NSAA National Convention & Tradeshow
Savannah International Convention Center
April 30 – May 3, 2014
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah!
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Thanks to Our Sponsors
ACTIVE Network – The Integrated Platform for Growing Revenue and Loyalty
ADG – Your Path to Year-Round Profits
Alpine Shield – Risk Solutions for Mountain Sports and Resorts
AXESS – RFID Designed for North American Resorts
Burton Snowboards – Proudly Supporting Snowboarding at Resorts for Over 35 Years
CNL Lifestyle Properties, Inc. – Owning America’s Lifestyle
Doppelmayr – Upholding a Tradition of Excellence for 120 Years
Head – Enthusiasm Never Stops
HKD Snowmakers – Economic Solutions, Innovative Technology
KneeBinding – Innovative Ski Bindings Mitigate On-the-Job Knee Injuries
Leitner-Poma of America – We Move People
Liftopia – #1 in Online Lift Ticket Sales
Lumiplan – Digital Signage and Mobile App: Real-time Information Systems
MountainGuard – Insuring the Success of the Mountain Resort Industry
PistenBully – Number One Worldwide
PRINOTH – For Perfect Pistes
SMI SnowMakers – Covers the World with Snow
TechnoAlpin USA – From Finding the Water to Delivering the Snow
Wells Fargo & Company – A Diversified Financial Services Company
American Locker – Lockers the Way You Want
Avalanche Ski Wear – A Boutique Uniform Company
IFS – Equipment Financing & Leasing: Great Rates! Seasonal Payments
Inntopia – The Mountain Resorts’ Leading Advanced Reservations Systems
Mountain Uniforms – Custom Built for the Industry
Neveplast – Artificial Ski Slopes and Summer Tubing
Ryan Solutions – Leading the Resort Industry in Database Marketing
SE Group – Strategy First. Results that Last
Siriusware – Salespoint Solutions
SkiData – One Step Ahead!
Snomax – For Positive Effects on Operating Costs and the Environment
The Locker Network – Locker Systems for Every Application
VacationRoost – Central Reservations Expertise and Service
Voxer – The Smart Replacement for 2-way Radios
Wiegand Sports – A World of Slides
1RISK Management Solutions – Use and Access your Data from Everywhere
Active Interest Media Mountain Group – Own the Mountain
BSA Architects: Bull Stockwell Allen – Designing Resorts, Creating Destinations
The Cawley Company – Where the Best Names are Seen
CIEE – The Premier Sponsor of the J1 Work & Travel Visa Program
CWA – Your Best Choice in Cabins
GE Capital, Corporate Finance – Mountain Resort Equipment Loan and Lease Specialists
Geise Engineering – Creating Fun in Snow and Sun
GetSkiTickets.com – Your Online Lift Ticket Partner
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) – Franchise Opportunities for the Resort Industry
Intouch Technology Group – Be Connected
Magic Carpet Lifts – Conveyor Lift Experts for All Seasons
Smarte Carte – Keeping Your Guest’s Valuables Safe and Secure
Star Lifts – Taking You to the Top
TrailCheck – Ski Patrol Incident Reporting Software
WorldPay – Your Trusted Partner in Payments Processing
Schedule at a Glance
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
7:00am - 6:00pm . .................................................................................................................. NSAA Registration Open
8:00am - 1:00pm...................................................................................................................... NSAA Golf Tournament
8:00am - 4:30pm..................................................................................................................... NSAA Committee Meetings
1:30pm - 4:30pm...................................................................................................................... Arrival Day Programs
4:30pm - 5:00pm..................................................................................................................... Annual Business Meeting
5:00pm - 6:00pm..................................................................................................................... Innovation Showcase
6:00pm - 9:00pm..................................................................................................................... Welcome Reception
Thursday, May 1, 2014
7:00am - 5:30pm..................................................................................................................... NSAA Registration Open
7:30am - 8:30am...................................................................................................................... Continental Breakfast
8:30am - 9:45am..................................................................................................................... Opening Keynote
10:00am - 11:15am.................................................................................................................... Sessions
11:00am - 1:30pm...................................................................................................................... Tradeshow Opening Lunch
1:45pm - 3:00pm...................................................................................................................... Sessions
3:15pm - 4:30pm...................................................................................................................... Sessions
4:30pm - 5:30pm . .................................................................................................................. Golden Eagle and Safety Awards Reception
