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The 2008 GSS Racquet Stringers
Symposium will be held at the beautiful Regal
Sun Resort , an official Walt Disney World® hotel.
Located within walking distance of downtown Disney, the
Regal Sun specializes in family-friendly amenities, impressive
facilities, and uncompromising fun and service. This
property is a quick shuttle ride from the Magic Kingdom® Park,
Disney-MGM Studios, Epcot® and Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme
Park and is just 17 miles from Orlando International
Airport. The Regal Sun is offering GSS symposium attendees
a great group rate plus, that rate is extended to 3 days
before and 3 days after the dates of the symposium! That
means you can come early or stay late, attend the GSS
symposium and make a vacation out of the whole experience
without ever having to change hotel rooms?
GSS attendees will enjoy low group rates of just $99 per
night from the Regal Sun Resort, and our group rates will
be honored 3 days prior to and 3 days following our symposium
dates. That means you can enjoy both the symposium and the
Disney theme parks without ever having to change hotels! You
can book your reservations on line by going HERE.
While you're in Orlando why not make it a family vacation
at Disney World? Come learn from some of the best professional
racquet technicians and industry professionals in the world
and enjoy one of the most popular vacation destinations at
the same time! For complete information on the amenities offered
by the Regal Sun Resort please click HERE.
The schedule has been increased
to 3 full days and new seminars have been added to
the 2008 lineup. The symposium cost is $495 per person
but an 10%
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT will apply if you register HERE on
or before July 10, 2008. (This discount only
applies to your symposium fee and has no effect on
your room
rate at the Regal Sun). Why so early? We want
your symposium experience to be the best it can possibly
be. By registering early you can help GSS to determine
how much conference space will be needed as well
as aid in early preparation for food and drink menus.
In return for your early registration we're offering
you a 10% discount to
show our appreciation.
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Experience the magic of Disney's four captivating Theme Parks and dive
into fun at two refreshing Water Parks. There's something here to ignite
the imagination and warm the spirit of everyone. Follow your Disney
dreams to a place where storybook fantasy comes to life for children
of all ages. Seek out adventures, create magical memories with beloved
Characters and discover the fun where imagination reigns. Just click
on the Disney tickets logo below for GSS special group rates.
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What
do the 2007 attendees of the GSS Racquet Stringers
Symposium have to say?
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Ed Matheson
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from
Dunwoody Georgia says "From my perspective
it was a fantastic opportunity to participate
in a hands on seminar led by some of the worlds
finest and most knowledgeable people associated
with the manufacturing, customizing and stringing
of tennis racquets. It was a pleasure to have
some one-on-one time with these folks to discuss
specific issues and establish some long time
friendships. I'm looking forward to the 2008
symposium."
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Jeremy Plumley
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from
Bethesda Maryland has seen an increase in stringing
revenues since
attending the 2007 event. "The event was very
professionally organized and run, on par or better with
USPTA divisional seminars I have been to.The ability
to learn and network with the top stringers and vendors
in the industry was invaluable.The information that I
learned from the seminar leaders and fellow attendees
has almost doubled the stringing revenue at my club in
the first year!
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Charmagne Fraser
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of
Virginia Beach Virginia says she wouldn't miss
it! “The racquet stringing symposium
was two days filled with information crucial
to anyone running a stringing business whether
it be large or small. If anyone is thinking of
starting a new stringing business, it would be
crazy for them not to spend two or three days
soaking up valuable knowledge from the best in
the business. I will definitely attend again
in 2008. Wouldn't’t miss it!"
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Daren DiSanto
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of
New York says "Attending the 2007 GSS
Symposium is one of the best investments I've
made. Meeting top MRT's from around the world
in one room discussing techniques and technologies
has proven invaluable to my business both as
a Tennis Professional and Racquet Technician."
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Ron Castillo |
of La Plata, Maryland "As a novice stringer, attending the 2007 GSS Symposium seemed a bit intimidating. But Tim and the other Pros made me feel welcome and at ease. They gave me the confidence, inspiration and know-how to start my own racquet service business, Stringz & Thingz! I continually seek their advice and guidance on the GSS Forum, and look forward to the 2008 symposium".
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To view more comments about the very first GSS symposium you can visit the message forums on the GSS web site by clicking HERE
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The
GSS Racquet Stringers Symposium is unique because
it's the only event
of it's kind that has a specific focus on the
racquet stringer/technician and shop owner. Whether
your goal is to improve your technical skills
behind a stringing machine or the customizing
table, or to improve the overall bottom line
of your business, the GSS symposium can give
you the skills to help you reach those goals.
