Another Year, Another Convention

So, I finally got back home on Monday night from the annual NCAA Convention in Nashville. Despite not having diving catches, last second goals, or electrifying celebrations, the convention is something that I've come to enjoy for a couple reasons. First of all, since the NCAA is headquartered in Indianapolis, we primarily work with them over the phone or via e-mail. Thus, whenever we get to see them face to face, it is always nice to work with them side by side. Additionally, the convention has evolved a little bit over the years photographically, largely due to the fact that two years ago the staff at the NCAA News decided to put out a daily newsletter that is delivered every morning to the hotel room of each attendee who is staying on-site. They put out 4 newsletters throughout the 5 day event and it is a very nice tri-fold glossy newsletter with articles and photos from the previous day's 'action' (if you want to call it action). Because we don't want the newsletter to look boring and redundant, Steve (my colleague) and I are pushed to make creative images that keep the look fresh throughout the week. I'm not going to lie, it isn't easy. There's only so many ways that you can shoot someone speaking at a podium. Thankfully, there are some pretty neat events that take place within the convention that lend themselves to making more creative images.

This year marked the first annual Convention 5K. It was FREAKIN' FREEZING at 6am when it started, but I can definitely see it growing into a bigger race. Additionally, every year they have the Honors Celebration where the Association dishes out various awards to current and former student athletes for their various accomplishments. This is always a highlight as they usually honor some pretty big names such as Sally Ride or Paul Tagliabue. This year was no different as the list of honorees included Bob Woodruff (unfortunately, he wasn't there because he was on assignment), Robin Roberts, and the one and only John Glenn. Even more touching is the Award of Valor that is given to former student athletes who have given the ultimate sacrifice. This year they were given to Major Doug Zembiec and 2LT Emily Perez.

I've included some pics below from the week and I hope you can see that they're not just photos of people at podiums.

Next, I'm off to Aspen on Monday for a week in Aspen and the X Games which begin on the 24th.

Hope you're all having a great week,  TSB2

Division II President Chuck Ambrose silhouetted against the background...

The Honorable John Glenn speaking after receiving the Theodore Roosevelt Award...

Some lady speaking during a seminar.  I like the effect the ripples in the vinyl backdrop create.  They look like rays of light to me...

Sage Steele (right) of ESPN makes a point during a lecture on Minority Women in College Athletics...

Look at this party!  Pulled out the ol' levitation skills to snap this pic...

Saw this in the mirrors on the doors of one of the conference rooms...

Watch out buddy!  You're about to get trampled by those cross country runners behind you!

I think my fingers froze to my camera while shooting this...