USTFCCCA Convention: IS IT WORTH IT?💸
How to make it worth your while if you go. And what not to do…seriously.
This post is not sponsored by USTFCCCA.
The USTFCCCA Convention is in a few days (Dec 11-14) and held in Denver, Colorado. The same city it’s been for the last several years. In the past, the convention was held in Orlando, FL. Both Orlando and Denver have their pros…warmth wins for me though (sorry Denver).
Why am I not attending the convention this year? This profession pulls you from family quite a bit, especially as you progress. And this year, I will be with my family, some who I haven’t seen in years.
Most head coaches use their track & field budget to pay for their staff to attend the convention. I’ve been lucky enough to have head coaches offer to pay for the flight, hotel, and convention registration fees, so I didn’t put myself in debt to attend. Let’s tally up how much it “really” costs.
Convention Registration (for this year): $495
Hotel for 5 nights: $905 (including hotel fees) *could be cheaper depending on if you split costs with someone or leave/arrive on different dates
Travel: $300 (Plane tickets can have drastic range, but we’ll keep it on the low end)
💰TOTAL💰: $1700 for one person!!!!! And that doesn’t include meals (a few are included at the convention though)
So for $1700…is the convention worth the money and the hype?
I’ve attended 5 USTFCCCA winter conventions in my time as a track & field coach. 3 out of the 5 times I presented on 200m/400m Training and Strategy, the Hurdles, and Max Velocity. In the track & field world, I’d say I went viral (don’t come for me) when clips from the convention were posted on Twitter, Instagram, and Coaches Insider. Between the three platforms, well over 100,000 views.
I’m grateful for that opportunity and for anyone who attended any of my presentations. And a special thanks to the organizers for giving me the platform to present! The organizers put together an incredible one of a kind opportunity for our sport.
But that doesn’t mean every year, every convention is THE BEST. After COVID, the convention seemed to take a turn (better or worse?...you tell me). From what I saw and heard, 2021 and 2022 felt like a breeding ground for COVID/flu and a round table of late-night cards and gambling. 👀
I understand coaches like to bond, talk, hang out, whatever you want to call it. But there’s a difference between making meaningful connections and pretending you’re back in college having pointless fun (on your program’s dollar btw). I believe in having fun…but it’s interesting to see some adults doing what they wouldn’t want their own athletes doing and forgetting WHY they are actually at the convention.
Truth is if you plan on walking into the convention center and immediately being welcomed into the “big dogs” you might end up disappointed. The award-winning, legendary, icon-status coaches appear for a cup of coffee and the Bowerman then are hardly ever seen again. They are masters at saying hi and escaping the crowds.
The convention CAN lead to positive, long-term networking with fellow coaches. The convention CAN’T guarantee you a job offer. Sorry.
I remember attending my first convention with high hopes and lots of adrenaline, ready to learn from the best. When you’re standing shoulder to shoulder in the hotel lobby with some of the greatest track & field coaches of our time (ie…Mike Holloway, Diljeet Taylor, Coach Flo, Edrick Floréal (Flo), Lonnie Greene, and Caryl Smith Gilbert) it's impossible not to feel a little excited, curious, nervous, etc. I went to every presentation1 that interested me and purposefully went to some just to introduce myself to the presenter. They might not remember my name or the school I coach at, but they definitely won’t know who I am if I don’t have the courage to introduce myself. Between presenting for the first time and being in conversations with some of the best in this profession, it’s an experience and opportunity I will never forget.
As I attended more conventions and got more comfortable introducing myself, I purposely tried to have sit-down conversations, whether it be at the hotel coffee spot, breakfast, or in the lobby with people outside of my usual circle and staff. I respect and love my people, but I talk to them every day, every week, ALL year. At the convention, I believe in meeting new people and creating new connections. What I have learned through many years and disappointments is that if you want “the job” then you have to know “the right people”. Well rephrase, they have to KNOW YOU! The biggest waste of time you can inflict upon yourself is waiting for “the big dogs” in this profession to notice you or think you’re “too good” for someone to say hi to you. Know people and be known.
