Softball Canadas Blue Convention/Congres des Bleu Returns!

March 28-31, 2013 Hamilton, Ontario

The preparation has started, the hotel is selected, our logo is ready and our organizing committee is set. As your host, rest assured the Ontario crew will do the utmost to make the Hamilton Blue Convention a first rate officiating event.

Softball Ontario and its officials would like to extend the invitation to all Softball Canada Officials and their partners to the 2013 Blue Convention/Congres des Bleu March 28th-30th in exciting downtown Hamilton, Ontario. As a great sports city, Hamilton embraces a wide variety of professional and semi-professional sporting activities. They have hosted world championships in hockey, curling, cycling, lacrosse and celebrated marathons. Its a city that knows how to entertain, attract, and celebrate their athletes and officials. You will not be disappointed with what the city has to offer.

Past Conventions that were held in New Brunswick, British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Kitchener, and Toronto have set the standard for the 2013 event and we look to provide the same strength and notoriety in Hamilton!

What you will find at the Convention

Renew/New Acquaintances
Seminar Presentations
Legendary Personalities
International Officials
Companion Package
Indicator Club Banquet
Great Accommodations
Host Hospitality

You can count on the Hamilton Blue Convention to once again exceed your expectations as Cris and Mitch, along with the staff of Softball Ontario, will make this Blue Convention one to remember!

The umpiring fraternity in Ontario is ramping up the preparations for the convention and will be online in the next month with our interactive and informative website. There have been vast discussions and debate regarding presentations, speakers, rule interpretation forums, ISF personnel, promotional items, hospitality events, entertainment, and companion ventures. Feel free to send in your feedback and ideas via the website contact.

Blue Convention 2013 apparel and paraphernalia will be available through our site and on your Softball Exam application.

The Blue Convention Logo was created through strong input and guidance of our Ontario officials with special mention to our newly appointed ISF Official and past Blue Convention presenter, and newly appointed Blue Convention Finance Committee Chair Steve Doyle.

You can count on the Softball Ontario umpires and staff to provide all officials and their guests across the nation and abroad an outstanding2013 Blue Convention/ Congres des Bleu. Under the leadership of Cristine Fader and Mitch Zuk, the vision of the 2013 Convention is to provide a venue that will progress and evaluate the state of officiating while encouraging the collegial atmosphere that can always be found on the blue team.

Save the date and make your preparations to attend the 2013 Blue Convention. Keep your eyes peeled for news updates on our progress and what we have in store for Blue Easter.

HOTEL Information:

The Crowne Plaza Hamilton Hotel and Conference Centre. A web registration will be set up in another month (check back by the beginning of April if you want to make an on-line booking at the special rate).

However, if guests would like to book through the Crowne Plaza central reservations line they can call 1-800-2CROWNE and mention Umpire Blue Convention OR group code UBU. THIS WILL ENSURE YOU RECEIVE THE SPECIAL RATE OF $105.

You must book prior to the March 5th, 2013 cutoff date to guarantee the rate and a room.

Donna Ozarko
Program Manager – Officials/Publication Services

Softball Canada
223 Colonnade Road South
Suite 212
Ottawa, Ontario K2E 7K3 CANADA

613-523-3386 Ext 3101 Fax 613-523-5761
dozarko@softball.ca