5:30pm - 7:30pm...................................................................................................................... Cocktail Reception in Tradeshow Hall
Friday, May 2, 2014
7:00am - 2:00pm..................................................................................................................... NSAA Registration Open
7:00am - 8:00am..................................................................................................................... Continental Breakfast
6:00am - 10:00am................................................................................................................... Outdoor Adventures
10:00am - 11:15am.................................................................................................................... Morning Keynote
11:30am - 1:00pm...................................................................................................................... Tradeshow Lunch
1:00pm - 2:00pm...................................................................................................................... Concurrent Keynotes
2:15pm - 3:15pm........................................................................................................................ Sessions
3:30pm - 4:30pm..................................................................................................................... Sessions
4:30pm - 5:45pm .................................................................................................................... Marketing Awards Reception
6:30pm - 7:30pm .................................................................................................................... Cocktail Reception
7:30pm - 10:30pm.................................................................................................................... Final Night Party
Saturday, May 3, 2014
8:00am - 10:00am................................................................................................................... Departure Brunch
NSAA GOLF TOURNAMENT
Wednesday, April 30
8 a.m. Shotgun
Savannah and its surrounding region is one of the premier
golfing destinations in the country. In fact, the very first golf
course in America was developed in Savannah. And the Westin
Savannah Harbor & Golf Resort proudly continues this fantastic
golfing tradition.
NSAA’s annual golf tournament is being held at the Westin’s
impeccable 18-hole course adjacent to the hotel, and surrounded by
peaceful coastal marshes. Designed by the legendary pro golfer Sam Snead, the championship course has received a number of
accolades. The course was voted one of the Top 10 New Places to Play Golf by Golf & Travel, awarded a coveted four-star rating by
Golf Digest, and ranked one of the Top 100 Courses in America by Conde Nast. The resort annually hosts the PGA Tour’s Legends of Golf
Classic. (You can sign up for the golf tournament on the Convention registration form.)
And Savannah is also an easy drive to the golfer’s paradise at nearby Hilton Head Island, which is only 20 minutes away, not to
mention the amazing golfing nearby in Charleston, South Carolina, or the famed Augusta National Golf Club two hours to the north. After
a brutal winter, Savannah is perfectly located to escape for an extended golfing retreat.
Arrival Day Programs
Wednesday Afternoon, April 30
Sponsors providing insights and expertise on their products and services
1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
A Sirius Update
Mark Danemann, President, Siriusware
Mark Danemann will present an update on
Siriusware as a company, their software
solutions, and those of accesso as well. These
topics and more will be discussed in a session
designed both for existing and potential
Siriusware users. As always you will have an
opportunity to bring up site-specific topics and
general questions. We hope to see you there!
Best Practices in E-Commerce Pricing
Evan Reece, Co-Founder & CEO, Liftopia
Liftopia’s CEO will share industry benchmarks
on pricing, e-commerce, and distribution
metrics across hundreds of resorts on the
Liftopia platform. Liftopia will showcase how
pricing and the data driven pricing decisions
are the primary drivers of success in any
ecommerce business and present case studies
that are actionable for ski areas of any size.
3:30 – 4:15 p.m.
Voxer – The Smartest 2-Way Radio
to Hit the Slopes
Mia Fagersten Sandvoll, Senior Manager,
Business Development, Voxer
Social Engagement through the RTP|ONE
LivePass Mobile Platform
John Collins, Strategic Sales Executive,
ACTIVE Network
Voxer shares how a smartphone and desktopbased voice and location solution can replace
expensive and limited functionality 2-way radios.
Their globally-patented technology enables
efficient communication amongst management
or seasonal employees for mountain operations,
transportation, and lodging. Live and recorded
audio allows for team capabilities or instant
direct communication. Come see their case
studies and discuss your resort’s communication needs.
ACTIVE’s RTP|ONE LivePass mobile application
provides a unique point of interaction with
your guests. As a platform for social engagement strategies, LivePass helps you develop
engaged guests who are more loyal, will spend
more time and money, and will promote your
brand. See why social engagement is important
to your resort and how LivePass can help you
implement a strategy of your own.
2:30 – 3:15 p.m.
