Join organizers from around the country to learn and build community.
We are going virtual in 2024! We love seeing everyone in person, but we also know the convention is accessible for more organizers in its virtual format. Going forward, we’ll do our best to balance the positives of both convention formats from year to year. We hope you’ll join us in 2024!
* If you will be attending on behalf of a USA Ultimate Affiliate or State-Based Organization, please complete this form. *
Contact leah@hq.usaultimate.org with any questions.
USA Ultimate is committed to increasing access to the Organizer Convention for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) members of the ultimate community. Through the Delrico Johnson Fund, we will help cover costs for BIPOC attendees. If you are interested in financial assistance, please fill out this Google Form.
We encourage registrants who are able to make a donation to the Delrico Johnson Fund via your registration or your USA Ultimate member account to help cover the costs of BIPOC organizers and coaches who may not otherwise be able to attend the convention.
Questions about the 2024 Organizer Convention? Contact us at convention@usaultimate.org.
Organizer Convention Speakers
Meet the great speakers who will share their knowledge and expertise with us during the 2024 Organizer Convention
Additional speakers will be added as they are confirmed.
Organizer Convention Schedule
All sessions will be held virtually via Zoom. All times ET.
* Details subject to change.
Thursday, February 1
7:00 – 8:15 p.m. – Leveraging DEI Strategies to Expand Your Mission and Vision, Rather than “Fit It”
Speaker: Dr. Rickey Frierson
Dr. Frierson will engage us with his knowledge and experience to acknowledge our own implicit biases and how we can be better leaders in our communities.
8:25 – 9:15 p.m. – Marketing: How to Do More with Less
Speaker: Lauren DeMarco
Join Lauren, marketing manager of Colorado Springs Sports Corporation as she shares valuable insights on maximizing results while working with limited resources. In the presentation, we’ll explore innovative approaches to marketing that prioritize creativity, strategic thinking and resourcefulness. From leveraging the power of digital platforms to crafting compelling narratives, we’ll delve into practical techniques that empower marketers to achieve more without breaking the bank.
8:25 – 9:15 p.m. – Nonprofit Grab Bag: Organizational Development and Compliance
Speaker: Angela Schreffler
Angela, a non-profit consultant with over 20 years of experience will review the nonprofit lifecycle stages that organizations go through and the growth opportunities associated with each stage, including board development. Geared toward more mature organizations, this session will also cover organization compliance and opportunities for fundraising. There will be time set aside for Q&A as well, so bring your burning questions!
9:15 – 9:45 p.m. – Networking Breakouts
Friday, February 2
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Advancing Your Organization through Entrepreneurship
Speakers: Lance Kohl and Coral Laski
Coral, program manger, and Lance, director of business development and events, at Exponential Impact will share their experiences and knowledge of how to think and act like an entrepreneur. You’ll learn the tools you need to implement a growth mindset that will help you develop a sustainable ultimate organization.
8:10 – 9:00 – Fundraising
Speaker: Steve McCauley
Learn fundraising strategies from Steve McCauley, USA Cycling Foundation Director of Program and Donor Services. Learn how to connect with your community to foster growth and subsidize your programs while creating a sustainable structure.
9:00 – 9:30 p.m. – Networking Breakouts
Saturday, February 3
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Leadership through Community Building
Speaker: Cari Hanrahan
In this session, Cari will help you determine your approach to leadership, share tips for building community (and in turn building your pool of engaged members), and identify how to find success through attainable goals. Cari will share examples and takeaways from her own experiences as a non-profit board member, team founder and community leader.
12:10 – 1:00 p.m. – Panel Discussion: Growing Girls’ and Women’s Ultimate
Moderator: Amelia Cuarenta
Panelists: Libby Cravens, Stacy Fifer, Denise Fleming
Denise, Stacy and Libby will share their experience in women’s and girls ultimate as organizers, players, and parents. They’ll share their successes and challenges and what they’ve learned about how to make a program work. Their insights will help inspire you to run engaging and lasting women’s and girls’ programming.
1:00 – 1:30 p.m. – USA Ultimate Updates
Join USA Ultimate staff members for updates on current and upcoming programming. Come with your questions!
1:40 – 2:10 p.m. – Networking Breakouts
2:15 – 3:00 p.m. – USA Ultimate Youth Updates
Join USA Ultimate staff for youth-specific programming updates.
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Developing Effective Leaders
Speaker: Karen Palus
Karen, Executive Director of the Colorado Springs Leadership Institute, will guide us through leadership strategies and discuss real-life tough conversations. Unlock your leadership potential in this session. This program is designed to empower individuals with the essential skills and knowledge needed to become exceptional leaders.
Coach Convention Speakers
Meet the great speakers who will share their knowledge during the Coach Convention!
Coach Convention Schedule
All sessions will be held virtually via Zoom
Sunday, November 12
Sessions from 8:00-10:30 p.m. ET
Implementing Offensive Strategy in Practice and Games
Speaker: John Groess
2023 Beach Mixed National Team Head Coach John Groess will share tips for choosing the best offensive scheme to match the strengths of your players.
Implementing Defensive Strategy in Practice and Games
Speaker: Hannah Baranes
2023 U-24 Mixed National Team Assistant Coach Hannah Baranes will present on defense and in-game adjustments.
Monday, November 13
Monday’s session will be offered free of charge!
Time 8:00-10:30 p.m. ET (tentatively)
Get to Know the U.S. National Team Program
Speaker: Will Deaver – USA Ultimate Managing Director of Competition & National Team Programs
Will will lead a discussion on U.S. National Team programs. The first part of the evening will look at the program as a whole to give participants an idea of what national teams and events we participate in. The second part will look at the athlete selection process. The third part will look at the coach selection process.
FAQs
Will the Organizer Convention be held in-person or virtually in 2024?
The Organizer Convention will be virtual in 2024. All sessions will be held online via Zoom.
How do I register if I am attending on behalf of a USA Ultimate affiliate or state-based organization?
Contact Leah Dolan-Kelley, and she can get you registered.
Are registration fees refundable?
If you are no longer able to attend the Organizer Convention, we will refund your registration fee until January 18, 2024. After that, no refunds will be granted.
We can also transfer your registration to someone else who will be able to participate in your place.