The IART Racquet Stringers Symposium has become a landmark event in the racquet sports industry, celebrating its rich history over ten successful years from 2007 to 2016. Conceived by IART Executive Director Tim Strawn, a professional racquet technician from Virginia, the symposium was born from a clear need in the industry. After surveying the landscape, Strawn identified a significant gap: while professional teaching organizations like the USPTA (now the PRSA) and PTR held annual events for their members, there was nothing tailored for the racquet stringers who play a crucial role in the tennis ecosystem.
Recognizing this oversight, Strawn reached out to the United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA) to propose an event dedicated to stringers. However, his proposal was declined, prompting Strawn to take the initiative to organize the event himself. The inaugural symposium took place in Texas and attracted a modest turnout of 21 participants.
In 2008, Strawn relocated the symposium to Orlando, Florida, and attendance skyrocketed, quadrupling from the previous year. This surge was fueled by increased industry support and enthusiasm from stringers eager for professional development and networking opportunities. Over the next several years, the symposium continued to grow, both in size and scope.
In 2011, Strawn relocated the event to Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa, Florida, a venue renowned for its tennis legacy as the home of the esteemed Harry Hopman Tennis Academy. This strategic move significantly elevated the symposium’s profile, enabling it to expand its offerings and attract a larger audience of stringers and industry professionals. The resort’s extensive number of tennis courts allowed for on-court instruction, enhancing the hands-on experience. With the support of head tennis pro Howard Moore, attendees enjoyed a special presentation by respected coach Craig Boynton, who was then coaching ATP professional John Isner. The venue also provided ample conference space and superb accommodations, complete with several on-site dining options for attendees to enjoy.
The symposium reached new heights in 2016 when it was held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Chicago, Illinois. Wilson Sporting Goods hosted the Friday night meet and greet at their headquarters, and offered attendees exclusive tours of their Innovation Center, conveniently located within walking distance of the convention center. The 2016 symposium featured prominent speakers, including former top ten touring professional Robin Söderling from Sweden and Nico Van Malderen, owner of Luxilon. The presence of such distinguished figures highlighted the event’s significance and allure, reinforcing its reputation as the first and most successful gathering of its kind in the racquet sports industry.
Through its ten-year run, the IART Racquet Stringers Symposium not only fostered a sense of community among stringers but also provided invaluable education and resources. It served as a platform for sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovations in racquet stringing, ultimately enhancing the professionalism and skills of stringers worldwide. Today, the legacy of the IART symposium continues to inspire and shape the future of racquet stringing, demonstrating the vital role these technicians play in the broader context of racquet sports.
Will there be another IART symposium?
“I get asked this question from time to time, and the short answer is no,” said Strawn. “The landscape has changed significantly, and organizing an in-person event requires careful consideration. With the rise of COVID, I believe it would be irresponsible of me to gather people from around the world and place them in a setting where they could be exposed to others in close quarters,” says Strawn. “That event was groundbreaking and incredibly successful, to the extent that other organizations copied it You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who attended who had anything negative to say about it. However, it’s time to turn the page on this type of gathering and redefine our mission.”
Where to from here?
In response to the evolving needs of racquet stringers and the challenges posed by in-person gatherings, the IART has transitioned to an innovative online training program. This new format offers comprehensive courses that cater to a variety of skill levels, including:
The IART’s new online training program features three foundational courses designed to elevate the skills and knowledge of racquet technicians at every stage of their careers. The Basic Tennis Stringing 101 Course is free to all premium subscribers to the IART (Join Here), providing an essential introduction to the fundamentals of racquet stringing. For those looking to advance their skills to the next level, the Advanced Stringing 201 course offers in-depth training on advanced techniques and strategies to enhance stringing proficiency. Additionally, the Tennis Business 101 course is tailored for individuals contemplating starting their own tennis business, as well as those already operating one, offering valuable insights into effective business practices and strategies. Together, these courses create a comprehensive curriculum that serves as a strong foundation for anyone in the racquet sports industry, ensuring they are well-equipped to service racquets at any level. Course certificates are available upon the successful completion of any IART course.
One of the key advantages of the IART’s online courses is the flexibility they offer, allowing participants to learn at their own pace and convenience. This format not only saves significantly on travel, lodging, and meal expenses, but it also provides an added layer of safety by minimizing exposure to illnesses such as the flu and COVID-19. Participants can access high-quality training from the comfort of their own homes, ensuring that they can enhance their skills without the logistical challenges and health risks associated with in-person events. This approach enables a broader audience to engage with the material while prioritizing both their time and well-being.
Check out some of the great photos from the IART symposium below.
