The 2023 USPTA World Conference in Orlando, Florida, on September 24–28, 2023, was nothing short of remarkable, and we’re thrilled to bring you a recap of this grand event.
A Fond Farewell to John Embree
In the world of tennis administration, few names shine as brightly as John Embree’s. This year marked a bittersweet moment as conference organizers honored John, who has decided to retire. He has served USPTA for 11 years as CEO and executive director, capping off a 50-year career in the tennis industry.
We were also able to personally connect with John during the conference, who thanked RacquestDesk for its commitment to the sports we love and USPTA’s members. His vision and leadership have left an incredible mark on the sport we love!
Celebrating Bill Fletcher
One of the exciting moments of the conference was the celebration of Bill Fletcher, the owner of Salem Tennis and Swim Club, president of the USPTA Pacific Northwest Division, and one of RaquetDesk’s valued customers! Bill achieved the “Manager of the Year – Small Facility” award for his excellence in the tennis community. This is hardly the first time Bill has been recognized for his achievements and contributions to the world of tennis.
For three consecutive years, Bill’s tennis program at Salem Tennis and Swim Club was named one of the Top 50 tennis programs in the nation by the Tennis Industry Association. In 2010, he was also named Facility Manager of the Year by USPTA/PNW.
More Conference Highlights
Let’s dive into the heart of the conference—the events and experiences that made this year’s event unforgettable! We enjoyed five days of in-person learning, on-court seminars, networking, social events, and the 2023 Awards Luncheon, featuring hilarious and moving speeches from USPTA Tim Heckler Hall of Fame inductees Chris Evert and Kirk Anderson and Kelly Marshall, a new USPTA Master Professional. Their and the other award winners’ respective contributions to tennis and the world are nothing short of inspiring.
Trade Show Extravaganza
The trade show at the 2023 USPTA World Conference was a tennis lover’s dream come true. Featuring the latest in tennis equipment, technology, and coaching resources, it was a paradise for tennis professionals looking to stay ahead of the game. Attendees had the opportunity to test out new technology and learn from organizations like RacquetDesk about leveling up their game.
We enjoyed the chance to meet so many of you who came up to our booth at this event! If you didn’t get a chance to visit our booth but would like to speak with us, please contact us. We’d love to share our latest product updates with you!
Educational Workshops
One of the hallmarks of the USPTA World Conference is the wealth of knowledge shared by industry experts. This year, a wide range of educational workshops covered everything from player development to tennis business management.
Some of the highlights included a celebrity athlete panel with Peter Taglianetti and Frank Nobilo, a panel discussion about the future of racquet sports, a session on how to use video and technology to improve student development, workshops on managing the best racquet sports programs, and even a class on the essentials of wheelchair tennis.
Looking Forward
Stay tuned to RacquetDesk for more updates on the world of racquet sports as we continue to celebrate the game and the incredible people who make it what it is. Until next year’s conference, keep swinging those racquets and spreading the love of tennis!