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United
States Professional Tennis Association’s World
Conference on Tennis, Sept. 15-20, 2008, La Quinta,
Calif. – Don’t miss out on the premier
educational event for tennis-teaching professionals.
USPTA will host its International Tennis Championships,
industry meetings, parties, the nation’s largest
tennis-only buying show, silent auction, awards presentation
and much more! For more information, visit uspta.com.
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"GSS proudly
welcomes the USPTA as a sponsor of the 2008 GSS Racquet
Stringers Symposium. All USPTA members who attend
the GSS symposium will earn continuing education
points for their participation in the event". |
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AMERIPRISE
FINANCIAL
Do you own your business or does your business own you? Most small business
owners who honestly answer this question do not like the answer they get. Tennis
professionals, like any other business owners, need to focus on the fundamentals
of their business in order to truly "own" their business. The fundamentals
every business owner must focus on are:
- Serving their existing customers and clients
- Marketing for new customers, clients, and services
- Managing the business
Join the Ameriprise Financial experts and find
out what you can do to take your business to the
next level.
TOUR SIMULATION STRINGING
ROOM
Think you can string for the professional tour? If this is a passion of yours,
or you've ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at a pro tournament,
strap on your tools and step into our new Wilson simulation tour stringing
room and give it your best shot. This offering is not for the faint of heart
and is recommended for experienced stringers.
THE BASICS OF STRINGING
Learning the basics is something everyone has to go through, including the
professionals that string for the tour. This seminar is designed to take
you through the necessary steps required to string a racquet from frame inspection
to tying off the last knot. Learning the basics of stringing will provide
you with the necessary skills to get the job done right!
LUXILON-TAKING STRING INTO THE 21ST CENTURY
Luxilon has without a doubt established itself as a force to be reckoned with in today's market. Arguably the most popular string on the pro tour today, Luxilon string has taken center stage in a world long dominated by natural gut and an array of synthetics that have stood the test of time. So what is it about this new generation string that's so appealing to tour players? How and where does Luxilon fit into the recreational market? And last but certainly not least, what are the underlying factors that drive this products popularity? Join the Luxilon team for this insightful look into one of the most talked about products in the tennis world today!
RACQUETTRACKER SOFTWARE
Over 6 years in development this program is the ultimate software package for
the serious stringer and shop owner. Racquettracker is too extensive to list all the features
here but trust us, if you've been looking for a software package for your
shop you don't want to miss this presentation.
A QUALITY POLY STRING JOB WITH FLYING CLAMPS AND A PORTABLE MACHINE
Convinced that flying clamps are just as capable
as fixed clamps to accomplish efficient stringing,
John Elliot has developed an entirely new concept
in light-weight portable stringing machines.
He will demonstrate his stringing method on his
personal machine and explain each step in detail,
emphasizing the points which help to minimize
tension losses during the stringing process.
By reducing the over-stretching frequently suffered
by co-polymer strings, it is possible to greatly
enhance the string's playability and durability.
Learn the secrets of how to do a first class
string-job on a simple machine using polyester
strings.
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2008 will see the addition of a six hour trade show
on Monday from noon to 6 p.m. that will allow all
attendees direct contact with key manufacturers
in our industry. Invitations have been sent encouraging
all manufacturers to come join us, display their
products, and provide the opportunity for everyone
to have hands-on access to their products. Our goal
is to have a broad based presentation of the latest
in stringing machines, diagnostic equipment, and
other products of interest to our seminar attendees.
Please plan to support this trade show and show
our industry representatives that we value their
participation in the GSS symposium. Logos of all
manufacturers who have signed on to join us in 2008
are displayed in the graphic above and as new companies
come on board their logo will be added to the list.
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(
For a complete listing of seminar dates and times
please go HERE )
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Racquet
Customization....
John Gugel MRT and certification tester with
the USRSA John leads this 4 hour
seminar that was easily one of the most talked
about sessions from the
2007 event. With a new format change John will
begin with a brief Power Point presentation and
then jump right into hosting three different
hands-on work stations covering (1) the
testing and diagnostic equipment needed to customize
any racquet (2) grip enhancement and modification
(3) bumper/grommet replacement plus much, much
more. The goal with the new format is to see
that everyone in attendance gets their chance
at some real hands-on time at each station!
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Diagnostic equipment used in this seminar includes:
Alpha Accuswing, Babolat RDC, Howe Flex Four, Rossignol
SwingTest, and the Beers ERT. This course will provide
you with the skills to set yourself apart from
the rest of the pack and offer you a completely
new revenue stream for your shop.
