Change Notes
| October 23, 2009 | Update session topics |
| September 12, 2009 | Announce session topics |
| September 9, 2009 | Extend Early-bird special to September 22, 2009 |
| August 31, 2009 | Announce conference dates, location, theme.
General Schedule. |
This conference is being organized a bit differently that many prior years. As portions of the conference
come together the changes will be noted on this page.
Conference Summary
A Letter from the Conference Chair
Hi Folks,
I hope that everyone is having a great and profitable summer! In our part of the US, we have seen a wet summer which is a welcome change from the drought of previous years. I am looking forward to seeing everyone and hearing about your season! PIA’s annual conference, as always, focuses on finding and implementing ways to improve your businesses’ bottom line. This year"s conference will be less formal than in past years, and will include a healthy dose of time to network, catch up with friends (new and old), and have some fun! A general schedule is included below.
Our keynote speaker will be Tom Shay - Strategies to Win in 2010: If George Patton ran your business. Those of you that have attended the Paddlesports school will be familiar with him as an excellent instructor. His background is in small business and it should be a very instructive keynote address.
The conference this year will be November 9th-12th at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park (LCSRP), near Jamestown, KY. LCSRP is an excellent resort facility on Lake Cumberland. Paddling opportunities include lake paddling and the possibility of a river trip below Wolf Creek Dam if there is a release. Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, disc golf, game room, mini-golf, nature trails, playground, tennis courts, volleyball court, etc. The facility itself is smaller than many of the venues that we have been in recently, so we should have no trouble finding each other for informal get-togethers. Meals will be buffet style with a private dining area set aside for us. We will able to do our traditional bonfire and cookout. Kentucky in November is generally dry, cool, sunny days (highs in the 50's-low 60's), with nights around freezing. The fall foliage will be mostly on the ground, so the hiking trails have good views of the lake and rock formations.
By cutting out some of our overhead, we have been able to bring the cost of the conference down to $299/person if you register before September 15th. There is a 10% discount for the 3rd or more people, so bringing your key staff is more economical than ever. We also have special pricing for vendors and non-participating companions. Vendor booth costs have been dramatically reduced and we hope that will entice more vendors to the trade show. The pricing includes all meals while the conference is in session. Lodging is extremely economical at $60.00/night for the lodge rooms; $125/night for a chalet with fireplace. For something really different, rent a four bedroom house boat for $200 per night!
I appreciate everyone’s understanding of this information getting out so late in the season. With the change in leadership of PIA, a number of people have been stepping up to make sure that PIA is there to support you and your paddlesports business. This is in addition to running their own business. Now that we are close to the end of summer, it is time to start getting ready to get ready for next year, and the PIA conference is (or should be) your first step! Remember to register early for the early bird discount! I am looking forward to seeing everyone!
Rick Egedi “Smurff”, PIA Conference Chair
Conference Information
| Where | Lake Cumberland State Resort Park near Jamestown, KY |
| When | November 9-12, 2009 |
| Theme | How to Win with the Hand You are Dealt:
Tips and Strategies for Prospering in an Economy That Isn"t |
| Session Topics | Click here to view Session Topics |
| Iteneray |
| Monday, November 9, 2009 |
| 10:00-5:00 pm | Tour of Jackson Kayaks by Eric Jackson.
Transportation provided. |
| 4:00-7:00 pm | Check in and registration |
| 7:00 | President’s Reception/outdoor cookout |
| Tuesday, November 10, 2009 |
| 8:00 am | Registration (all day) |
| 8:00-9:00 | Breakfast |
| 9:15 | Session I |
| 10:45 | Break |
| 11:00 | PIA Annual Meeting |
| 12:30 | Break |
| 12:45 | Lunch |
| 2:00-3:30 | Session II |
| 3:30 | Break |
| 3:45-5:00 | Session III |
| 6:00-7:00 | Dinner |
| 7:00-9:00 | Mini Golf Team Competition |
| Wednesday, November 11, 2009 |
| 8:00 | Breakfast |
| 9:00-5:00 | Paddlesports Industry Trade Show |
| 12:00 | Lunch buffet provided |
| 6:00-7:00 | Dinner/Cracker Barrel |
| 7:00-9:00 | Casino/Auction |
| Thursday, November 12, 2009 |
| 8:00 | Breakfast |
| 9:15 | Session IV |
| 10:45 | Break |
| 11:00 | Session V |
| 12:30 | Break and Check out |
| 12:45 | Lunch |
| 2:00 | On Water Paddle Activity |
|
| Conference Fee* |
Early-bird Special -- Through Sept. 15, 2009 Sept. 22, 2009
- $299/person for the first two
- 10% off for additional attendees
- $150/person - Non-participating companion (all meals)
After September 15, 2009 Sept. 22, 2009
- $325/person
- $175/person - Non-participating companion (all meals)
Vendor Fees:
- $450/person (includes full registration) or $300/booth
- Additional vendor staff $150 for Trade Show and Wed meals
Click here for conference registration form.
|
| Lodging Options |
All prices per night
- Lodge room -- $60 (up to 4)
- 1 BR cottage -- $85
- 2 BR $95
- 2 BR Chalet w/ fireplace -- $125
- Camp sites $15 - $25 (for tents to RVs)
- Houseboat -- $200 (4 BR)
|
| * includes all meals, Monday evening thru Thursday lunch |
