Regatta Management Program

Presented by

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Springfield, Mass.

The Regatta Management program will provide an opportunity to learn from the best minds in
the rowing world about the various aspects required to run a successful regatta.

The theme of the morning sessions will focus on the “nuts and bolts” of running a regatta, and
provide you with tangible tools for running your events more effectively.

To finish the day, the focus will turn to tips on helping you develop the relationships you will
need to make your regatta successful.

SCHEDULE
Morning Theme: ​Nuts and Bolts of Regatta Management

9:00-10:00 a.m. - ​Separation of Powers -- Permission to Delegate

Where can most regatta directors be found on race day? Running around here somewhere.
This session will look at ways to set up your regatta committee so that the burden of your
regatta is not all on one person’s shoulders.
10:00-11:00 a.m. - ​Regatta Director’s Toolbox

● James Rawson - Events Coordinator, USRowing

Introduction to the “LOC Guidance Manual”, and ways to use technology to make your event run
smoothly.

11:00-12:00 p.m. - ​Effective Volunteer Management Practices

● Mark Calitri - President, Clermont County Ohio Convention and Visitors Bureau
● Joel Barnhill - ​Director of Sports, Clermont County Ohio Convention & Visitors
Bureau

Rowing events cannot happen without volunteers. Share strategies on how to find volunteers,
and keep them coming back each year.

Noon-1:00 p.m. - ​Lunch

Afternoon Theme: ​Developing the Relationships you Need for a Successful Regatta

1:00-2:00 p.m. - ​Working with your Referees

● Polly Whiteside - ​“registration guru and a volunteer superwoman,”​ Head of the

Charles
● Elizabeth Webb Executive Director, Austin Rowing Club

How to effectively work with the Chief Referee, create a definition of roles, and ways to keep
referees returning to work your regatta. Polly Whiteside, winner of the 2016 USRowing Clayton
Chapman Award, will share the strategies she uses to manage the

2:00-3:00 p.m. - ​Working with Local Officials on Emergency and Safety Planning

● Robert Whitford - ​Director of Facilities and Operations at Suncoast Aquatic Nature

Center Associates (SANCA) at Nathan Benderson Park
● Patrick ​Diggins - Treasurer, ​Quinsigamond Rowing Association

Safety is always the top priority at regattas, and keeping everyone safe often involves working
with local officials. Learn strategies for working with your local safety organizations to ensure
everyone is able to compete safely.
3:00-4:00 p.m. - ​Building Blocks of Win-Win Sponsorships
● Darlene Disney - Executive Director, San Diego Crew Classic
● John Geary - Business Manager Shimano Rowing Dynamics (SRD)

Shimano’s John Geary will discuss what makes for interesting sponsorship opportunities from a
brand’s perspective. AJ Dominique and Darlene Disney discuss how the Shimano partnerships
came together to benefit both the events and the brand.

4:00-5:00 p.m. - ​Ask the Experts

● All of the presenters return for a roundtable forum

This is your chance to ask a panel of experienced regatta directions the questions you need
answered to take your regatta to the next level.