Central Reservations – Strategies
& Opportunities
Jim Barsch, COO, VacationRoost
Is your Central Reservations Service a cost
center? Is it shrinking? Do you feel as if it
is something you “have to do?” Attend this
session to learn how a Central Reservations
Service can help grow skier visits, capture a
greater share of the ski visitor’s spend, and
ultimately increase ski visitor market share.
Experts will discuss how Central Reservations
have improved both their visitor’s experience
and overall mountain experience.
Introduction to Inntopia Responsive
Commerce
Trevor Crist, CEO, Inntopia
Inntopia demonstrates its new responsive
commerce platform, which allows your guests
to book all of your resort products (lift, lessons,
lodging, transportation, and more) from any
device (desktop, tablet, phone) and through
all of your relevant sales channels (online, over
the phone, and through wholesalers and tour
operators). Come learn why so many resorts
are making the move to Inntopia.
Keynote & Featured Speakers
From left to right: Dave
Stillman, Scott Deming,
Congressman Bob Inglis,
USDA Undersecretary,
Robert Bonnie
DAVID STILLMAN
GOP CONGRESSMAN BOB INGLIS
Bridging the Generational Divide
The Conservative Case for Climate Action
David Stillman is the co-founder of BridgeWorks,
a company focused on generational issues in
the marketplace, namely, how to connect with
four generations of customers: Millennials,
Generation Xers, Baby Boomers, and Traditionalists. How can ski resorts ensure that their
marketing initiatives appeal to all ages—and that
each customer’s experience will help engender
a life-long commitment to the sport? Stillman
will address what resorts can do to attract and
retain various demographics, with a focus on
Millennials and Generation Xers—arguably the
most promising markets for the ski industry.
Stillman is the co-author of the bestselling
book, When Generations Collide: Who They
Are. Why They Clash. How to Solve the Generational Puzzle at Work. He has appeared on
CNN, CNBC, and the Today show, and has been
featured in TIME Magazine, Entrepreneur, The
New York Times, and USA Today. Stillman was
recently named to the prestigious list of “Forty
Under 40” by The Business Journal.
Bob Inglis is a staunch Republican who will
discuss the conservative case for action on climate change. Inglis—former U.S. Representative
for South Carolina’s 4th Congressional District—
believes the ski industry is on the frontlines of
climate change because it is among the first to
experience the consequences. He will discuss
why it’s important for everyone, regardless
of political persuasion, to get behind climate
action.
Inglis asserts that conservatives should
heed facts and science, and accept that climate
change is caused by human activities and poses
significant risks. In 2012 he launched the Energy
and Enterprise Initiative (E&EI), a nationwide
public engagement campaign promoting conservative and free enterprise solutions to energy
and climate challenges. E&EI supports energy
policies that are aligned with conservative
principles of limited government, accountability,
reasonable risk-avoidance, and free enterprise.
SCOTT DEMING
Emotional Brand-Building
Scott Deming is an international keynote speaker, business trainer, author, and leading authority on brand building and creating the ultimate
customer experience. He is the owner of RCI,
a marketing company that has won numerous
awards for client and employee programs,
including Business Journal’s “Most Inspiring
Business of the Year.” An expert in “emotional
brand-building,” Deming will discuss what
resorts can do to resonate with customers on a
personal level—giving them reasons to connect
with the skiing and snowboarding experience
as something more meaningful than merely
spending a day on the slopes.
Deming has been interviewed for his unique
approach to brand building on national television and radio, and has been published in
Newsweek, Sales and Service Excellence, Inc.,
Entrepreneur Magazine, and in his best-selling
book The Brand Who Cried Wolf.
USDA UNDERSECRETARY
ROBERT BONNIE
Partnerships in Recreation on the
National Forests
As the undersecretary for Natural Resources
and Environment with the USDA, Robert Bonnie
oversees the Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service. He also served
as the senior advisor to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for environment and climate
change initiatives. Before joining USDA, Bonnie
was vice president for land conservation with
the Environmental Defense Fund, where he
focused on developing incentives to reward
private land stakeholders, like farmers, ranchers,
and forest owners, for stewardship activities.
Bonnie will discuss the importance of forging a
strong partnership between ski areas and the
U.S. Forest Service, with jurisdiction over 193
million acres of public land. Bonnie will share his
vision of how the Forest Service and ski areas
together will transition to a four-season model,
and meet the natural resources challenges
posed by a changing climate, vegetation management crises, and shrinking federal budgets.
