WhuffoNoMo 0 #1 January 8, 2007 I'm a college student and just wondering what some dz.commers thoughts on the PIA symposium were/are. I'm interested in having someone from our club head out there. I've read stuff on the site yada yada but from past experience, what can be expected, is it beneficial or just "cool" and are the topics going to be over the head of some newer (<500jumps) jumpers. We're trying to change the horrible perception student government (especially the budget committee) has on us and I think being up-to-date with the advancement of the sport would help us out. Any thoughts? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gene03 0 #2 January 8, 2007 Its a professional trade show. I'd recommend it.“The only fool bigger than the person who knows it all is the person who argues with him. Stanislaw Jerzy Lec quotes (Polish writer, poet and satirist 1906-1966) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 37 #3 January 8, 2007 First, full disclosure. I"ve been a member of PIA since 1989 and have helped with the symposiums since 1999. I'm now one of "hosts" as chairman of the PIA Rigging Committee. That means that the symposium chairman and lots of others work much, much harder than me but I get my welcome letter in the front of the program. This year I'm responsible for the Rigger Continuing Education Program and the Rigger Forum during the seminars. The PIA symposium is in some ways geared toward riggers and technical aspects of the Parachute Industry. There are presentations that have to do with safety, skydiving, management, and other topics, but a large part concerns rigging demonstrations and rigging techniques. You can see the current draft speaker schedule at http://pia.com/Symposium2007/downloads/PIA/speaker-tables.pdf There won't be much over the head of any experienced jumper. And the way for the information not to be over their head is to attend and start learning. If the person is not a rigger then the rigging presentations will provide a new outlook and respect for the work riggers do. You'll also be able to hear presentations by many of the industry leaders, as well as have the chance to talk to most of the others. I was a senior rigger with only the knowledge that my local DZO/Master Rigger taught me and had about 800 jumps when I went to the Last Rigger Conference in 1989. I brought back rigging techniques and tools that nobody in my area had ever heard of. (Remember, pre internet) The first symposium was in 1991 and I been to all but 1995 and as I said before helped with the last 4. I learn new things at every sympsosium and in fact at every PIA business meeting we have. A lot of the presentations are repeats from years before just for people like you. We always have new jumpers and new riggers who need the information. Whether you'll gather the specific information you need that week or not, you'll meet people and make contacts that can support your efforts. Also remember that anyone is welcome to attend the PIA business meetings the precede the Symposium. The various committees, rigging, technical, specifications, parachute certifications standards, risk management, membership, communications, etc take care of their on going projects and discuss new issues. There is only one activity that is open to full members only, voting on new members. If you or anybody has specific questions they are welcome to contact me directly.I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerryBaumchen 1,367 #4 January 8, 2007 Hi WuffoNoMo, If you decide to go, I would suggest you get on the PIA website, go to Symposium and print out the schedule of seminars. Then plan what you want to attend before you get there. That will help you focus on what is important to you. Jerry PS) I would highly recommend your going if you have the $$$$. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #5 January 9, 2007 PIA web site: http://www.pia.com/Symposium2007/seminars.htm ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 37 #6 January 9, 2007 What, me giving it to him once wasn't enough?I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kaerodyne 0 #7 January 9, 2007 Eric If you do attend OIA, come past the Aerodyne Booth, I'm sure you'll be in your Element! It's worth the visit to see who is who in the skydiving community and the seminars are valuable to any skydiver. Blue Skies Karl Meyer Sales Representative Aerodyne Research Office: 1 813 891 6300 Mobile: 1 813 841 2149 karl@flyaerodyne.com www.flyaerodyne.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #8 January 9, 2007 QuoteWhat, me giving it to him once wasn't enough? He might want to book a room? ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WhuffoNoMo 0 #9 January 9, 2007 a room? i can't just bring a tent like usual? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
