Source Spotlight: USBC Convention
USBC Convention
Many have heard of the USBC Convention, but have never experienced it or know exactly what it’s all about. Here to solve that issue is USBC Director of Association Development Mike Larsen.
Mike recently sat down with us to answer a few questions about the USBC Convention.
To those who have never been, what’s the USBC Convention all about?
The USBC Convention is our national annual meeting for the members and associations, similar to a company’s annual shareholder meeting. Local and state delegates from all around the country come to the three-day event to help make decisions about the future of the organization and also to attend seminars to help improve their local and/or state association. We average around 1,000 guests that attend each year.
What are some of the highlights of the USBC Convention?
There are quite a few things that are really exciting about the USBC Convention. Besides voting on amendments and electing board members, it’s also a time to honor and recognize people who have earned awards on the national level. From Youth Stars of Tomorrow (Alberta E. Crowe and Chuck Hall award recipients) to newly inducted Hall of Fame members, it is special to be a part of recognizing these bowlers. The recognition of the charitable donations made by all of the associations is always a touching moment, as well. The Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) and Bowl for the Cure also are presented with their funds on behalf of the entire organization.
What are some of the seminars featured this year?
The exciting stuff for our team is the seminars we get to put on for the delegates in attendance. We really try to make it a fun opportunity to work with the local leaders by providing them information and collaborating on what activities and ideas they can take back to implement in their community to improve bowling. This year, there is a big focus on the Association Performance Standards, with a handful of seminars covering that new program. In addition, the standard rules seminar always is popular, and this year we have a Leadership seminar and Planning for Action seminar that already have a lot of people signed up.
Can anyone go to the USBC Convention?
Just about, since the Convention is open to any USBC member. There are two sets of members who are entitled to attend as a delegate, athlete delegates and local/state association delegates. Local/state association delegates are elected at their local and state meetings to attend as a representative of their association; athlete delegates are comprised of the elite level bowlers at a few of the national level tournaments, including the USBC Open Championships, Women’s Championships, Junior Gold Championships and Team USA Trials.
Where can I find out more information about the USBC Convention?
BOWL.com/Convention has most of your needs covered in that regard, from the proposed amendments, seminar schedule and slate of board candidates. If anyone has any other questions, Mike Donahue is our guru at the office for all registration-related questions and he can be contacted for help.