A must-attend session for all public land resorts!
Sessions
This is a sampling of the sessions we’ll be offering in Savannah.
Go Figure: Final Season Numbers from the Kottke Report
How will this season’s numbers turn out, given the unusual weather variability
across the country? Will the great year in the Rocky Mountain region offset
the effects of the polar vortex and the California drought? Our annual State
of the Industry assessment will candidly examine the highs and lows from the
2013/14 season, including business volume, ticket yields, capital expenditures,
season pass sales, ski lessons, and summer visits. We’ll also scrutinize reciprocal pass partnerships, and how well the industry is doing at growing the sport.
Sizzle or Fizzle? Analyzing the Winners and Losers of Summer
Attractions and Events
In a two-part examination of our four-season business model, our first session consists of a deep-dive economic analysis of summer attractions at ski
areas. RRC Associates’ Nate Fristoe analyzes separate survey results from
resort operators and consumers regarding ski areas as summer destinations.
We’ll examine those summer attractions—zip lines, mountain biking, challenge
courses, mountain coasters, even Frisbee golf—that have the biggest bang
for your buck. In addition, we will assess some examples of special events
over the summer that pay off, and those that don’t—and how resorts can best
monetize their off-season events.
The Hidden Risks of Summer Activities
In part two of our assessment of summer business opportunities, we examine the all too-often overlooked role of smart risk management with summer
attractions and events. While the revenues are far less on the summer side
of the business ledger, the risks are not—and they differ considerably from
the exposures we face in winter. Our insurance and legal experts will examine
some of the obscure and unanticipated risks from a variety of summer attractions, both from within the realm of ski resorts and outside as well. The risk
component of the summer business equation is critical, and this deep-dive
will provide tools and practices to maximize returns and minimize exposure.
Refining Your F&B Strategy: Balancing
Capacity, Capital, Brand, and Guest
Experience
The second-highest revenue generator for resorts
is food and beverage. F&B plays a critical role in
delivering on your brand promise, and that requires
a delicate balance between through-put and yield,
while weighing capacity versus character. Whether
you take it outside for additional capacity, use smartly placed food trucks, or employ other clever expansive design options, a thoughtful F&B strategy can
help define your brand and overall guest experience.
Our panel will explore a host of creative alternatives
across the industry designed to feed the masses.
Passing Muster: Will Cooperative Reciprocal
Pass Programs Redefine Pass Sales?
Does this pass make my mountain look big? Season
pass alliances and reciprocal partnerships are the
latest promotional innovation in an increasingly
competitive marketplace. To be effective, resorts
must analyze the right partner (or partners), and
identify the strategic goals they hope to achieve. Our
panelists are the driving force behind the most recent
partnerships, including the Mountain Collective,
Powder Alliance, and the Intrawest Passport. Led by
Greg Ditrinco, editor of SKI magazine, the panel will
address how such partnerships are formed, the key
demographics sought, pricing considerations, and the
challenges of minimizing cannibalization while maximizing revenue. They’ll also explore the pros and cons
of such programs and how independent, unaligned
resorts are responding to the increased competition.
Easy Money: The Future of Mobile
Payment Systems
How easy do we make it for our customers to give us
their money? Innovative mobile payment systems are
quickly becoming the new normal at retailers of all
types. From Starbucks to Nordstrom’s, and from Über
to your local microbrew, retailers of all stripes are
leveraging cloud-based technology, Near-Field
Communications (NFC), and now-ubiquitous technology like Square to blend mobile payment technologies
into an over-arching consumer retail experience. Todd
Ablowitz—an expert in both mobile payment systems
and skiing—will explore how smart retailers have successfully harnessed a wide variety of mobile payment
platforms to influence their customers’ spending
behavior. He’ll also discuss the pitfalls retailers should
avoid and how new technologies are evolving to
make spending easier, and less spendy.
Sessions
Continued
Working in Partnership for Recreation on the National Forests
As USDA Under-Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, Robert
Bonnie oversees the Forest Service and all 193 million acres that the agency
manages. In this session, Bonnie will share his vision of how the Forest Service
and ski areas together will transition to a four-season model, and meet the
natural resources challenges posed by dramatic climate change, vegetative
management crises, and shrinking federal budget. Bonnie has a wealth of
experience in the natural resources arena, previously serving as senior advisor
to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for environment and climate change,
and also as vice president for land conservation with the Environmental
Defense Fund.
