By Armand Gutierrez, President
The FWSA 93rd Annual Convention (SkiCon) was held from 12-15 June, in San Diego, CA. This was my third time attending (13-15 June) in two capacities: 1) to assist Gloria Raminha (VP International Travel) with the International Travel booth, and 2) to provide NSC delegate representation. As a delegate representing NSC I attended various seminars, entitled to make nominations for the various open positions (I didn’t) and to vote during the elections (I did). The photo shows a partial shot of a banner of all the Historic Ski Clubs.
Saturday kicked off with a morning continental breakfast and a brief general meeting. The remainder of the day offered a variety of programs of interest (a Canva workshop, Public Affairs Panel, and the Paint the Town Red session for those with an artistic talent. The Snowsports Leadership Academy had two seminars: The Membership Multiplier: Modern Marketing for Ski and Snowboard Clubs, and The Snowball Effect: Turning Small Efforts into Big Fundraising Wins.
I attended the two seminars and learned a few things about what works for recruiting new members and how fundraising can bring in revenue for a club. Of the two seminars the Membership Multiplier was the most informative since our focus is on increasing our membership. The evening concluded with the Awards Banquet & Dance. For some this is a formal event with tuxes and gowns, and for others (including myself) a little less formal.
Sunday was devoted to FWSA board nominations/elections, and presentation of various Council and club awards (including the FWSA Outstanding Club Web Site Award). Last year NSC placed 3rd in the Novice category, and this year we moved up a notch to 2ndd place. Once again I was amazed and impressed by the passion and volunteerism by the many attendees. Not only the FWSA board, but by the various clubs and their delegates. Next year’s FWSA Convention is being held in South Lake Tahoe. Well, that’s not official but I was listening to a South Lake Tahoe exhibitor and she mentioned that they might be hosting the convention. Like I said, nothing official.
