Brookline Site is Second of Two Free Spring Symposiums Offered by the ECAC

CENTERVILLE, Mass. (Mar. 24, 2011) – The Eastern College Athletic Conference will host a pair of free professional symposiums on Tuesday, April 12, at the Beechwood Hotel (363 Plantation Street) in Worcester, and on Wednesday, April 20, at the Holiday Inn (1200 Beacon Street) in Brookline. Both events will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Space is limited for both events, so please RSVP Matt Fogg at mfogg@ecac.org  to reserve your spot. There is no cost to register, and complimentary lunch and parking will be provided.

ECAC Commissioner Rudy Keeling will present the newest initiatives and updates in the areas of officiating, championships and marketing. In addition, there will be a segment called “Fundraising in this Economy.”

Steve Bamford, Administrator for Officiating, will speak about the ECAC’s partnership with the PrestoSports online system that manages over 4,400 game official assignments, providing reliable service to our member institutions. He also will discuss the role of the assignor, the utilization of the ratings system, and the pilot program – in conjunction with the Great Northeast Athletic Conference – to encourage former student-athletes to become officials.

Ben Layton, Director of Sports Administration, will update the membership on the enhancements made to the selection process and efforts to improve the championship experience for the student-athlete. The footprint of the ECAC will be described and the effects to the regional alignments. He will respond to member feedback on the adjustments made to the championships to take into consideration the accommodations on travel to member institutions to reduce the costs associated with participation.

Commissioner Keeling will discuss the results of the strategic plan and future of the ECAC. In 2008, a comprehensive membership survey was distributed to conference members. As a result of the feedback, the ECAC embarked on a five-year strategic plan, endorsed by the Board of Directors, which addressed the concerns of the membership.

The ECAC Traveling Symposium is made possible by the catering of the Holiday Inn Brookline and Beechwood Hotel. “We are grateful for the support of both hotel properties for providing free parking and the luncheon to our guests,” Keeling said.

Commissioner Keeling and the ECAC Staff invite you to attend and participate in these informative events.

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