The Future of Snowsports Injuries
The ski industry has come a long way in minimizing injuries from skiing and
snowboarding, with some tremendous successes that have saved the sport—
and the skiing and riding public—billions from injuries and claims. Two of the
best engineers in the field of snowsports epidemiology, Jake Shealy and Irv
Scher, will analyze the remarkable strides in safety made by manufacturers
and resorts. They will also compare new data and conclusions from the most
recent NSAA 10-year injury study, as well as other peer-reviewed studies,
including contrasting relative injury risks between skiing and snowboarding.
Our engineers will also address potential equipment advances on the horizon
that will continue to improve safety.
Net Gain: Analyzing Net Promoter Metrics to Drive Growth
For more than a decade, the Net Promoter Score (NPS) for the Likelihood to
Recommend has given businesses—including ski resorts and market leaders in
many industries—a quantifiable tool to evaluate guest loyalty and the health
of their brands. While discounted by some, NPS is increasingly becoming a
common metric for gauging customer loyalty because—in contrast to satisfaction—loyalty is highly correlated with business performance. Ski areas that
have adopted it are using it to enhance the guest experience and guide their
operations, marketing, and capital investment. Importantly,
the revenue increases from higher repeat and referral
business that accrue from NPS increases can be quantified.
Our panel of NPS devotees will explore how they are leveraging this data into resort decision-making, as well as the
limitations inherent within the data.
The Specialty Retailer’s Role in Growing
the Sport
There has been much discussion in the past several years about
how, as an industry, we can work together to grow participation in
snowsports. On the area side, 15 years of extensive research has given us
the best practices outlined in the Growth Model and subsequent programs
like LSSM and BAF. In order to drive growth, we need to combine forces with
retailers to increase the number of participants trying snowsports. Retail
shops are a critical link in the experience and education of new skiers and
riders. This panel will discuss the issue of growing participation with key
players from the specialty retail side of the industry, what the future holds for
the specialty retailer, and the partnerships that will need to be enhanced to
support increasing new participation.
Cracking the “Never Evers” Code: Inspired Ideas to Bring New
People to Snowsports
In the never-ending effort to bring new people into snowsports—those who
have “never ever” tried skiing or riding—we have assembled some of the most
passionate industry leaders that are leading the charge. Our panelists will cover
some of the most clever and successful programs for getting new people
through the door—everything from inspired ideas appealing to retirees, inventive “learn to ski” programs and Bring a Friend initiatives, and partnerships
with local retailers and national hard goods manufacturers. Emphasizing the
“trial” component of our broader trial and conversion efforts at growing the
sport, this session will highlight the best trial initiatives from across the industry.
After all, a rising tide of new skiers and riders lifts all resort boats.
Sessions
Continued
Connecting with the Millennial Market:
The Future of Freestyle Terrain
There are 80 million Millennials in the U.S., surpassing
even the Baby Boomers in overall size and market
influence. As this generation embraces adulthood,
resorts will need to cater to their unique interests
and preferences to ensure the viability and longevity
of the industry. Successful resorts are engaging this
critical demographic through creative and innovative freestyle terrain offerings, along with providing
opportunities to connect with friends, family, social
networks, and share user-generated content. This
generation requires resorts to shift their thinking in
how they develop and deliver fresh products and
services, including learn-to and retention programs,
strategic branding and marketing initiatives, and new
approaches to park operations and design. In an
entertaining late-night talk show format, this panel
will analyze the best resort strategies and practices to
attract and retain this unique, critical audience.
Methods to Measure the Medium:
Analyzing the Return of Your Resort’s
Social Media
Efforts through social media engagement should
ultimately be tied back to business and revenue goals.
As social media matures, how do you justify your
growing investment in digital media? What metrics
really apply for capturing the true value of this medium? Dave Amirault, Aspen-Snowmass’ in-house digital wizard, will take us through Aspen’s sophisticated
tracking and measuring methodologies, and explain
how resorts can better evaluate the successes
(and failures) of their messaging and how they
convert toward improving your bottom line. From
building guest affinity and driving promotions to simply engaging customers, we will examine the latest
cutting-edge tools and metrics to help you influence
the effectiveness of your social media initiatives.
