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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RSA CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW


The Roller Skating Industry, Convention and Trade Show, is one of the only events in the world designed to connect roller skating business owners and operators with one another at an all-hands-on-deck experience where you collaborate with other business owners at breakfasts/lunches/dinners, receptions, and educational seminars.

 

HOW DO I CHECK IN FOR CONVENTION?

Once you get checked into the hotel, find your way to the RSA’s Registration Desk on Sunday morning or anytime after. You’ll be asked to complete a small form telling us which hotel you’re staying in and emergency contact information for your safety.


WHAT WILL I BE PROVIDED WITH?

Every full-paying delegate will receive a lanyard with their badge to get into seminars, cocktail parties, and other special events throughout the week. You will need your badge with you AT ALL TIMES as this is a closed event. You’ll also receive a bag to carry your goodies in throughout the week, and a few fliers and items from our sponsors.


WHAT DO I DO AFTER CHECK-IN?

You can head to your first seminar, grab breakfast (if provided) or tour the area if you’re waiting for a seminar that you’d like to attend.


WHAT IS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY?

The General Assembly is a convening of all members. This is required of the Association and is a time for RSA leadership to update members on the state of the Association, issue awards to recipients who have been nominated the previous year, vote on any constitutional changes, or elect your new president and vice president. We encourage you to attend this meeting.

 

Note: Members DO NOT need to attend the RSA Convention to attend the General Assembly, though we highly encourage members to do so in order to take advantage of the learning opportunities. There WILL be a presidential / vice presidential election this year.


ARE THERE AWARDS CEREMONIES?

Yes, we have an invitation-only Life Member Dinner to acknowledge Life Member, Hall of Fame, and Lifetime Achievement Awards. Should you wish to attend, please purchase your ticket when registering online. Members will also be given awards and service pins during the General Assembly.


WHAT IS THE CHAPTER LUNCH?

During the Chapter Lunch, we number tables based on which section you’re in throughout the country. If you don’t know your section, just ask someone at the registration desk.


WHAT IS THE TRADE SHOW?

On Tuesday morning, we will open the trade show doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, hand out awards to the most creative booths, and then welcome members to meet with vendors. Attendees will be provided with an interactive trade show with the premiere vendors for the industry poised to show you what they have to offer your business. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a seasoned veteran, the vendors you will meet with are a veritable who’s who in the entertainment industry.


HOW CAN I PURCHASE A BOOTH AT THE TRADE SHOW?

Questions about the trade show or sponsorships can be directed to Angela Tanner at atanner@rollerskating.com or call 317-347-2626 Ext. 102.


WHAT DO I WEAR FOR THE EVENT?

Because we want to make it helpful for you to know how to pack, here’s the typical attire for the week’s events. This year’s theme is Lights, Camera, Roll: The Best Show on Wheels, and will be in keeping with the celebrity/James Bond feel. Whether you want to get creative and dress with the theme or just attend in everyday attire, the choice is yours!

 

Here is an outline of the typical attire for various events:

Cocktail events: Some members come dressed in normal everyday attire, but several may change into cocktail dresses or business casual.

Seminars: Dress comfortably. Meeting rooms can sometimes get chilly, so bring a light cardigan or jacket if you wish.

President’s Dinner: This is a black-tie optional cocktail attire event. Most wear suits, tuxes, evening gowns, or cocktail attire. Either way, this comes with your full delegate status, and we encourage you to attend! Seating is first come, first served at round tables with other members.


WHAT EVENTS ARE NEW FOR 2024?

We will hold a Future Roller Skating Rink Owner Boot Camp for those who want to open their own rink, as well as a STEM Licensee Boot Camp for anyone who has signed up to be a STEM Licensee.


CAN I BRING PURSES OR BAGS?

Yes. Members will also be given bags for their materials upon registration check-in. We encourage you to bring a pen and notepad with you.


WILL THE EVENT BE LIVE-STREAMED?

Members who wish to attend the Convention will learn everything at the event. We do not live stream events during the Convention.


HOW DO I MAKE COPIES?

We do not have a copier on-site. You will need to visit the hotel’s business center to purchase copies of any materials that you might need.


WILL I GET A PROGRAM OR MAP?

Delegates will be given an event program in their delegate bag that shows all seminars, a trade show floor plan, and how to contact vendors. Delegates will also receive a pocket brochure, a tiny trifold quick outline of the schedule of events for the week.


WILL THE MEDIA BE IN ATTENDANCE?

Sometimes, members of the media may be in attendance to cover the excitement of the event. Members of the media must be credentialed through the RSA. Contact atanner@rollerskating.com to request a media pass. Requests are at the discretion of RSA.


CAN I MAKE SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS?

Please let us know on your application form if you need any special accommodations or requests for food allergies. We will do everything we can to make sure that you are accommodated. Those with scooters or wheelchairs will have space made available.


HOW DO I FIND MY SECTION DIRECTOR?

Section directors will be listed in the event program. If you do not know who your section director is, please feel free to contact someone at the registration desk, and we will find them to introduce you.


WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE IN ORLANDO IN MAY?

Daily temperatures are a high of 88 degrees and low of 69 degrees.


WHAT KIND OF FUNDRAISERS ARE THERE DURING THE EVENT?

The Roller Skating Foundation provides grants and scholarships throughout the year to accomplish its mission to help promote the roller skating industry and provide financial assistance to deserving students.

The National Museum of Roller Skating provides the public with an experience to reflect on and understand the sport of roller skating and its history. With exhibits containing artifacts dating back to the early 19th century, the Museum presents roller skating throughout the years. Both the Roller Skating Foundation and National Museum of Roller Skating rely primarily upon the financial support of RSA members and affiliates.


SHOULD I BRING MY GOLF CLUBS?

Yes! The Museum golf outing with details to come soon. To participate, please contact the event organizer, Frank Torries, at 337-278-8275 or funnationla@gmail.com


SHOULD I BRING MY SKATES?

Yes! We will be having a Skate Bash Party at Astro Skate in Orlando courtesy of Chris Maganias, so bring your skates (and an empty tummy...he always has an incredible buffet for members)!


WHAT IF I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?

If you have a question about the event, need us to make special accommodations, want to purchase a booth, need to adjust information after you registered, or anything else related to the convention, please contact Angela Tanner at 317-347-2626 Ext. 102 or email atanner@rollerskating.com.


WHAT IF I'M NOT AN RSA MEMBER?

The member dues fee to belong to the Roller Skating Association International is just $450 for the year. The money saved on your convention registration fees and more than 50 other discounts and perks, your dues pay for themselves several times over throughout the year. Simply call our Membership Services department at 317-347-2626 Ext. 108, email membership@rollerskating.com or visit www.rollerskating.com/join.