2021 CWSAA Spring Conference Coming Online

Over the past year, in-person connections have been challenging. While the 2021 conference is still over 4 months away, it has become clear that the scale of our conference will not be responsible or possible as an in-person event. The CWSAA Board of directors met last week, and have confirmed that the 2021 CWSAA Spring Conference will be moved to a virtual platform this year.

While we look forward to the time when we can meet again face-to-face, we’ve also learned that online events have created a great new opportunity to engage more people from our industry. Therefore from April 26-30, 2021, CWSAA looks forward to gathering virtually - engaging in informative sessions, virtual socials, and recognizing some of our amazing industry leaders.

Over the next several weeks, industry committees will meet and begin planning the content for the sessions. In the meantime, book your calendars for April 26-30 and check out some FAQ on what to expect below:

Q: Will there be a cost to participate in the online conference.

A: Yes, there will be a very nominal fee. Participants will be asked to make a small donation to the ‘Small Areas Fund’ to secure their spot in the virtual conference. More details to follow.

Q: Who can attend the virtual conference?

A: Any business that is a CWSAA member (ski area or associate) can sign up any of their staff for specific conference sessions. Generally the sessions are aimed a full-time, senior staff (e.g. supervisor level and up), as well as key stakeholders (e.g. Board members and owners). Some sessions may be restricted to a specific audience. This is an opportunity for managers to invite staff to participate that may not have had the opportunity to come to conference in the past.

Q: Will I be staring at my computer all-day long?

A: No, not unless you choose to. The conference will be designed in ‘streams’. Specific industry themes (such as Risk & Safety) will be about one hour, once a day. However, if you’re an ‘eager beaver’ looking to learn everything from nuts to soup – you’re more than welcome to sign into every session.

Q: How will you do online social events?

A: Stay tuned… we’re still sorting everything out. At this point we’re hoping to align the presentation of industry awards with some ‘chat room’ opportunities to ensure there are some engaging networking opportunities. For more information on awards nominations, Click HERE.

Q: Will there be a trade show?

A: Traditional in-person trade shows provide a great opportunity for Associate members to share their products. It is quite challenging to replicate that same opportunity in a virtual setting. We are looking at creative ways to engage the associate members in a beneficial manner for all. Associate members have a virtual meeting on February 9 to discuss and determine opportunities.

Q: How will the virtual conference differ from the Online Industry Sessions?

A: CWSAA has been holding Online Industry Sessions almost every week since May. There has been an overwhelming interest in participating in these sessions, and CWSAA has learned a lot about hosting them. The purpose of the OIS sessions has generally been reactive – what do we need to know right now! The Virtual Conference will focus more on the future, as well as some of the traditional topics that are on the annual conference schedule.

Q: When will we meet again in-person?

A: We are planning for in-person Fall Division Meetings. While it’s still un-know what the circumstances will bring at that time, the fall meeting formats have traditionally involved a smaller audience and more regional travel for attendees. Staff and the Board will continue to assess the feasibility as we get closer to the time.

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