PTR & PPR International Racquets Conference '25

It was a quick in-and-out trade show trip for me on my trusted carrier American Airlines since the last week of every month is crunch time when it comes to finishing articles for Racket Business and publishing the newsletter. The conference went November 23-26 with the trade show on Sunday, the 23rd. I took the red-eye from Los Angeles through Miami to Tampa where I picked up my rental car at around 10:00 am. Arrived at the Saddlebrook Resort half an hour later and found myself in good company in the lobby waiting for my room to become available. (Btw, the photos were taken by a fabulous photographer, Curtis Aho. Thank you, Curtis, for letting me use your photos.)

People met up before the conference, some also waiting for their rooms, many deep in discussions about as many racquet sports topics as there are Tennis and Pickleball courts at Saddlebrook.

Below: We’re looking at around 150 years of tennis experience here - plus Kam!

PTR & PPR International Racquets Conference Program Highlights:

• Four Days of Education: Sessions led by industry experts, covering the latest techniques and trends in racquet sports coaching.

• Master Classes and Certification Workshops: Advanced sessions and workshops designed to elevate coaching proficiency.

• Networking Opportunities

• Trade Show: The latest products and innovations from leading industry vendors.

• Pickleball Open Play & Cardio Tennis: Dynamic on-court activities to experience new drills and fitness routines.

• Ed Krass One-On-One Doubles Tournament: Exciting event featuring a $2,000 prize pool, with live music from Chicago’s Steve Arvey’s Rockin’ Blues Band setting the stage during the tournament.

Photo below: Ed Krass with Open Champion, Davide Tortora (left) and 50s & over Champion, Andrej Samets. (See article in Florida Tennis.) The tournament was run with the new iPlayMe2 app presented by company CEO Paul Stratta.

Below: One-On-One Doubles Open Finalist Noori Adam with INTENNSE t-shirt.

Peter Hurley, CEO, and Lynne Rolley, Chairperson, opened the General Membership Meeting recounting the successes of last year and what’s new in 2025. Peter announced that the 2026 International Racquets Conference will be February 15-19 and it will be special because the organization celebrates its 50-Year Anniversary next year.

Julie Jilly, VP Special Events & Pickleball, reported at the General Membership Meeting:

• Number of new dedicated PB facilities is growing, especially in shopping malls.

• Global PTR PPR workshops held last year: 494

• New: 10,000 PPR members.

• PPR became the Official Education Partners of USA Pickleball.

• Spring Tennis Fest 2025: 150 college teams have registered.

Milena Vidos, Director of Education & Diversity, reported at the General Membership Meeting:

• PTR education. Level 2 has been updated.

• PPR: Level One education was expanded from 5 hrs to 8 hrs. Level Two: 2 days.

• PTRW launched. PPRW launched. Female tennis coaches grew over 30%.

• Relaunch of mentoring program in 2025.

Above: Ken Dehart, Mickey Maule, Jorge Capistany (being hugged by PTR Professional of the Year Kim Bastable), Bill Riddle with Scott Granse, Fromuth’s Lisa Eways.

Below: I don’t even want to count the years of tennis experience…

Below from left:
Ashley Owens for Courtreserve, Partner of the Year (about time!), Frank Adams for Highlands Ranch Community Association, Public Facility of the Year (great choice!), Karen Ronney, High School Coach of the Year (Bravo!!!)

In summary, the PTR & PPR International Racquets Conference 2025 was very well organized and managed by great people. Kudos to Peter Hurley, Brian Parkkonen, and their entire staff. They know how to put together a high-quality event. I liked the good mood everyone was in. Yes, the Saddlebrook Resort needs improvements, but I’m sure they will come over time. I like their friendly and helpful staff.

Can’t wait for next year! Should be even greater with the upcoming 50-Year Anniversary.