USHPA survey-- recruiting/new membership ideas

[John Anderson]

True, it was one of those sudden inspirations things, and maybe what I sent to USHPA in the open comments box was actually a dumb idea, or one already tried and flushed down the pipes. Or, maybe the idea of a cross-sports bicathlon, tricathlon, etc., is a good idea for some local clubs and not for others. Coordinating an event could be alot more work than it gains in the way of local publicity and new free flight recruits (... although, of course, one could let the runners, kayakers, cyclists, etc, do all the organizational work and the flying team members just show up for the flying and the TV cameras?). Or, even if the comraderie and publicity really did pull new folks into pilothood, maybe we are really not that gung-ho on fresh recruitment. Anyway, here's what I wrote to Q #7... Any thoughts?

7. Please share your ideas for future marketing initiatives to help us understand where our sports may get the most traction and niche audience participation?

Keep working at various angles. Try more "niche" publicity with other outdoors sports (... not necessarily the "extreme" crowd). Sponsor tricathlon events with biking and kayaking segments, since these not only bring outdoors enthusiasts that participate, but a curious spectator crowd, too.

Or even a quatro-atholon ? event, with runners. Obviously, people will sign up for just the SEGMENTS they excel in. But, with other (cycle, kayak, running) clubs, assist formation of the teams, and GET MEDIA COVERAGE. But make sure done in an area and a timeframe that puts at least two segments (for example, HG and cycling… or kayaking & PG, etc) CLOSE TOGETHER in time and space.

My own sense is that you keep the HG and/or PG segment up close (as versus XC) and SPECTATOR FRIENDLY. Team member completes 3 passes on a (wind assisted) ridge, completes with a spot landing? Other?

Just some ideas. Mass publicity is good, but more proximate and targeted events and local exposure may actually draw in those that have watched or 'teamed' up, and gotten flight inspired.

[davidtheamazing1]

After seeing the successful operation down at Kitty Hawk, I think the biggest opportunity in our sport is going to be hang gliding as a vacation experience. What about helping USHPA instructors find vacation destinations?