CoSIDA E-Digest March 2013 • 1

CoSIDA
CoSIDA’s new Family Committee announces
news and activities for 2013 Convention
by Eric McDowell, Union College (N.Y.), CoSIDA 2nd Vice President
The College Sports Information Directors of America
organization is ready for a fabulous convention in Orlando
in 2013. Needless to say, Orlando will also be a fabulous
destination for families, spouses and partners of CoSIDA
members. Thus, there is no better, more fitting time to
implement the CoSIDA Family Committee.
This committee, a group of spouses from long-time
CoSIDA members, is working on special events and
gatherings to welcome individuals and children to Orlando.
The committee will feature activities, events and special
group dinner options to make Orlando a fun time while the
CoSIDA members are busy in panels and sessions.
“I am so pleased that we have a Family Committee as
we head to a magical place,” said Rosanne Lipe, the wife
of Dick Lipe (Bentley). “Years ago we would get together
and now with an organized group, this will be a great way
to plan events as well as welcome newcomers into a new
family of friends. Plus, this will be a great opportunity for
children to enjoy their time during the working sessions for
the members.”
Eric McDowell, the Second Vice President of CoSIDA
for 2012-13, recently joined CoSIDA Executive Director
John Humenik for a site visit at the World Center Marriott.
During the visit, they secured the use of the Key West
Room, which will be available strictly for the Family
Committee throughout the duration of the convention.
Rosanne has plans to turn this room into a fun area
for kids as well as a gathering area for spouses and
partners. Humenik joined McDowell with visits to a variety
of restaurants in Downtown Disney, where the Family
Committee will feature special group prices and people can
dine together at a variety of different restaurants.
The first restaurant officially on board is Rainforest
Café, which will host a Family Committee gathering on
Friday, June 14, and it is a fun place for children that will
CoSIDA E-Digest March 2013 • 19
feature a special menu and store discount. Cap’n Jack’s,
a restaurant on the water featuring seafood, also will be
an option for a Family Committee gathering that night and
other establishments are in the works. These and the other
restaurants will have set prices (including a kids’ price
for Rainforest Café) that will feature pre-payments and
registration and bus transportation to Downtown Disney.
Rosanne also will soon be announcing an outlet trip
that will feature a special pre-opening of a store that will
offer a continental breakfast.
“With the support of President Joe Hornstein and
our Board, the CoSIDA Family Committee appreciates
the opportunity to welcome families and offer them
opportunities to enjoy their time in Orlando during the
working panels and sessions of the convention,” said Eric.
“Rosanne and her colleagues hope to see you join them for
a great week!”
Make sure to check out and like the CoSIDA Family
Committee on Facebook (hosted by Jennifer McDowell)
and watch for more news to make your experience at our
convention a fun, enjoyable and memorable social setting.