Savannah
For those of us in the ski industry, there’s
nothing quite like springtime in Savannah.
The blooming dogwoods and magnolias,
soft coastal breezes, and unforgettable
Lowcountry cuisine are like a warm
embrace after the hectic winter months.
As an attendee of the NSAA National
Convention and Tradeshow, you’ve no
doubt earned a little R & R—and you’ll
find numerous options for doing so while
you’re here.
Plan to spend at least one evening walking
along the Riverfront, one of the city’s most
popular tourist attractions. Here you’ll find
pubs, bistros, outside dining, and live music,
along with boutiques and specialty shops that
offer everything from jewelry and cigars to Civil
War memorabilia and motorcycle apparel. Stop
for a drink at one of the many clubs and restaurants that provide an unobstructed view of the
Savannah River, the waterway linking the
Savannah Port to the Atlantic Ocean. You might
spot a dolphin or manatee, or even a huge
cargo ship making its way to or from the port.
To get a sense of why Savannah is lauded
as a “Southern gem,” set aside some time to
wander through the Historic District with its
stunning 18th and 19th century homes, many
of which are open to visitors. This part of town
is laid out in 21 squares, each containing a
lush, picturesque central garden with fountains
and benches that invite you to linger. Sign up
for a trolley tour that will whisk you by the
most famous sites, or a ghost tour that highlights the city’s colorful history of otherworldly
encounters.
If you’re seeking an unforgettable culinary
experience, there are so many great restaurants
nearby you’ll be hard-pressed to pick just one.
Lowcountry cuisine is one of the country’s
richest culinary traditions, with a broad range
of historic influences. Even if you’re not a big
fan of shrimp and grits, there are so many
complex signature dishes, you’re sure to discover
a new favorite.
And if you want to work off the indulgence,
consider signing up for boot camp, speed
golf, or kayaking. But, if simply relaxing on the
beach is what you have in mind, the gorgeous
Georgia coastline beckons just beyond the city
limits. Little Tybee Island is just 20 minutes from
Savannah, with wide stretches of salt marshes
along the way. Once you arrive at Tybee, with
its unspoiled sugar-sand beach, you’ll see why
this quiet getaway is a favorite of the locals.
We plan to see you often at the Convention
and Tradeshow, but we hope you take some
time to indulge in the many cultural offerings
that are unique to the area. The most successful and enjoyable conferences offer a mix of
business and pleasure, and we think Savannah
is the perfect setting for both. We hope
you agree.
Innovation Showcase
One of the best things about attending the National Convention and Tradeshow is the chance to
soak up new information and great ideas to take back to your resort. But who wants to sit through
a long presentation or aggressive sales pitch? If you like a cut-to-the-chase approach when
learning about resort products and services, you’ll get just that at the Innovation Showcase—one
of the most popular sessions at the NSAA Convention and Tradeshow.
During the Showcase, scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, from 5 to 6 p.m., a select group of
NSAA member suppliers will have three minutes each to deliver a highly energized and compelling
presentation on their product or service.
So be sure to stop by this fun and informative session for a glimpse of what promises to be
new, unique, and useful. That way you’ll be the conduit for innovation at your own resort.
Tradeshow
•A
dvertising, Marketing, Public Relations
& Research
• L ift Components, Drives, Manufacturers,
Supplies & Services
• Architectural Design & Resort Planning
• Maps, Trail Guides, Brochures
• Communications Systems
• Photo ID Equipment, Supplies & Services
• Computer Systems, Hardware & Software
• Consulting Services
• Consumer Equipment/Rental Manufacturers
• Publications
• Racing & Competition Supplies, Instructional
Programs
• Safety Products & Equipment
• Education/Training Services
• Security Lockers & Systems
• Electrical/Mechanical Products & Services
• Signs – Informational, Mountain Advertising
& Trail Marking
• Engineering & Design Services
• Ski Report/Weather Services
• Equipment Brokerage & Leasing
• Facility Products & Services
• Fences, Nets, Barriers
• Financial Services
• Floor/Deck Coverings & Surfaces
• Ski & Snowboard Manufacturers
• Snowgrooming Equipment, Manufacturers,
Parts & Service
• Snowmaking Components, Design, Products,
Services & Systems
• Summer Recreation Equipment & Services
• Food & Beverage Equipment, Supplies & Services
• Ticketing Systems, Supplies & Software
• Human Resource Services
• Travel Services
• Indoor/Outdoor Rack Systems
• Uniform Design & Sales
• Insurance
• Wire Rope Sales & Service
Friday Morning Activities
Enjoy the best part of the day and get some exercise in the fresh coastal air. Friday’s keynote presentations don’t start until 10 a.m., so there’s plenty of free time for fun before you get down to business.
