USIndoor 2005 Facility Operators Conference

Hotel, Air Travel and Rental Cars

USIndoor’s Fifth Annual Facility Operators’ Conference promises to be the best yet. Moving from the fall to the beginning of the summer, and with programming (and special pricing) designed for recreational facility owners, startups, managers, staff, spouses and kids, the 2005 Conference offers a long weekend of learning, networking, good food, entertainment and sightseeing in one of America’s most cultural settings. Attendees are encouraged to bring their families, arrive early and stay late to take advantage of all “The Windy City” has to offer.

Working in conjunction with the Greater Woodfield Sports Council, USIndoor extends this year’s guests a family-friendly itinerary, including hotel shuttle service to the Woodfield Mall and Metrorail, dining at such eateries as Gino’s East, evening entertainment at The Second City, Chicago’s famous comedy theater, and a Riverboat Tour along Lake Michigan and the Chicago River through downtown Chicago. Lest those more business-oriented feel left out, besides a healthy spate of roundtable sessions and lectures moderated by fellow operators and industry leaders, the Conference itinerary includes a guided Bus Tour to local recreational facilities, a Trade Show and “Taste of Chicago,” when the rest of the family is out enjoying the city.

As in the past, sessions will be divided into two main tracts: one for existing operators and the other for startups. Previous year’s 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. Click for a complete Itinerary or for a list of the 2005 Trade Show Exhibitors.

This year’s host hotel is the elegant yet affordable Wyndham Northwest Chicago ($79/night until June 1st), conveniently located about 20 minutes from O’Hare and 45 minutes from Midway International Airports, in Itasca, Illinois, a well-known suburb of Chicago. All events either take place at, or embark from, the Wyndham, so attendees need not worry about getting around or getting lost. Personal assistance and volunteer guides, provided by the Greater Woodfield Sports Commission, will also be available to assist with local travel needs, questions and general hospitality.

Building on prior year’s successes, USIndoor’s 2005 Facility Operator’s Conference is poised to be the biggest non-sporting event the industry has ever known,. (See the 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 Conference Reports for more about the history of the USIndoor Conference.) Pre-Register to take advantage of lower advance rates 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:

* Conference registration is not a prerequisite for partaking in optional programs.

Arrangements may be made to fly into and out of Midway (MDW) and O’Hare (ORD) International Airports. Midway and O’Hare are 30 and 12 miles, respectively, from the Wyndham. (Click Here for Details.)

USIndoor has blocked rooms at the Wyndham at an amazing $79/night rate (compared to $152 standard rate), subject to availability. Amenities include: Shuttle to neighboring destinations; Shula’s Steak House, health club, pool, business center, free parking, ByRequest perks (free Internet and long distance calling) and more. Guests may make reservations by telephone (800-996-3426 or 630-773-4000) or via www.wyndham.com. Be sure to mention “USIndoor” to obtain the specially negotiated rate. (Stay posted for special rates on airfare and rental car arrangements.)

The Conference will begin with the Bus Tour on Thursday morning, June 23rd. Friday will consist of separate orientation sessions for existing operators and for startups and, thereafter, a welcome reception and Trade Show in the Wyndham Exhibition Hall. The next day’s activities will begin early Saturday, which will include a full day of sessions and a continuation of the Trade Show, which will close after lunch. Those registered for the entertainment package will take part in evening activities in the City. Sunday will begin with a working breakfast and conclude with the Riverboat Cruise in the afternoon for those registered. For further details, see Itinerary.

Questions

Technical questions may be addressed to Brian Mulhall at the Wyndham (630-775-1468), Kelly Hartman at the Greater Woodfield Sports Council (800-847-4849), or to USIndoor at info@usindoor.com. Please include your name, company name, address, and telephone number in all correspondence.