From the Garage
to the Storefront.... Bob
Patterson, MRT and 2005 RSi Stringer of the
Year shows you the steps of
growing your business from a home based operation
to a brick and mortar full scale retail store. Whether you're starting a new business
or planning to take an existing business to the next level, Bob provides a systematic
approach to assess and plan your business growth. Once you sit in with Bob you'll easily see
why his retail operation was voted #1.
Machine Repair/Maintenance
and Equipment Selection - Mark
Gonzales of Alpha Racquet Sports
takes you through the steps of maintaining
and repairing the equipment you use on a daily basis in
your shop. Machine calibration, clamp and clamp base adjustments, and many of the little secrets you need to know to keep your equipment in top condition! For those of you who may be considering a purchase of a new stringing machine or an expensive piece of diagnostic equipment for your shop Mark will cover in detail
exactly what you should be looking for before you make your decision to buy. |
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The Art of Working
with Natural Gut - GSS
Founder, Symposium Director, and 2007 RSi Stringer
of the Year Tim Strawn and MRT
Richard Parnell from Fuengirola Spain
will take you on a virtual tour of the manufacturing
process of the most misunderstood string the stringer
has to work with.
Learn what makes natural gut so special, how to
protect the string during installation, weaving
techniques to maintain the strings integrity, and
special tricks you can use to make installing this
string easy and fast. During this session Richard and Tim will
actually spend time on the machine so you can see
first hand how to handle natural gut yourself.
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Basic String
Stuff & Racquettracker Software - John
Gugel, MRT and
USRSA Certification Tester takes
you on a journey into the manufacturing world
of racquet strings. Understanding your product
is vital to knowing exactly what string will
work best in any situation and John 's class
will give you the knowledge to do that. Learn
what strings to pick and why for a particular
application. Gain a clear understanding of
why some strings work well together in hybrid
combinations and why others don't. If you're
confused on the differences between the construction
of one string versus another this session
provides the insight needed to broaden your
knowledge in that area. John will also introduce
Racquet Tracker software, the most comprehensive
stringing program available today. If you
want to keep accurate records of the work
you do for your customers Racquet Tracker
is the program you've been looking for!
The Basics of
Stringing - MRT & 2006
RSi Stringer of the Year Grant Morgan and Dave
Bone, USRSA President will
be leading this class that's specifically
geared towards the beginning to intermediate
stringer. Topics covered include machine
preparation, racquet preparation, racquet
mounting, string & tension selection,
basic stringing patterns and techniques (including
1 & 2-piece stringing), using the starting
clamp, and various knots used to complete
the job. Beginning stringers won't want to
miss this class! Whether you're just starting
to learn the process of stringing or have
been stringing for a while and just want
to improve your basic skills this is the
seminar for you!
Advanced Stringing & Service
Review - Bob Patterson, MRT and 2005 RSi
Stringer of the Year teaches you
the necessary skills needed to successfully complete
USRSA certification. Advanced techniques that help
to round out the overall skills of any stringer
are demonstrated here as well as the little secrets
needed to help get you through the most difficult
situations when stringing a racquet. This is the
perfect prep course for anyone considering the
MRT exam and will definitely be a plus if you choose
to certify at the 2008 symposium.
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From the Manufacturers
Perspective - Ron
Rocchi, Principle
Designer for Wilson Racquet Sports.
Ask anyone that attended the 2007 GSS Symposium
and they'll quickly tell you that Ron absolutely
mesmerized his audience with this presentation
on the manufacturing process of tennis racquets.
Join Ron as he takes you through the process
from beginning to end right down to how the
graphics are applied to the racquets. This
is material rarely revealed, even to industry
insiders so you won't want to miss this one!
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Do You Own Your
Business or Does Your Business Own You? -
Stewart Barnes of Ameriprise Financial & Mike
Garrison - Most small business
owners who honestly answer this question
do not like the answer they get. Tennis professionals,
like any other business owner, need to focus
on the fundamentals of their business in
order to truly "own" their
business. The fundamentals every business
owner must focus on are serving their existing
customers, marketing for new customers, clients,
and services, and managing the business.
This is a "must attend" session
for any serious business owner!
MRT
Testing - There will be limited
slots available for MRT testing and only one
day (Monday) that the tests will be administered.
If you're considering any certification during
the 2008 symposium we highly recommend that you
sign up for the Sunday session of Advanced
Stringing & Service Review with Bob
Patterson -- sign up soon to be assured a slot! |
| Tim
Strawn is the owner of www.grandslamstringers.com,
an interactive web site dedicated to serving the
worldwide stringing community. Tim is the founder
of the GSS Racquet Stringers Symposium, a MRT (Master Racquet Technician) with the United States Racquet Stringers Association
(USRSA), a member of the Wilson Tour Services Stringing Team, and an 8 year veteran
of stringing for the ATP/WTA tours. He was voted
RSI's Stringer of the Year in 2007!
