USBC Association Leadership Conference June 26 - June 27, 2008 Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel Orlando, FL	Copyright ©2008 Rosen Shingle Creek All rights reserved.

Association Leadership Conference attendees see bowling industry through own eyes

About 40 local and state association officials from around the country learned first-hand the latest information about USBC and the bowling industry June 26-27 by attending the Association Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla.

Attendees spent the first day at the trade show in conjunction with the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America's International Bowl Expo at the Orange County Convention Center. They saw for themselves what it takes for the business of bowling to run smoothly while learning the latest trends and meeting many of today's bowling stars.

The next day at Rosen's Shingle Creek Hotel, they heard from USBC President Jeff Bojé and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Dornberger about topics such as Bowling's Clash of Champions, the Registered Volunteer Program, USBC membership dues, the move to Texas and changes in USBC's awards/recognition program.

Later, pro bowlers Norm Duke and Mike Machuga were on hand as part of a Bowl Like the Pros presentation which included autographs. Interactive sessions on League and Tournament Formats That Grow the Sport, Idea Exchange and Building a Board That Gets Things Done wrapped up the day.

"I liked the league and tournament formats session," said Daytona Beach (Fla.) USBC Bowling Association President-Elect Bob Provancher. "We're losing memberships like everyone else. This gives us ideas to take back and try to form some new possible formats."

"I really enjoyed this," said Staten Island (N.Y.) USBC and New York State Women's Bowling Association Director Liz DeHart. "We live in different states but we all have the same issues. I liked the league play session. We'll definitely try some new things. I liked the relaxed atmosphere of the small groups. I also liked the pros."

"I really enjoyed the Bowl Like the Pros session," said Randall Wilson of the Smoky Mountain (Tenn.) USBC. "Hopefully we can take that back and get our proprietors involved."