Pickleball Facility Leaders Connect at IAPF's First Regional Meetup
What's the Score?
The International Association of Pickleball Facilities (IAPF) held its inaugural regional meetup in Scottsdale, Arizona, on April 28th and 29th, 2025. This event successfully gathered over 60 individuals involved in the pickleball industry from the West Coast, including facility owners, vendors, and leaders. The primary goal was to foster connection, share knowledge, and collectively strategise for the development of the sport's physical infrastructure.
Hit it deeper!
The International Association of Pickleball Facilities (IAPF), a body dedicated to supporting the physical infrastructure of the sport, convened its first-ever regional gathering in Scottsdale, Arizona. The two-day event, held on April 28th and 29th, 2025, marked a significant step for the organisation. The meetup attracted over 60 attendees from across the West Coast, bringing together a crucial segment of the pickleball industry. This included pickleball facility owners, various vendors who supply the industry, and other key industry leaders. The central purpose of the gathering was for these stakeholders to connect, exchange valuable ideas, and share insights aimed at collaboratively advancing the development of pickleball facilities and the industry as a whole.
The meetup was graciously hosted at The Orchard facility in Scottsdale, which is owned by Ashley Leroux and Patrick Sullivan Jr.. The event's activities included tours of various pickleball venues in the greater Phoenix area, providing attendees with firsthand looks at different types of facilities and operational models. Beyond The Orchard, tours included visits to Electric Pickle, The Picklr North Scottsdale, and Arizona Athletic Grounds. The agenda also featured panel discussions and presentations from prominent business figures within the pickleball world. Noted speakers included Will Richards, Founder and CEO of Dill Dinkers; Tim Keightley, CEO of Center Court Pickleball Clubs; Kevin Burk and Brett Warner, Founders of PURE Pickleball and Padel; and Cameron Linder from the Pickleball Insurance Program, among others. The IAPF founder, David Johnson, also participated in multiple panels.
Attendees traveled from a variety of states to participate, including Arizona, California, Washington, New Mexico, and Hawai’i. A particularly dedicated group came from Aloha Pickleball in Maui, sending four team members to learn and prepare, despite their facility not yet being built.
A key theme that emerged during the meetup was the importance of teamwork and collaboration within the industry. Despite facilities often competing with each other, the sentiment shared was that the overall growth of the sport ultimately benefits everyone involved – a concept often described by the phrase, "a rising tide floats all boats". Practical ideas were also shared, such as meeting new members with the Director of Pickleball soon after they join, focusing on the playing experience, understanding the audience, and balancing business considerations like leases and costs with ensuring player happiness and loyalty.
This Scottsdale meetup was designed as the first in a series of regional events. The IAPF has announced plans for additional meetups in different parts of the United States. Scheduled future locations include Boston on June 20, 2025; Chicago on July 18, 2025; and Fort Lauderdale on August 22, 2025. These regional gatherings are building towards the association's first major annual event, the IAPF Annual Conference and Trade Show, which is slated to be held in Austin, Texas, on October 2nd and 3rd, 2025. These planned events underscore the IAPF's commitment to connecting and supporting the growing community of pickleball facility operators and stakeholders.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The successful execution of the IAPF's first regional meetup signals a crucial step towards professionalising and unifying the pickleball facility sector. As the sport explodes in popularity, the demand for high-quality, well-managed places to play is paramount. An organisation like the IAPF, founded by someone with deep roots in the pickleball business, is essential for providing structure, shared knowledge, and collective problem-solving for facility operators. The emphasis on collaboration, even among competitors, is a healthy sign for the industry's long-term sustainability. By facilitating the exchange of best practices and creating a strong community, the IAPF's regional meetups and upcoming conference are vital for ensuring that the physical infrastructure supporting pickleball's growth is robust, sustainable, and capable of meeting the needs of players and businesses alike.