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| Mark
Gonzalez of Alpha Racquet Sports is one of the most
respected names in the industry when it comes to
stringing machines and strings. Mark is a MRT (Master
Racquet Technician) and a certification tester with the United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA) and has many years
of experience in the retail business as well as experience
stringing at the pro tour level. Mark is without
a doubt the number one reason behind Alpha’s
renowned reputation for outstanding customer care
and service after the sale. |
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| Richard
Parnell is a MRT (Master Racquet Technician) and a certification
tester with the United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA)
and he is also a certification tester for the European
Racquet Stringers Association (ERSA). Richard is a veteran
tour stringer of 6 Wimbledon’s, many Davis
Cup ties in Spain, team leader for the Barcelona
Open in 2002, and team leader for the TMS Series
Madrid in 2003 & 2004. |
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| John
Gugel is a MRT (Master Racquet Technician) and certification tester with the
United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA), veteran tour stringer, and owner of e-Tennis
in Winter Park Florida. John is the winner of the "Top
Design" award from Industrial Design Magazine
for innovative racquet design and the winner of the "New
Top 100 Products" award from Popular Mechanics
Magazine for designing a series of six racquets,
one of which was named to the top 100 list. |
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| Bob
Patterson is a MRT (Master Racquet Technician) and certification tester with
the United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA). Bob founded and operated
Player's Choice Tennis, a tennis specialty store selected as the Retail Store of
the Year by RSi Magazine in 2004 and was also selected to the "Top Ten" retail specialty
stores in 2004 by the Tennis Industry Association. Bob was also voted Stringer of the Year
by RSi Magazine in 2005. Bob owns RACQUETMAXX, a professional racquet service company
that specializes in racquet customization and stringing and he has served as a Contributing Editor
to RSi Magazine since 2006. |
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| Ron
Rocchi, Wilson Sporting Goods Principle Designer for Racquet Sports,
has been creating and developing the best selling Wilson racquets for
the last 10 years. As Global Tour Equipment Manager, he is responsible
for servicing all Wilson touring professionals with their racquet customization
needs. Ron serves as the Director of the Wilson Stringing team, the official
stringers of the U.S. Open in New York City and the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, Florida. |
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| Grant
Morgan is a MRT (Master Racquet Technician) with the United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA) and a veteran tour stringer of 7 years and over
75 tournaments worldwide including all four Grand
slams and all Master series tournaments. Grant has
served as the official stringer for the U.S. Men's
Davis Cup team, was RSi's stringer of the year in
2006, and also worked as the personal stringer to
Andy Roddick during the 2003- 2004 ATP seasons. Grant
currently manages String n' Swing Tennis in Memphis
Tennessee. The store is 5,700 sq ft and has an in-store
hitting court. |
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| David
Bone, Master Racquet Technician (MRT), is the Executive
Director and Owner of the USRSA (United States Racquet Stringers
Association), the sponsor for the 2008 GSS symposium.
He is a graduate of the Professional Tennis Management
(PTM) program at Ferris State University in Big Rapids,
Michigan. He has been a speaker at National Conventions
for the USPTA, USPTR, and USTA. David’s mission
is to bring the wealth of information the USRSA has
to offer to as many tennis industry professionals
as possible. |
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Stewart
Barnes, CFP, is a Senior Financial Advisor and CERTIFIED
FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner in Roanoke, Virginia.
He owns Barnes and Associates, which is a financial
advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services,
Inc.
Mike Garrison is the Amazon.com, Wall Street
Journal, New York Times, and USA Today bestselling
author of Truth or Delusion?: Busting Networking's
Biggest Myths. He is a business coach whose passion
is helping clients discover and attain higher levels
of performance in both their business and personal
lives. |
| Stewart Barnes & Mike Garrison |
John
Elliot has more than 20 years experience in creating
and manufacturing top quality mono filament co-polymer
and polyester tennis strings and has helped to develop
some of the most successful racquet strings in the
market today. The 15 years work on specific stringing
methods to minimize tension loss and to optimize
the playing characteristics has enabled him to lower
machine tension settings by 4 to 6 lbs, yet obtain
the usual tension and SBS readings. His passion and
professionalism for strings, stringing methods and
stringing machines has led him to become one of the
more controversial personalities in the world of
tennis today.
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For more information on the GSS Racquet Stringers Symposium please contact GSS at (540) 772-4418 or crazydiamond23@cox.net
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