Conference Organizations: Other conferences I went in past years were very structurally organized and highly professional. For instance, all the workshops and presentations were required to use power-print overheads and all the exhibitors were required to set up the booth with something to show what they have done in research or work setting.  It was very different from the atmosphere at the USATF Conference that includes a room with chairs for the audience to listen and discuss.  That was simple, and I liked the most about USATF presentations is that the audience had the opportunity to ask questions, make suggestions or speak out for improvements. Also, I noticed that at the end of most presentations, there was enough time for the presenter to mingle and talk with participants.  That was nice to see that more often than any other conference, I went before. 

Presentation Types:  All presentations were focused solely on what is going on in USA Track and Field, instead of keeping updated on scientific and training issues. It helps us and others see where we are going and whom we should talk with. Great networking out there!  As compared to other conferences, some presentations were given in scientifically advanced approach and others in art learning-oriented approach.  Most information was based on research and/or experience. I have learned so much from these excellent educational resources.  Very challenging, but sometimes overwhelming for me to learn!   However, there was obviously a big disadvantage of developing networking connections with presenters and leaders who were very busy, preparing for workshops, seminars, panels and/or business-related meetings.   Actually, these conferences contained higher number of attendance by professionals and members. 

Networking Benefits: These businesspeople, athletes and fans seemed friendly and sport-personally than people, at other conferences I went, as diverse, including higher statuses within different cliques.  I was able to develop connections with these people at USATF.   I think, attending a conference with significantly number of professionals with ìcoaching attitudeî make things somewhat easier for a deaf professional to find time to talk with professionals at the presentations and especially the expo show. 

I felt fortunate for growing up in hearing school within the running community, because there were several circles of people I met from my high school running years, plus coaching at Centreville High School.  I intend to keep up my networking with this wonderful camaraderie in the running community from Virginia and other places that some people moved to. 

Track & Field Training Kit:  I enjoyed learning about the Training Kit for Elementary School Kids. 

Cross-Country National Championships:  It was great to have some people from Long Distance Running Division to support USADTF for including deaf distance runners into the USATF Cross Country National Championships.   I went to watch the Cross Country National Championship and honestly with you, these men and womenís national cross country competition is not ìcompleteî for the whole nation.   Where are world-class runners, such as Alan Webb, Jonathan Riley, Regina Jacobs and Deena Drossin?  So, I strongly believe that most are elite club runners and possibly several semi-professional.  The race is excellent for any runner who is trying to be recruited by world class coaches.  So, maybe this race is excellent for deaf runners to be recruited by deaf distance coaches and Deaflympic distance coaches.  Well, at first place, I thought that this race might not be good for USADTF but then now with my second thoughts, it is a very good start for several reasons: 

Exposing deaf coaches/athletes to USATF conferences and especially certifications. 
Developing network with all kinds of distance coaches 
Getting access to Long Distance Running Division, in order to improve deaf distance running services and especially, increase the number of deaf distance runners, particularly girls and women. 
 
Future Opportunities with USATF:  I believe that the atmosphere at USATF Conference is definitely a good fit for deaf coaches to get in touch with coaches, exhibitors, athletes, representatives and others by building their professional network strongly. Therefore, I strongly believe that USADTF gives several presentations that definitely would be an excellent educational resource to USATF.  We should be addressing these issues to the USATF audience as follows: 

USADTF and USADSF:  The presentations should be given by USADTF and USADSF Presidents, plus some selected coaches/athletes being qualified as presenters. 

Introducing the organizations and its history, USADTF and USADSF 
Educating the definition of Deaf culture (different from Paralympics) 
Explaining about Deaf, mainstreamed, cued speech and oral school programs 
Pointing how we can improve our networking with schools and colleges to find deaf and 
       hard of hearing athletes 
Giving information on the importance of making coaching videos being closed-captioned, 
       including tax-saving issues 
Deaf coaches/athletes with diverse levels of athletic experiences and backgrounds, chosen 
       for the panel discussion 

Award Presentations: We might consider about giving awards to Deaf Cross-Country National  Championship Awards and the Deaf Male and Female Track & Field Athlete of the Year awards, every year at USATF Conference. 

Athletic Recruitment: Not only its education, we will get more contacts from all kinds of coaches who may know deaf athletes.  It is definitely a big bonus for our recruitment build-up. 

Interpreting Evaluations:  I wish that each of us had a couple of interpreters, so we can go to any workshop we want to attend on our own.  Also, it helps us meet more people in different places.  I have my confidence in USADTF to work on cooperating with USATF to improve interpreting services to deaf coaches and athletes for future.   We need interpreters who are certified and it would be great to have interpreters who love track and field! 

Definitely, I made my commitment to attend USATF conference every year!  Thank you for inviting me over there, Thomas! 

Karen M. Sanfacon