SEA KAYAKING
Buses depart at 6 a.m.
($135, includes transportation and box breakfast;
pre-register with NSAA)
Rejuvenate with an early
morning excursion of
sea kayaking at nearby
Tybee Island, a pristine
barrier island where the Savannah River meets
the Atlantic Ocean. Tranquil morning waters
allow early risers to explore the tidal salt marshes surrounding the island, its unique maritime
forests, and the habitat of native dolphins and
manatees. Paddlers will enjoy the sublime
colors and gentle ocean breezes of an Atlantic
sunrise, not to mention breakfast on the shuttle
to the island. (Space is limited to 40.)
SPEED GOLF
6:30 a.m.
Club at Savannah Harbor
($50; pre-register with NSAA)
After a huge success in Palm Springs, speed
golf is back for a second year. You know you
should get that run in, but you also might like a
Social Side
First Evening
Wednesday, 6 – 9 p.m.
Our opening night cocktail reception will be
held on the spacious front lawn of the Westin,
with lovely vistas of the Savannah River
evoking the casual elegance of this historic
Southern harbor town. This is a great time to
reconnect with friends and make new acquaintances before the start of the Convention and
Tradeshow. There’ll be plenty of delicious hors
d’oeuvres and signature cocktails nuanced with
the flavors of the region’s irresistible Lowcountry cuisine. Casual chic attire is perfect for the
reception, but it can get cool here at night, so
bring along a sweater or jacket for our evening
along the banks of the Savannah River.
Second Evening
Thursday, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
With the convention in full swing, the Thursday
cocktail reception at the Convention Center is
quick round of golf—why not combine the two?
This is golf’s answer to skiing’s biathlon! Strap
on your running shoes (no golf shoes required),
and play nine holes of golf as fast as you can.
Choose four clubs that you feel will best serve
you for this challenge. Players will tee off one
at a time, three minutes apart. With a couple of
exceptions, the regular rules of golf apply. The
clock starts when you tee off on the first hole,
and stops when you make your last putt on the
final hole. Your ultimate score, then, is your shot
total, plus the time it takes you to complete
the round.
BOOT CAMP
8 – 9 a.m.
Join HKD Snowmakers and their
professional fitness trainer for
the 4th annual early morning Boot
Camp. For those of you that participated last year in Palm Springs,
we promise an equally rewarding
and entertaining morning of exercise. Bring your spouse, friends,
and colleagues, and start your day
off right with some Southern
Hospitality and a lot of sweat.
something you won’t want to miss. This is
a great opportunity to socialize and explore
the latest and greatest our industry suppliers
have to offer resorts. There’ll be plenty of tasty
hors d’ouevres and beverages on hand, but we
hope you’ll consider making reservations at
one of Savannah’s legendary restaurants later
that evening for an exceptional and unbeatable
culinary experience.
Final Evening
Friday, 6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
An ethereal scene awaits you at the gala on
the last night of the Convention. References to
Savannah’s eerie side—including a “live” statue
from the famous book cover of Midnight In the
Garden of Good and Evil, dramatic Spanish
Moss-covered décor, and even a Tarot card
reader—will make for a mystical, magical setting.
But the vibe will be anything but subdued.
Savannah’s past is rife with eccentric, lively
characters…and the ski industry has more than
a few of those, too. So come help us lift some
spirits with new and old friends. A great party
is clearly in the cards.
Accommodations
The Westin Savannah Harbor
Resort & Spa
THE HYATT REGENCY SAVANNAH
Sparkling like a jewel on the banks of the
Savannah River, the luxurious Westin
Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa will be
the NSAA Convention headquarters. Offering
the very best of Southern charm and modern
amenities, this premier hotel is located right
next to the Convention Center, and a free,
2-minute water ferry ride across from the
Historic District. It’s a prime location not far
from fantastic shopping and nightlife, but
removed just enough for tranquility. It’s the
kind of place where you’ll want to take time to
sit outside, have a cool drink, and watch the
activity on the river.