What I have learned through many years and disappointments is that if you want “the job” then you have to know “the right people”. Well rephrase, they have to KNOW YOU!
👎WHAT NOT DO👎
As a bystander, I’ve witnessed plenty of awkward encounters and moments at the convention. And as a presenter, I have first-hand experience in some of those awkward moments.
Here’s what not to do if you meet your biggest inspiration.
DO NOT follow them into the bathroom…No one can have a serious discussion about max velocity side by side at the urinal.
DO NOT take a pic with the most known coaches, then walk away fist-pumping. You’ve made ZERO positive connection.
DO NOT meet the National Award-Winning coach and tell them what you do at practice immediately after their presentation. Just ask what you want to ask. It’s a much better conversation starter.
DO NOT ask for a presenter’s presentation because you missed it due to laziness, lack of concentration, or because you slept in.
DO NOT sit by your buddy and make comments about every slide. As a past teacher and professor, loud whispering is one of my biggest pet peeves when presenting.
DO NOT expect people to care that you’re there. No one is going to bow down to you as you walk in. Nor should you be bowing down to anyone. People are people. Coaches are coaches. So be yourself and talk it up, even if it is not reciprocated on your first attempts.
We’re all human. We all have said something awkward or strange or left a conversation going, “Well, they’re never speaking to me again.” And that’s okay. At the last convention, someone came up to me and said, “Man, I was up til 3am last night and feel like sh!t”. I’m looking forward to seeing your presentation though. When is it?”
I said, “It was this morning”.
Awkward…but not the end of the world.
👍A FEW DO’S👍
DO plan out the sessions you want to see. Then be on time and take notes
DO make it a priority to enjoy yourself, but do it in a professional manner that you can be proud of
DO be a responsible adult and get your a$$ to bed. What would you tell your athletes?
DO attend symposiums outside of your comfort zone or event area. Yessss, I’ve attended Throws, Distance, Director of Ops sessions, and more! You want knowledge AND connections beyond your event area.
DO remember the MAIN purpose of the convention is to LEARN so you can be a better coach for your athletes—and (hopefully) make meaningful connections that will progress your career in all sorts of ways. Whether that be job opportunities or mentorship.
DO have one-on-one meet ups for coffee or breakfast with people that you feel a connection with to chat about life, coaching, and more. Ask questions to drive the conversation.
DO remember (if you're attending on your program’s dollar) that you are on the CLOCK and taking time away from your family. DO SOMETHING with that time, don’t waste it.
DO involve your family. Take your spouse if it works and allow them to take advantage of the location. Make phone calls home, or get on FaceTime to show them where you are if they cannot attend.
DO be responsible and do what needs to be done so you leave with more connections, knowledge, and confidence. No regrets.
The coolest part about the convention? (Besides learning from the best of the best.)
The Bowerman Presentation—the Oscars of NCAA Track & Field. It is the biggest award an athlete can receive in NCAA T&F, and the organizers do a great job of making the night feel like the biggest event of the year. I think it’s one of the best ceremonies in the sport. The food is good, not great. Probably not better than your grandma’s, but it is a meal with many great people. And it’s always fun to see coaches and athletes dressed up in their red carpet best instead of the usual university polos and backpacks we wear most of the season. The Bowerman presentation is always a highlight of the trip.
The Hall of Fame dinner is great to acknowledge the leaders who came before us, but Bowerman still takes the top of the list for me.
ADVICE IF YOU ARE PRESENTING at the CONVENTION: How to Stand Out
PRACTICE your presentation before you get on the plane. I KNOW you had time to plan, create, and practice…because I’ve done this many times
Get it done EARLY so you can edit and rearrange until the flow is perfect
Knowledge is great, simplicity is better, visuals are key
Speak your presentation out loud to someone who’s not afraid to upset you (a little) like your spouse, sibling, parent, or fellow colleague. Yes, it’s uncomfortable, but it makes a massive difference in preparation
If you procrastinate, the audience will know
Have 2 copies of the file saved, and never count on the wifi. You need one of the copied files on your own flash drive or desktop
Think about all the bad presentations you have seen…and do the opposite.
