2003 USIndoor Facility Operators’

Conference Report

September 5-7
Las Vegas Indoor Soccer
Las Vegas, NV

USIndoor thanks its local host, Las Vegas Indoor Soccer ,its Roundtable Moderators, its Exhibitors, and Sponsors (SRI Sports, Becker Arena Products, Summit Structures and The Monument Sports Group) for making this Third Annual Event a great success. In just three years, the Conference has grown approximately 30% and extended its reach across North America:

At the 2003 Conference, USIndoor announced three national sponsorships for facility members (with Kellogg’s, Starburst, and Vienna Hotdogs) and introduced several new programs, taking advantage of USIndoor’s growing membership and market strength. Conference host, Las Vegas Indoor Soccer, ran a national tournament, which observers largely agreed was the most competitive amateur indoor soccer event ever held. Attracted by the growing turnout of startups and existing facility owners, exhibitors, representing options in building, equipment, software, merchandising, marketing, sales, operations and more, covered more product and service areas than ever before. Feedback after the Conference was exceptionally positive, including constructive criticism certain to make the Conference even better next year.

The core itinerary of the Conference, held at the luxurious JW Marriott Resort Spa, & Golf, consisted of five Roundtable discussions, occurring simultaneously and lasting approximately 1½ hours, for five Sessions over Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (See Itinerary.) Topics designed for separate tracts entitled, “Competition,” “Startups” and “Existing Facilities” included: Building Process, Writing the Business Plan, Financing, Employee Management, Management Software, Marketing to Players, Marketing to Advertisers, Insurance, Merchandising, Tournaments, General Operations, Alternate Uses, Referees, Interfacility Leagues and Revenue Programs. Exhibitors were also invited to participate. While notes are available for some of the Roundtables, we are unable to include them here.

COMMENTS FROM CONFIDENTIAL FEEDBACK FORMS:

“I liked most the interaction among facilities – networking and brainstorming. The Friday session, ‘Bring Three Ideas,’ was a great way to kick off the Conference and get everybody’s ideas rolling.”

“The Hotel was first rate – good service, beautiful rooms, relaxing! Las Vegas is easy to get to and popular.”

“The USIndoor Network is an outstanding program, in which we can’t wait to participate.”

“The Conference is an excellent opportunity to establish comaradarie, business relationships, and exchange of information. USIndoor has done an excellent job and I am sure next year’s Conference will be even bigger.”

Of course, USIndoor will build on the positive feedback and make adjustments where appropriate. Some suggested modifications include organizing an entire day exclusively for existing facility owners, eliminating the Saturday dinner in favor of a social hour, and encouraging more exchange of session outlines and facility brochures. Attendees who have not yet had an opportunity to submit their feedback may still do so via Email, and input for 2004 is also welcome from those who were unable to attend this year.

2004 AND BEYOND

USIndoor’s 2004 Conference will be hosted by RexPlex, featured in the Deceember 2002 issue of GOAL Indoor and located just outside of New York City in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Plans include a Bus Tour to neighboring facilities and roundtable sessions targetted separately to existing and startup facilities – all in the backdrop of “The Big Apple.” FACILITIES AND PROMOTERS MAY APPLY TO HOST THE 2005 CONFERENCE BY SUBMITTING A HOST APPLICATION BY MARCH 15, 2004.

2003 CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Besides the wisdom and experience exchanged, which will undoubtedly have meaningful impact on almost every participant’s plans and operations, our ability to effectuate national strategies, dedicated to preserving and growing our business and our sport, will be most important in the long run. USIndoor’s mission is clear: To support its members however it can and, in so doing, promote the game of indoor soccer. USIndoor expects to promote this end by helping members reduce their costs and by creating revenue opportunities for them.

