The combined forces of Ski Areas of New York (ISKINY) and Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association (PSAA) once again staged an informative, lively, and entertaining expo, this time at Peek’n Peak in western New York. A total of 324 ski area personnel and suppliersNSAA's Mike Lane uses props to demonstrate ski lift functions with the help of Doppelmayr's Scott Pierpont. attended the expo, Sept. 17 – 19.

Monday arrivals had the opportunity to explore Peek’n Peak’s many activities and attractions. A nine-hole golf scramble at the resort’s Upper Course drew dozens of players eager to enjoy a course that annually hosts a Web.com Tour event. Others headed out on the aerial ropes course, Flying Eagle zip ride, and many of the other fun things Peek’n Peak offers.

SAM senior editor Dave Meeker interviewing Jon Rucker of HEAD for a future PodSAM episode.

The networking opportunities are always strong at the ISKINY-PSAA Expo. These are an important aspect of the event, adding value for all attendees. The tradeshow was home to three such gatherings, with a variety of vendors displaying their latest and greatest for ski area folks to peruse.

Ski areas sent personnel from many different departments, and the educational sessions offered something for everyone. Topics ranged from chairlift maintenance and safety, human resources, and snowsports to marketing, technology, and legal.

A conversation with ski industry leaders about growth and succession. The panel was led by Holiday Valley's Dennis Eshbaugh. (L to R) Dan Fuller, Bristol Mountain; Rebecca Sampson Kullberg, Mount Peter; Jim Dailey, Blue Mountain; Anne Weimer, Liberty Mountain.

NSAA president Kelly Pawlak held a session of her own, titled “State of the Industry.” In it, Pawlak took time to introduce herself to the packed room, and then covered a lot of bases, including industry data specific to the region, the goals of NSAA’s new growth committee, and a call for more ski areas to participate in the association’s studies. She also hinted that it was time to perhaps shift from the way things have always been done, and “do something bigger” in an effort to grow participation in skiing and snowboarding.

SE Group's Adam Portz with Hunter Mountain GM Russ Coloton.

The final night gala was Oktoberfest-themed, with lederhosen-clad staff and attendees enjoying dinner, drinks, and awards and recognitions. Incoming SANY board chairman and Windham Mountain, N.Y., president Chip Seamans honored recently retired HoliMont GM Dave Riley for his contributions as chair of the SANY board. And SANY president Scott Brandi recognized longtime SANY administrator Patrick Dunn for 25 years of dedication to the success of the association.

For more photos of the event, check out the gallery on Facebook from Dave Gibson of Propeller Media Works.