FIBS CON3 2018 attracts Bobby Valentine and unites coaches, umpires, and scorers on Italy's Adriatric Coast

Federazione Italiana Baseball Softball (FIBS) in association with the Italian American Baseball Foundation (IABF) are pleased to announce the the creation of the first-ever CON3, a cutting-edge baseball and softball convention which brings together what would otherwise be known as the 33rd Annual Coach Convention, the 14th Annual Umpire Convention, and the 12th Annual Scorer Convention in the seaside resort town of Riccione (Emilia Romagna).
Held at the ultra-modern PalaRiccione Conference Center from January 26-28, 2018, CON3 promises to be one of Europe's finest sports gatherings with guest of honor and keynote speaker Bobby Valentine, who also serves as an IABF board member. As Sacred Heart University Athletic Director in Connecticut, Bobby Valentine is truly an international baseball ambassador who made his MLB debut at age 19 for the Los Angeles Dodgers after being selected as a 1968 first-round draft. A fan favorite during his 11-year playing career with the LA Dodgers, California Angels, NY Mets, and Seattle Mariners, Bobby V went on to become a beloved manager for the Texas Rangers, NY Mets, and Boston Red Sox before managing abroad in Japan for the Chiba Lotte Marines.

In the presence of FIBS President Andrea Marcon, FIBS Vice President Fabrizio De Robbio, Team Italy Manager Gilberto Gerali along with IABF co-founders Joe Quagliano and Carmine Gangone, Bobby Valentine was recently honored at the second annual IABF Dinner at Carmine & Sons Restaurant in Brooklyn on December 7, 2017. During his inspirational speech, Valentine announced that he would be traveling to CON3 and pledged his support to help grow the game in Italy. During his visit at Convention3, Valentine will address many fundamental questions including: How have baseball and softball changed over the past few years? What is the role of the officiating technical staff and what changes must be implemented, if any? Is there a balance between tradition and innovation? In addition to these areas of discussion, there will be many other topics addressed to benefit all CON3 attendees. Coaches, umpires, scorers, doctors, trainers, and exhibitors will all convene at one central location for what will surely be an event not to be missed. With a plethora of speakers, trainings and clinics offered throughout the weekend, there is something for everybody at CON3. The official logo of the event, created by Marcello Miglietta, symbolizes the union that CON3 establishes with the three figures representing coaches, umpires and scorers united by baseball and softball. With beautiful ocean views from high atop the PalaRiccione, participants will meet and discuss strategies for better results in their respective baseball and softball programs while sampling fine Emilia Romagna cuisine during the various festivities.
Registration fees include admission to the awards ceremony, a buffet dinner and a souvenir CON3 grab bag filled with goodies. By emailing and submitting an on-line registration form prior to the event, participants will only pay 40 euros. Alternatively, a 50 euro fee can be paid in cash beginning January 26, 2018 at 9:30 am at the CON3 registration desk on the first floor of PalaRiccione. #2020Olympics #LetsMakeItHappen

by Roberto Angotti