Dear $firstname$,

We can’t wait to see you at Relay 2022 for our first in-person volunteer gathering since 2019. This event will give us an amazing opportunity to socialize, network, and share ideas to help support and develop USMS clubs at the local level.

We’re still finalizing details but wanted to provide some information to help with your LMSC’s planning for this event at the Westin Denver International Airport on March 4-6. This is the first of several updates that we’ll be sending in the coming months to help you prepare for Relay 2022.

How is attendance eligibility determined? 

LMSCs will be funded based on the number of delegates they're entitled determined by 2021 membership. An LMSC may choose to bring more participants but must fund the entire cost for additional attendees. Attendees may also choose to pay to participate. Attached you’ll find the LMSC attendee entitlements.

How are costs split?

Below is an outline of expense responsibilities. 

USMS pays for lodging (double occupancy/shared room) and hospitality (food and beverage) for entitled LMSC attendees from each LMSC including:

• ½ of hotel cost for two nights 
  • Attendees who request a single room will be responsible for the balance.
• Hospitality:
  • Heavy hors d’oeuvres on Friday night
  • Lunch and dinner on Saturday

LMSC pays for airfare and incidental expenses for all attendees including:

• Airline or mileage travel cost for attendee(s) to travel to the Relay
• Sunday morning breakfast and food getting to and from Relay
• Other incidentals

Who from my LMSC should go?

The theme of Relay 2022 is club development with a focus on building relationships with facilities, recruiting and supporting coaches, and providing resources for clubs to grow. LMSCs should select attendees who have the interest, skills, and passion for helping develop USMS clubs at the local level. LMSCs are recommended to consider bringing at least one tenured volunteer, one volunteer who also coaches, and one volunteer who has never participated in a national-level meeting.

The agenda and session topics are nearly completed and will be announced as soon as they’re finalized.

Note: LMSCs that have less than three funded attendees and wish to have more participants attend will be able to apply for additional financial support. More details will be shared directly with these LMSCs. 

How should my LMSC budget for Relay 2022?

LMSCs should plan for the cost of travel to Denver and whether they’ll reimburse any other expense(s) not covered by USMS. Meetings will start in the afternoon on Friday and will conclude mid-morning on Sunday.

What if more attendees want to come or spend extra nights?

Attendees may extend their trip before or after the meeting at the negotiated room rates (based on availability). USMS will provide more hotel information and total cost for additional attendees soon.

We’ll continue to provide updates as they become available. Please check the Relay 2022 page for more information, additional updates, and answers to frequently asked questions. We can’t wait to see you at Relay 2022.

Note: This email was sent to all local- and national-level volunteers.