The Fantasy Sports Trade Association (FSTA) is once again accepting applications for its fantasy industry awards. In case you were unaware, fantasy sports companies have their own awards, and the FSTA is currently the most recognized of the awards.

Currently, only FSTA companies may nominate or are eligible to be nominated for FSTA awards. The entry deadline is Novermber 20, 2009. The FSTA awards will be given out during the FSTA’s winter conference in Las Vegas on January 26-27. It is good to see that rival companies are able to come together and recognize the ones that are leaders in the industry.

Awards and recognition are always fun, so if you think there is a worthy site out there, feel free to nominate them for an award.

Next January, you can stay at home and shovel snow, or you can take a trip to Las Vegas for the Fantasy Sports Trade Association’s (FSTA) winter conference. The 2010 Winter FSTA Business Conference and Research Symposium will be held on January 26-27, 2010 at The Palms in Las Vegas.

Unfortunately, there is no agenda currently available. Based on previous conferences, expect new market data, a panel or two on emerging trends (technology, customer, or perhaps social), demonstrations from new fantasy companies, and a ton of networking.

FSTA conferences are a great value for anyone new to the industry and wants to learn more about actually running a fantasy business. With the heads of Yahoo! Fantasy, ESPN Fantasy, CBS Sports, NBC Sports, and Fanball, it is a Who’s Who and a great opportunity to learn.

Early registration for FSTA members is $349, while non-members pay $499. These rates are available through December 17 and will increase afterwards.

Want to rub elbows with all of the movers and shakers of the fantasy industry? Pack your bags and head to Chicago! The Fantasy Sports Trade Association is hosting its 2009 Summer FSTA Business Conference and Research Symposium. The conference officially runs from June 18 and 19, but as always, will be preceded by a fantasy football experts draft the night before.

The FSTA conference agenda features a rundown of the latest industry statistics, a discussion on fantasy sports legal matters, and a few sessions focused on fantasy start-ups. The most interesting part of the conference agenda is the Elevator Pitch competition. New fantasy businesses are invited to compete for $20,000 of advertising time on Dish Network. Marketing dollars are always a little hard to come by for any fantasy company, so this competition offers a chance for one lucky company to get some much-needed air time.

To attend this conference you will have to fork over a registration fee–$449 for FSTA members, or $599 for non-FSTA members. While it is definitely a lot to pay, if you have not attended in the past, it is a solid investment to get familiar with the industry and is great opportunity to network for those looking to get into the fantasy sports industry.