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Want to host an event filled with college decisionmakers? Look no further than this RFP for the US Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA)’s Annual Convention.
The United States Collegiate Athletic Association provides opportunities for small colleges across the United States to compete against like institutions for national championships and student-athlete recognition. Each year, the association hosts championship events in the following sports:
- Men’s Golf
- Women’s Golf
- Men’s Soccer (D1 & D2)
- Women’s Soccer (D1 & D2)
- Volleyball (D1 & D2)
- Men’s Cross Country
- Women’s Cross Country
- Men’s Basketball (D1 & D2)
- Women’s Basketball (D1 & D2)
- Men’s & Women’s Track and Field
- Softball
- Baseball
For the annual convention, officials are seeking June dates in 2028 and 2031. The convention is expected to bring approximately 200 room nights plus an additional $30K in master billing.
The USCAA Annual Convention is an annual meeting of USCAA Athletic Directors, administrators and coaches. The event includes business meetings, Town Hall sessions on championships, ratings/selections and bylaws, as well as professional development and social opportunities. Member institutions of USCAA are highly encouraged to send at least one representative.
Previous host cities have been Pittsburgh, PA, Richmond, VA, Virginia Beach, VA, Norfolk, VA, Portland, ME and Winston-Salem, NC.
The USCAA is open to any metropolitan area with convenient airport access east of the Mississippi River; for 2028 and 2031, USCAA is seeking a city in the Northeast.
Event Dates and Conference Information
- 2028 | June 4-7 or June 11-14 (preferred). USCAA will accept any consecutive three-night period in early-mid June.
- 2031 | June 1-4 or June 8-11 (preferred). USCAA will accept any consecutive three-night period in early-mid June.
- Typically a Sunday to Wednesday event.
- Looking for a two-year deal to include 2028 and 2031
Expected Attendance
The USCAA anticipates 80-100 participants athletic directors and administrators. These are based on historical numbers for registration.
*Note: The USCAA has implemented a policy change that has the potential of increasing this number in future years.
Venue Preferences
The USCAA requests the following from a host hotel:
- Full service hotel
- Ballroom suitable for a minimum of 100 people classroom style
- No fewer than three breakout spaces
- Storage for convention items
- Complimentary wi-fi highly recommended
- Hospitality suite preferred
- Preference for $10-12 rebate program per room booked in block
Event History:
- 2014 and 2015 | Doubletree Downtown Hotel, Pittsburgh, PA
- 2016 and 2018 | Richmond Downtown Marriott, Richmond, VA
- 2017 and 2019 | The Main by Hilton, Norfolk, VA
- 2020 and 2021 Held virtually due to COVID-19
- 2022 and 2025 | Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland, ME
- 2023 and 2026 | Winston-Salem Marriot, Winston-Salem, NC
- 2024 and 2027 | Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh, PA
Sports Commission and CVB Notes:
Previous support from CVB’s and Cities have included:
- Sponsorship of Hospitality Suite or Welcome Social and Hall of Fame Gala
- Print services including window graphics, signage, etc.
- Concierge service at registration
- Welcome packets/gifts
- Distribution of RFP to qualifying hotels
- Airport signage/branding
- Introduction to services including transportation and social activities service providers
- Complimentary lodging for planning site visit prior to event (preferably in March or April)
- Introduction to sponsors and/or restaurant partners
Further information, including a sample agenda for the meeting, room block numbers, banquet requirements and more, can be found in the RFP at this link.
Deadlines:
- Intent to Bid: Due December 1, 2026
- Official Proposal: Due January 31, 2027
- Site Announcement: March 1, 2027
Questions can be addressed to BJ Bertges at 412-480-4789 or bj.bertges@theuscaa.com. The USCAA requests that inquiries are made by hosting entity and not individual hotels/properties.
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