USRowing Annual Convention Moves to Springfield in 2016

USRowing and the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club are pleased to announce that the 2016 USRowing Annual Convention will be held December 1-4 in Springfield, Mass. 

The four-day event includes the Advanced Coaches Conference featuring top U.S. and international coaches; a Business of Rowing seminar and panel discussion with athletic program administrators; America Rows diversity, adaptive and inclusion programming; coaching certification; referee clinics; and a Junior Day series geared toward rowers and parents, in addition to receptions and local social events.

“The convention represents a great opportunity to continue the growth of the sport of rowing in the Springfield area,” said Events Manager AJ Dominique. “The theme of the convention will highlight rowing’s history while also looking towards its future.”

The Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club and Western Massachusetts Sports Commission will serve as the local organizing committee for the event, with the convention being held at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place located in downtown Springfield just minutes from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.  

“Rowing in the Pioneer Valley has been growing greatly over the past decade,” said Vice President of USRowing and head coach of rowing at the University of Massachusetts Jim Dietz. “It's fitting that the USRowing Annual Convention should come to Springfield in 2016 to help celebrate and encourage that growth.”

“On behalf of the Western MA Sports Commission (WMSC), a division within our bureau, we are delighted to host such a great event for downtown Springfield and the region,” said Mary Kay Wydra, president of the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.  “As the adventure capital of New England, the location is a natural fit for the 2016 USRowing Annual Convention. We look forward to beginning our partnership with USRowing and providing exceptional hospitality for all those that attend.” 

"The Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club, Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau and City of Springfield are happy to welcome USRowing members and friends to the Pioneer Valley,” said President of Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club and former national team member Jonathan Moss. “The Connecticut River defines the contours of the Western Massachusetts geography and historically brought great richness to the region (agriculturally, economically and in matters of recreation). 

In the mid to late 18th century, a rich riverfront hub of activity with regional, collegiate and international rowing regattas was established. Some of the earliest public high school rowing also began in Springfield. After a dark period of several decades, the riverfront is being brought back to life. The Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club is central to this revitalization. PVRC is proud to call Springfield its home and we welcome other avid athletes and coaches to visit Springfield for the December 2016 event."

More information regarding registration and hotels will be available in the coming year at www.usrowing.org.