The Central Hockey League's Annual Spring Conference got underway Thursday, as Governors and delegates from all 17 CHL clubs descended on the Pointe Hilton – Tapatio Cliffs in Phoenix, Arizona for three days of meetings and social events capped off by the 2004 CHL Awards Banquet Saturday evening. Following a morning Governor’s Session, where several proposals for both alignment and playoff format were discussed among other key items, all attendees joined special guest Rick Welts, President and Chief Operating Officer of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, for the Keynote Address. The opening day was wrapped up by a poolside reception. Friday morning, following a breakfast buffet courtesy of the City of Laredo, hosts for the 2005 CHL All-Star Game, departmental breakout sessions are scheduled for all departments, including Hockey Operations, where guest speaker Glen Hanlon, former NHL goaltender and Head Coach of the Washington Capitals, will address the CHL's coaches. Other departmental breakout sessions are planned for Communications, Ticket Sales, Corporate Marketing and Hockey Operations. CHL Coaches during the Hockey Operations meetings will welcome special guest Glen Hanlon, former NHL goaltender and current Head Coach of the Washington Capitals. Two social events will follow the meetings on Thursday, with the Annual CHL Golf Scramble (at the Lookout Mountain Golf Club) beginning in the afternoon while other delegates will attend the Arizona Diamondbacks vs Los Angeles Dodgers major league baseball game that evening at BankOne Ballpark.

Saturday morning the departmental breakout sessions continue, followed by a roundtable session involving CHL owners and general managers, where several issues will be voted on. The Spring Conference wraps up Saturday evening with the CHL Awards Banquet, where 14 recipients will be honored by the CHL, including the announcement of the 2003-2004 Franchise of the Year.

2003-2004 CHL Awards

CHL Soul of Service Award
Presented annually to the Central Hockey League executive who has best demonstrated the qualities of excellence and dedication to providing outstanding customer service.

Merchandising Franchise of the Year
Presented annually to the Central Hockey League franchise which has best exemplifies the quality of excellence in the field of team merchandise.

Corporate Partnership Sales Executive of the Year
Presented annually to the Central Hockey League executive who has best demonstrated excellence and leadership in the area of Corporate Partnership Sales.

Game Operations Franchise of the Year
Presented annually to the Central Hockey League franchise which has consistently produced the most entertaining and well planned in-arena events during the course of the season.

Marketing Franchise of the Year
Presented annually to the Central Hockey League franchise which best exemplifies the qualities of excellence, creativity and imagination in the areas of promotion and marketing.

Broadcaster of the Year
Presented annually to the Central Hockey League broadcaster who best exemplifies the qualities of excellence and professionalism in the broadcasting field.

Public Relations Executive of the Year
Presented annually to the Central Hockey League public relations executive who best exemplifies the qualities of excellence and professionalism in the public relations field.

Group Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year
Presented annually to the Central Hockey League that generates the highest overall group ticket revenue over the course of the season.

Ticket Sales Franchise of the Year
Presented annually to the Central Hockey League ticketing department that demonstrates the highest level of efficiency, productivity and creativity over the course of the season.

Ticketing Executive of the Year
Presented annually to the Central Hockey League ticketing executive that demonstrates the highest level of efficiency, productivity and creativity over the course of the season.

Most Improved Franchise of the Year
Presented annually to the Central Hockey League franchise which best demonstrates the largest overall improvement in all facets of operation over the course of the season.

Executive of the Year
Presented annually to the Central Hockey League executive who best exemplifies the qualities of excellence and professionalism in a leadership role.

CHL Leadership Award
Presented annually to the Central Hockey League franchise owner who has most distinguished himself in the area of franchise development and overall contributions to the CHL.

Franchise of the Year
Presented annually to the Central Hockey League franchise which best exemplifies operational excellence under the CHL system.