10 tunes to "Tune Up Your Game"

Why should you should attend the World Conference?

#1 – The boys (and girls) are back in town

The USPTA World Conference is part class reunion, part celebrity showcase and all awesome opportunity to connect with teaching pros from around the world. A lot of the same people attend year after year and enjoy the chance to catch up with each other. Coaching celebrities are often in attendance, either as speakers or attendees, and are happy to chat with you. This year, look for Vic Braden, Allen Fox, Jim Loehr, Rick Macci, and Lynne Rolley. You never know who else might pop in. Last year at Saddlebrook, John Isner stopped by and signed autographs.

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#2 – Anyone for tennis?

Let your racquet do the talking at the International Championships. The USPTA International Championships will be held Sept. 16-19 during the World Conference. Only Professional-level members in good standing are eligible to compete. You must be registered for the conference and all certification requirements must have been completed by June 27 to allow for exam grading and application processing. The entry fee is $50 for singles and $20 per person for doubles. The tournament is sanctioned by the USPTA. Sign up here.

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#3 – Oh ohh, take the money and run

Who doesn’t like to save a buck (or more)? Check with your tax preparer to find out if your trip can be tax-deductible. Education expenses incurred to maintain or improve skills required by a person in his or her employment are generally tax-deductible. Educational expenses include tuition (conference registration and specialty courses), books, local transportation and travel, meals and lodging while away from home when the trip is primarily to obtain education (Treasury Regulation 1.162-5).

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#4 – Taking care of business

The USPTA Buying Show is the largest national tennis-only trade show. Check out the latest and greatest in tennis-related products – from racquets and court equipment to tennis camps, and everything in between. Meet reps, place orders and take home some samples. Plus, this is another great opportunity to mingle with teaching pros from around the world, and borrow – and share – some valuable business-building tips.

Click here to see which exhibitors will be there.

Booths are still available. Click here for more information.

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#5 – We don’t need no education

Um, yes we do! No matter how long you’ve been at it, the industry is always changing. With more than 40 seminars, specialty courses and general sessions, you’re sure to find plenty of opportunities to learn new tips and drills, and pick up new ideas in your career as a teaching professional. From on-court drills to business management to programming ideas, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a link to the schedule.

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#6 – Going once. Going twice. Sold!

OK, so it’s a silent auction and no one is raising paddles, but it still gets intense during the last few minutes.  Imagine a bunch of competitive people fighting over the pen to be sure their name is the last one on the line. It’s fun, and it’s for a good cause. Past items have included U.S. Open tickets, autographed racquets, balls and T-shirts, and resort stays. To learn more, click here. To donate an item for the silent auction, click here.

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#7 – Sitting on the dock of the bay

Monterey Bay, that is. This is the first time USPTA has held its World Conference in Northern California, and we’re excited about it! There is so much to do and see here, and it’s a perfect place to bring your family along for a vacation. The Bay area’s unique attractions include Cannery Row, featuring the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the sights and fresh seafood of Fisherman’s Wharf.

Read more about Monterey attractions here.

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#8 – Let the good times roll

You’ll have plenty of opportunity to hang out with friends, enjoy a good meal and maybe even dance a little. Start out small (but not in spirit) with your division party Monday night. Tuesday night is the official welcoming party, complete with a full meal, bar and band. And Wednesday night, meet and mingle with them all again at the Tennis Buying Show reception.

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#9 – Don’t stop believing

You’ve chosen a great career, but need some inspiration to be the best teacher you can be? Well, don’t stop believing you can be. The World Conference is a great opportunity to recharge your batteries. From the beginning of the week with “Developing the junior serve” by Jim McLennan, to the end with “Leadership: strategies for the workplace” by Barbara Fackel, you’ll find plenty of information to help you when you get back home.

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#10 – Gonna make you sweat

Rise and shine – and raise your heart rate – with Cardio Tennis Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings. And if you weren’t in a divisional feeding contest, you still have a chance to get your groove on during the Cardio Tennis feeding contest qualifiers at noon Wednesday.

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Join us in Monterey, Calif., at the USPTA World Conference on Tennis, Sept. 16-21. For more information, click here.