than 40 people entered the contest, so selecting the 10 winners was difficult this year," says Conference and CEU Manager Becky Walker Sobeck, who manages the program. "There were many outstanding entries."
ABC congratulates the winners:
- Allison Sidner Brown, Assistant Director for Fitness, Wellness & Activity Programs, University of Arizona
- Leigh Cavalli, Supervisor of Fitness & Performance Services, LiveWell Fitness Center/National Training Center
- Sara Do, Pro Shop Manager/Assistant Facility Manager, Boston University Fitness & Recreation Center
- Melissa Fadler, Associate Director of Marketing & Promotions, Sam Houston State University Recreational Sports
- Bradley Greer, Recreation Coordinator, Town of Queen Creek, Ariz.
- Brooke Matula, Sports Director, South Texas Regional Adaptive and Paralympic Sport
- Chris Muller, Associate Director of Campus Recreation, The University of Texas at Arlington
- Katie Robinson, Assistant Director, Member & Guest Services, Centers LLC at Cleveland State University
- Amanda Smith, Aquatics Manager, Murray City (Utah) Parks and Recreation
- Charissa Weiher, Fitness & Membership Manager, Streamwood (Ill.) Park District
