Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1514831
As we start the new year, I can't help but be proud of everything we were able to accomplish in 2023. However, there are two things that I am most proud of. First, our membership reached an all-time high again, for the second consecutive year in a row. Secondly, attendance at our Regional Training Programs exceeded the previous high-water mark set in 2016. Both accomplishments give me confidence that we are meeting our organization's mission and vision. 2023 was great, but I believe that 2024 will be even better. We will be celebrating the 20th annual North American Rink Conference & Expo (NARCE) this Spring in Milwaukee, WI. In addition to the 11 educational courses we will offer this year, the opportunity to network with hundreds of your peers and interact with the leading vendors in our industry can't be missed. Shortly after we wrap up NARCE this May, our Regional Training Program (RTP) season goes into full swing from June through November with classes being offered around the country. The 2024 RTP schedule will be released online in mid-April, with the full brochure coming out in the May/June issue of RINK Magazine. In addition to the education, cer- tification and in-person networking opportunities we will be provid- ing our members in 2024, we will also be adding even more valuable membership benefits. Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements detailing these new benefits over the next few months. I hope you enjoy this issue of RINK. Starting on page 16, the host rink for 2024 NARCE, Pettit National Ice Center, is featured. The Pettit is a unique facility as it has an indoor 400-meter speedskating oval, and two standard ice rinks inside the oval. Starting on page 23 you'll find the 2024 NARCE attendee brochure, which outlines all the information you'll need to know about the event. Finally, if you've never been to Milwaukee, you'll learn about all the things our host city has to offer on page 42. Wishing you the best in 2024, — Jeff Theiler, Chief Operating Officer, United States Ice Rink Association Opening ADDRESS Welcome from Jeff Theiler THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED STATES ICE RINK ASSOCIATION JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 // VOL. 27, NO. 1 USICERINKS.COM // INFO@USICERINKS.COM C E O Laura McEwen C H A I R M A N Steve Farbman P R E S I D E N T James McEwen S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T David Jensen C O N T R O L L E R Mike Schwarz C R E A T I V E D I R E C T O R Rob Johnson A R T D I R E C T O R S Mike DeArmond, Brandon Favre D E S I G N E R S Taylor McCumber, Sydney Urban A D S A L E S Bryan Nelson V I C E P R E S I D E N T, M A R K E T I N G & C L I E N T S T R A T E G Y Jessica Disch E D I T O R Aaron Paitich C O N T E N T W R I T E R Emily Sizen A D C O O R D I N A T O R Samantha Canter RINK Magazine is the definitive business publication for professionals in the ice rink industry and is the leading source for information on facility management, operations and programming. PUBLISHING PARTNER 1601 Utica Avenue South, Suite 110, Minneapolis, MN 55416 P H : (763) 595-0808 E - M A I L : info@touchpointmedia.com W E B S I T E : touchpointmedia.com Mission: "To advance the ice rink industry through membership, world-class education, training, resources and events." C H I E F O P E R A T I N G O F F I C E R Jeff Theiler D I R E C T O R , E D U C A T I O N John Monteleone P H : ( 719 ) 538-1149 F A X : (719) 538-7838 E - M A I L : info@usicerinks.com W E B S I T E : usicerinks.com A P A R T N E R W I T H E D I T O R Aaron Paitich C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S John Monteleone, Jessi Pierce, Jeff Theiler E D I T O R I A L B O A R D T.C. Lewis, John Monteleone, Craig Petersen, Jeff Theiler D E S I G N E R S Mike DeArmond, Brandon Favre, Taylor McCumber, Sydney Urban 12 / JANUARY.FEBRUARY.2024 USICERINKS.COM Providing More in 2024 Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements detailing NEW MEMBER BENEFITS over the next few months.