Once you get back to your room, check
out the Heavenly Spa by Westin™, or recharge
with a round on the PGA Champions Tour golf
course adjacent to the hotel. You may decide
to go kayaking at the nearby barrier islands,
take a trolley tour of the city, or just relax at
the hotel’s outdoor pool and hot-tub.
Located just 20 minutes from the Savannah
airport*, the Westin offers convenient access
to everything this gracious Southern city has
to offer.
Located across the river from the Convention Center, the Hyatt Regency is known
for its gracious hospitality. This full-service
downtown waterfront hotel offers unequalled
access to the largest historic district in the
United States, shops, golf, and legendary
restaurants—and it’s a short, free ferry ride
away from the Convention Center.
While you’re there, be sure to take a
leisurely stroll through the fabled neighborhood surrounding the Hyatt to view stately
Georgia homes, landmark architecture,
and other sights that have made Savannah
famous. You can easily board a riverboat or
hop on the trolley just outside the hotel’s
front door for a moving tour of the famous
Historic District.
Incredible views, beautifully appointed
rooms with all the modern amenities, and
close proximity to Savannah International
Airport, just 20 minutes away,* make the
Hyatt a great choice for your stay.
Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa
1 Resort Drive • Savannah, Georgia 31421
Reservations: call 1-888-421-1442
Reservations: call 1-800-228-3000
NSAA Rate: $199 single/double occupancy (plus tax)
Hyatt Regency Savannah
2 West Bay Street • Savannah, Georgia, 31401
NSAA Rate: $185 single/double occupancy (plus tax)
Reservation Deadline for NSAA rate: April 10
Please mention you are with the NSAA National Convention
Reservation Deadline for NSAA rate: April 10
Please mention you are with the NSAA National Convention
*(Please note: Savannah cab drivers often don’t accept credit cards.)
NSAA National Convention and Tradeshow, Savannah, GA April 30 - May 3, 2014
Ski Area Registration Form (for ski area employees only)
Ski Area Attendee/Convention Package (copy for additional attendees)
First Name Last Name
SKI AREA
Name as you wish to appear on your badge
Title
Company
Address
City State
Postal Code
Country
Telephone $
Registration Fee
Fax
Email
Golf Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Sea Kayaking Friday, May 2, 2014
Speed Golf Friday, May 2, 2014
$
Activity Fees Total
SPOUSE
Spouse/Companion Program (Spouse/Companion must be registered to attend the convention)
First Name $
Registration Fee
Last Name
(Program includes the Cocktail Receptions, Tradeshow and Final Night Party)
Golf Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Payment method:
Visa
Sea Kayaking Friday, May 2, 2014
MC
AMEX
Card #
Speed Golf Friday, May 2, 2014
$
Activity Fees Total
Check #
Expiration Date
$
Total Amount Due
Name on Card (please print)
Signature
Fee (U.S. $) Member Non-Member Golf Tournament The Spouse/Companion Program Speed Golf (space is limited)
Sea Kayaking (space is limited)
On/Before April 1, 2014 $650 $700 $165 $300 $50 $130 Please return to NSAA by mail:
NSAA
133 South Van Gordon St., Suite 300
Lakewood, CO 80228
USA
fax: 303-986-2345
or register online at: www.nsaa.org
tel: 303-987-1111
Supplier information available at www.nsaa.org
After April 1, 2014
$750
$800
$165
$300
$50
$130
Cancellation policy: refunds will be handled on a case-by-case basis and must
be requested in writing no later than 5 working days after the convention.
Convention package includes: All NSAA Sessions, Opening Night
Reception, Continental Breakfasts, Admittance to the Tradeshow, Tradeshow
Reception and Lunch, Marketing Awards Reception, and Final Night Party.
The Spouse/Companion package includes: Opening Night Reception,
Continental Breakfasts, Admittance to the Tradeshow, Tradeshow Reception
and Lunch, Marketing Awards Reception, and Final Night Party.
National Ski Areas Association
133 S. Van Gordon St., Ste. 300
Lakewood, CO 80228