Itinerary
Pricing
Hotel,
Air Travel and Rental Cars
USIndoor’s
Sixth Annual Facility Operators’ Conference
takes place at the Marriott
Quorum in Dallas, Texas. Attendees will appreciate
Dallas’ central geography, easily accessible through USIndoor’s
official travel partner, American
Airlines. Likewise, the Marriott is ideally situated
in northern Dallas on the edge of Addison, one of Dallas’ most
popular areas for food, entertainment, recreation, and shopping
(visit The
Galleria)—all within an easy walk or shuttle ride
from the hotel. Eight (8) of the area’s fourteen (14) indoor
soccer centers are within 17 miles, as are both popular airports
(Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Love Field), Downtown
Dallas and the brand new stadium of the MLS’ FC Dallas.
At $69/night and with special programs designed for recreational
facility owners, startups, managers, staff, spouses and kids,
USIndoor’s 2006 Facility Operators’ Conference offers a long
weekend of learning, networking, good food, entertainment and
sightseeing in one of America’s most diverse and historical
settings—from Fort Worth’s “Old West” motif to Downtown Dallas’
“West End.” Attendees are encouraged to bring their families,
arrive early and stay late to take advantage of all Dallas has
to offer. Guests may visit Discover
Dallas for a list of additional options displayed
by the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Facility
Bus Tour
Thursday, June 22
(SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQ’D.)
On
Thursday, June 22nd, the Conference kicks off with a guided
Bus Tour to local indoor recreational facilities,
stopping for lunch at “Love
& War in Texas” for some authentic Texas-style cuisine.
Whether you are an existing operator looking for new ideas,
a startup trying to envision your dream and pick up some pointers,
or someone simply interested in learning more about the industry,
the Bus Tour is right for you. Offered the day before the Conference
officially begins, the Bus Tour requires a separate registration
and sells out every year, so be sure to register as soon as
possible.
Experienced Operators’ Symposium
Friday, June 23
(INVITATION-ONLY)
NEW
THIS YEAR, the Conference will host on Friday,
June 23rd, a special full-day, Invitation-Only Symposium
for experienced operators and their staff. The Symposium
is limited to the first 30 facilities to register. Conference
registration, USIndoor membership and minimum experience limits
(tbd) are prerequisites. A limited number of seats will be made
available to otherwise qualified applicants, who are able to
demonstrate an experience beyond their years, subject to committee
approval. Qualified attendees may expect to receive their invitation,
along with additional details, by mid-March or pre-register
anytime (without obligation) by writing to admin@usindoor.com
with complete contact information, maximum number of affiliated
attendees and their status (i.e., owner, manager, staff with
job title.) Facilitated by USIndoor president Don Shapero, the
Symposium will consist of a combination of simultaneous roundtable
discussions and general forums on topics, which attendees determine
in advance and “on the fly.” Attendees will be encouraged to
bring materials for exchange, and all will be expected to contribute
their share: I.e., to give, in order to receive. No vendors
will be permitted, except under extraordinary circumstances
and with advance committee approval. Breakfast and lunch are
included.
The
Main Event: Trade Show and Meetings
Friday–Sunday, June 23–25
Learning sessions are divided into two separate tracks: one
customized for existing operators and the other designed for
startups. Operators unable to attend Friday’s Symposium will
be invited to roundtable sessions entitled, “Bring 3
Ideas,” while those in any of the planning or developmental
stages are attending “Intro for Startups,”
each beginning in the afternoon. The Conference Trade
Show opens Friday evening with the President’s Cocktail
Reception, sponsored by The Monument Sports Group,
and continues through mid-day Saturday. For existing facilities,
startups and providers, the Trade Show is a must-see for keeping
up on the latest trends affecting your business. Exhibitors
run the gamut: from retail merchandisers to construction, from
insurance to synthetic turf, from financial services to soccer
boards, from coin-operated machines to software, from soccer
programming to multi-sport consultants. And it’s not just soccer.
All providers for the indoor sports industry are welcome and
encouraged to attend. Click 2006 Trade Show Exhibitors and Sponsors.
The balance of Saturday and Sunday consists of the Conference’s
core programming, with roundtable sessions and lectures moderated
by fellow operators and industry leaders, and optional social
programs Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Dallas Cup Executive
Director and former World Indoor Soccer League and Dallas Sidekicks
president Gordon Jago will be Saturday’s keynote
speaker during Saturday’s General Session. Count on lively,
interactive discussions, as previous year’s roundtable topics
have included general operations, employee management, alternative
uses, marketing, concessions, administrative software, merchandising,
strategic planning, market feasibility, in-house tournaments,
referees and competitive issues.
Cocktails and meals on the Itinerary are included with registration,
as indicated, with a specially-prepared “Taste of Texas”
luncheon as the centerpiece on Saturday. Click for a complete
Itinerary.
Plus,
Plus …
An
exciting evening of fun kicks off on Saturday, beginning with
dinner, live music and bull riding at the famous Billy
Bob’s Texas (main act Charlie Robison) near the Stockyards
in Fort
Worth. Artists having made previous visits to Billy
Bob’s during June include Willie Nelson, Crystal Gale, Johnny
Rivers, Heart, The Bellamy Brothers, Asleep at the Wheel, and
lots more well-known acts. Sit back and enjoy the music and
local flavor, or meander through the shops and saloons on Exchange
Avenue. Just be sure not to miss the bus for the return trip.
Sunday’s excursion, by contrast, may seem a little more refined,
with travel to Dallas’ West
End for lunch at Dick’s
Last Resort and attractions like the infamous Sixth
Floor Museum at the Texas School Book Depository
in Dealey Plaza and Nasher Sculpture Garden within walking distance.
For different tastes, the Dallas World Aquarium or Zoo is just
a short trip from there by Dallas’ light rail system, DART.
Besides
the planned excursions, options for viewing the World
Cup, which will be completing Group Matches and entering
the Round of 16, will be available. Additionally, attendees
with an extra day or two can venture out to indoor soccer facilities
not included on Thursday’s Bus Tour, Six Flags over Texas or
the Dallas Museum of Art. For additional suggestions or assistance
planning your trip, please visit or call the Dallas
Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-232-5527 or 214-571-1000.
Registration
Building
on prior year’s successes, USIndoor’s 2006 Facility Operator’s
Conference is poised to be the biggest non-sporting event the
industry has ever known,. (See the 2005
Conference Report for more about the history of the USIndoor
Conference.) Take advantage of Early Registration rates (good
through May 15th) and ensure yourself a place at special events
(while seats last) by making your reservations today. Special
rates for USIndoor members, including for managers, startups,
staff and exhibitors are available as follows:
