2016/2017 Northern Alberta Curling Association Module 3 – The Business of Curling

Did you know? Curling is a lifetime recreational sport – starting at an early school age and going even past 100 years of age! Curling Canada has identified six key benefit statements for the sport of curling: Meet people and play with friends/family Curling is great exercise Curling is very affordable People of any age or ability can play Play against great competition Curling is fun So why are many clubs struggling?

Business of Curling Symposium The Business of Curling program is designed to help curling clubs understand the business they are in. Curling facilities are experiencing a variety of problems adapting to a constantly changing environment. Meeting the challenge of survival in the marketplace has prompted them to adopt selected management tools from the private sector. The Symposium is divided into 3 streams, each dealing with specific areas of curling club management. Trained facilitators and presenters will guide the group through an interactive weekend of sharing ideas, successes and failures from our industry. You will: investigate the concepts of recruitment and retention of both members and volunteers delve into the role of the curling club Board member, their individual roles and responsibilities discuss new sources of revenues Explore the topical areas of communication and technology, and why clubs are turning to marketing as a means of providing their customers with improved products and services. The ultimate goal of this workshop is to have each club identify a single idea that stood out for them and then go back to their home club and make it happen! The symposium is an excellent forum for club volunteer board members and managers to get a broad overview of the key elements to operating a successful club. Plus you have an opportunity to expand your network of curling contacts. NACA last hosted the Business of Curling Symposium in April 2015 with over 100 participants from 37 NACA clubs, 3 PCA and 2 SACA reps, and other NACA and CC officials. Travel expenses were covered by NACA for its members and the presenters. The next Symposium is scheduled May 5 – 7, 2017 at the Sherwood Park Holiday Inn Conference Centre. Further details to be communicated to affiliated clubs early 2017.