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2007 DZO Conference

On February 5, 2007, USPA sponsored a Drop Zone Operator's Conference in Reno, Nevada. Over 87 DZ owners, managers and staff attended from 60 DZs.

The conference focused on how to reverse the decline in the number of skydivers. USPA staff, board members and DZOs offered creative ideas and suggestions.

USPA wants to ensure all DZs have an opportunity to benefit from the conference. Here is a recap and summary of the main ideas.

The Sky Is Falling!
USPA Executive Director Chris Needels used statistics and demographics to dramatize the state of the sport.	PPT
USPA Media Coverage
Jean Walcher of JWalcher Communications described the results of USPA’s public relations efforts throughout 2006.	link
DZ Public Relations 101
Jean Walcher conducted a session on “DZ Public Relations 101,” to assist DZs with getting positive media coverage. Media tips and shell press releases are included in the Drop Zone Operators Media Training Handbook.	PDF
DZOs - Let's Change the Way
USPA Director of Group Membership Ed Scott invited DZs to consider enhanced efforts to increase first-jumper retention.	PDF
Tandem Instructors - You are the Key to Growth in Our Sport!
USPA Director of Safety & Training Jim Crouch elaborated on how tandem instructors are the key to the sport’s rejuvenation.	PDF
DZ Branding: Changing the Image of Your Drop Zone
James La Barrie, Manager of Skydiver Carolina, described their efforts to increase tandems and retention.	PDF
Tandem: Spectator or Participator?
Tom Noonan’s article that appeared in the February 2007 Parachutist, was reprinted as part of the conference packet	PDF

Required Software:

Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF files. Visit www.adobe.com to download the latest free version.

Microsoft PowerPoint or the free PowerPoint Viewer is required to view PPT files. Visit www.microsoft.com to download the latest version.

Copyright 2003 United States Parachute Association.
United States Parachute Association, USPA, and the USPA logo are the property of the United States Parachute Association

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