The Conference highlighted the following national facility programs:

1. USIndoor Network Announces Three (3) National Programs: Within one year of its launch, the USIndoor Network proudly introduced revenue programs with Kellogg’s, Starburst and Vienna Hotdogs. Kellogg’s and Starburst are sampling programs, offering cash compensation and free products. With Vienna, facilities receive a free steamer ($400 value), attractive menu signage, and rebates on premium quality products empirically proven to increase sales. The programs involving Kellogg’s and Starburst will take place during this Fall, and facilities may sign up with Vienna anytime.

For any new program to have successfully negotiated three sponsorships in the current business climate represents quite remarkable progress. We need your support! Aside from the immediate benefits in remuneration and goodwill for you and your customers, we urge facilities to take part in these programs to demonstrate to prospective sponsors the strength and reality of the indoor soccer market. Your participation will enable USIndoor to negotiate bigger and bigger deals toward our long-term goal of generating substantial new revenue for the industry. In case of questions or to find out how to participate, please call or email USIndoor’s Director of Marketing, George Gill, at 312-321-4775 or marketing@usindoor.com.

2. USIndoor Direct: The goal of USIndoor Direct is to give USIndoor members access to price breaks and professional art design on print and sales materials that only major corporations with distributions in the hundreds of thousands can typically enjoy. In coordination with Kelley Communications Group (whose work members are already becoming familiar through USIndoor’s new look), USIndoor Direct will achieve this result by organizing print-runs during the course of USIndoor members’ business cycle throughout the year. Facilities may request additional information by e-mailing usindoordirect@kcg1.com or expect to receive a survey and additional promotions via the Internet. Click Here For Presentation.

3. Member Cards and Credit Card Transactions: Addressing issues raised at the 2002 Conference, USIndoor introduced several new programs offered by outside industry professionals. Two of them involved member cards and credit card transactions.

a) BadgingSolutions. Through BadgingSolutions, USIndoor members may order pre-printed member cards or purchase a package, including equipment and software, to make the cards themselves. For ease, facilities can show off their USIndoor membership by selecting from several attractive layouts that are professionally designed, incorporate the USIndoor logo, and are exclusively available through BadgingSolutions. For additional information, see the back cover ad in this September’s GOAL Indoor or call Scotty Fletcher at 800-931-2995.

b) First National Merchant Solutions. FNMS has not only capped credit card Member rates for Visa and MasterCard at 1.7% (for on-site sales), but its offer to meet or beat members’ current rates is backed by a $100 guarantee. Simple and cost-effective, FNMS’ program can handle all your credit card transactions – whether in person, by telephone or over the Internet – without the need for any other third-party vendor. For additional information, members may e-mail USIndoor or call FNMS directly at 800-354-3988.

4. Benefits of Membership: Among other things, benefits of membership include eligibility for USIndoor's Insurance Program, the USIndoor Network, USIndoor Direct, specially negotiated rates with FNMS, and discounts on GOAL Indoor and the National Conference. To become a USIndoor Member or to renew your membership before rates increase in 2004, please apply online. Prospective Corporate Members may CLICK HERE for more information.

CONCLUSION

Since USIndoor’s founding in 1998 and initiation of programming in late 1999, we can be very proud of our industry achievements:

• Facility membership has tripled since 2001 and is up 50% since 2002;
  The USIndoor Network has seen early success in attracting three national sponsorships from which members can benefit immediately;
• Cost-saving programs, particularly in Insurance, have been widely successful;
  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, becoming more and more the accepted standard, is about to commence its second printing;
• A specialized Referee Training Program, which continues to broaden its outreach, further supports the quality and integrity of the game; and
  We have now held three successful national conferences, which have each year demonstrated USIndoor’s eagerness to respond to the express needs of its members and the marketplace.

USIndoor’s goal for 2004 is to fortify our existing programs and to continue to explore opportunities to enhance the value of membership. Among other things, USIndoor will be looking at expanding member benefits and issues including territorial protections and pre-paid legal services. As always, USIndoor welcomes and encourages input and feedback from its members. 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
1340 N. Great Neck Road, Suite 1272-142
Virginia Beach, VA 23454-2268
703-820-2810
509-357-7096 (Fax)
info@usindoor.com

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