Be confident in what you are presenting, and make sure you’re presenting things that you actually do as a coach and believe in.
I’m proud to say I have had success in this sport. But I am not afraid to keep learning from fellow coaches from across the US and the world. I would be a fool to pretend that I know everything. No one knows everything. When we come together as a coaching community, we learn different techniques, drills, skills, and tips to help our athletes be the best athletes they can be. And that’s always a win.
FINAL TAKEAWAYS: WORTH IT?🤝
I recommend all coaches go to the convention at least once and try to present at least once too. There are major benefits to being around new faces and new voices in the sport. From my experience, I definitely believe the convention has helped me meet people who have been influential in my career and life.
Now I don’t think you need to go into extreme debt to attend though. With social media nowadays, there are many ways to connect with the track & field world any time of year.
Don’t get caught up in the late nights or “parties”. And definitely refrain from following your idols into the bathroom. You want to be remembered for being considerate, knowledgeable, and kind. Not for scaring someone while they’re going into a stall. Walk in with a positive attitude and a little courage, you’ll have a good time.
If I was going to this year’s convention, these are the symposiums I’d attend:
📝TECHNICAL SYMPOSIUM - Presented by Drake Relays - Jumps / Travis Geopfert & Matt Clark - Arkansas / "Optimizing Strength Training for Jumpers"
Coach Geopfert has been getting it done over and over for years. If he’s speaking, I’m going to listen and soak it up.
📝TECHNICAL SYMPOSIUM - Presented by Drake Relays - Sprints/Hurdles / Caryl Smith Gilbert - University of Georgia / "Short Sprint - A-B-C's"
One of the best in the business. I’m not missing a presentation from someone of this caliber, ever.
📝TECHNICAL SYMPOSIUM - Presented by Drake Relays - Distance / Boo Schexnayder - SAC Speed / "Speed Training & It's Relationship to Injury"
If you don’t know why…I can’t help you. Google the man.
📝Assistant Coach Seminar 3 / Althea Thomas - Vanderbilt / "Preparing Yourself for a Head Coaching Opportunity"
One of my greatest mentors for the last 15 years. She’s gone from Mid-major assistant to SEC head coach. She’s accomplished National Championship status at every stop… Kentucky, Purdue, Clemson, Georgia, and now building Vanderbilt like it’s not a challenge. I wouldn’t miss it.
📝TECHNICAL SYMPOSIUM - Presented by Drake Relays - Jumps / Kris Grimes - Kentucky / "Conservation of Posture In Pole Vault Takeoff Mechanics"
I’ve seen him once before and would enthusiastically attend another.
📝TECHNICAL SYMPOSIUM - Presented by Drake Relays - Sprints/Hurdles / Udon Cheek - East Carolina University / "Sprints: The Right Way, The Wrong, The ECU Way"
We have discussed training and technique for years, and I am so interested in what he’s put together.
📝TECHNICAL SYMPOSIUM - Presented by Drake Relays - Throws / Ashley Kovacs - THROWvacs / "Mental Preparation in Throwing Events"
If you don’t know who she is, you’re not paying attention to our sport. I want to know anything and everything she has to say about mental preparation, no matter the event.
📝TECHNICAL SYMPOSIUM - Presented by Drake Relays - Sprints/Hurdles / Vince Anderson / "How to Write 400 Meter Training - Weeks 1-16"
It’s Vince Anderson. Maybe the best presenter in our profession. You couldn’t pay me to skip it. And his resume….HOF.
Even though Coach Clark won’t be presenting or attending USTFCCCA this winter, that doesn’t mean you won’t see him presenting somewhere! Coach Clark’s next stop is Arizona Track & Field Coaches Clinic on January 6, 2024.
If you want Coach Clark to speak at an event or convention, send him a message on X/Twitter.
And in the spirit of giving, you can gift someone a paid subscription to SIC Newsletter!
USTFCCCA calls presentations “symposiums” 🤷♀️