2021 PSA Virtual Summit Review By Carol Rossignol
The 2021 PSA Virtual Summit was a resounding popular success! The 2021 Summit was originally scheduled to be held in our favorite holiday destination, Orlando, FL near Disney World, but due to the pandemic, the PSA Board of Governors quickly made the decision to make it a virtual summit again. With over 60 presenters, eight showrunners, several videographers, and eight PSA staff, the 2021 PSA Virtual Summit went off without a hitch. This year’s theme was “TEAM PSA: Together Everyone Achieves More Success”. There were judges and coaches registered from all over the world, including Canada, Mexico, Europe, South America, Asia, and of course the U.S. The Summit opened with a welcome from PSA President, Alex Chang. What a great way to kick off the TEAMS theme with a presentation by Marie-France Dubreuil, Patrice Lauzon, and Steffany Hanlen with “The Montreal Effect”. Teri Hooper, PSA Summit Chair, shared her thoughts saying, “I am so happy with the 2021 PSA Virtual Summit and all the incredible educational presentations along with the fun social events. I was especially impressed with the time and energy the presenters put into their presentations to make them so professional, and the openness with which they shared their expertise and knowledge. I look forward to exploring the journey we have all been on and will continue as we move into the Olympic year at the 2022 Summit…LIVE in Chicago! We will all be ready to embrace interactive presentations in addition to reconnecting with friends and networking with new acquaintances. I hope to see many of our PSA members in Chicago next year!” Maude White, a longtime member of PSA since 1959,
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reflected on the virtual format. She stated, “I thought Virtual would be a good way to attract those who couldn’t get to the Summit for one reason or another. I still do. This year I had back surgery and would have not been able to attend in person anyway. This year’s virtual summit was good with lots of great information. I haven’t seen everything, as I like to look at some things later on and sit and absorb the info that is presented. I love to see new ideas.” Presenter Jonathan Huer said, “The PSA Virtual Summit was a great opportunity to connect with the skating community amidst a difficult year. We can integrate more technology, look at new business models, share, and learn from skating and others who are also facing challenges. It’s exciting to take all the challenges and find new ways to be not just different, but better.” “Being a showrunner for this year’s Summit was an eyeopening experience. I was so impressed with every presenter for their commitment to sharing their knowledge with each of us. I am also thankful to be a member of this amazing organization and was blown away by the PSA staff and their dedication, time, and passion to and for our sport. A lot of coordination and logistics go on behind the scenes to make the Summit a great experience for all,” commented Kirsten Miller-Zisholz. Heidi Thibert, Sr. Director of Coaching Development reflected on the event. In Heidi’s words, “The Summit theme of: TEAM PSA: Together Everyone Achieves More Success far outpaced my expectations for content and delivery. The fact that every presenter took the time and effort to tie their session to the main theme of “teamwork” speaks to the commitment and
