Newton, Mass.—Members of the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Assn. will meet in San Antonio next month for their 25^th Annual Convention & Trade Show. The meeting will be held at San Antonio's Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Nov. 11-14.

Association leaders expect over 4,000 people to attend the convention. More than 700 exhibitors are expected at the convention's Trade Show.

The convention program also includes a Technology & Consultant's Fair, state-of-the-industry reports, seminars, and networking and social events.

The Tech & Consultants Fair will be held Sunday morning, Nov. 11, and includes hands-on demonstrations of the latest computer software for the distribution industry. STAFDA-endorsed consultants will also be on hand to discuss legal, personnel, inventory, warehousing and other issues. The event includes two breakout sessions — "Using Technology to Boost Business" and "Building Web Sites that are Competitive Weapons."

On Sunday afternoon, members will have the opportunity to discuss common business concerns during the annual "rap session." The evening is reserved for the association's opening party. Dubbed "Little Bit of Texas, Little Bit of Mexico," the party will be held at San Antonio's landmark La Villita, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Colorful Tex-Mex entertainment and plenty of food and beverages will be on hand, according to association leaders.

The General Session will begin Monday morning, with a commemorative video presentation highlighting STAFDA's 25-year history. Presentations by STAFDA president Jim Smith of Nail Fast, Inc., and Dave Christifulli of Wacker Corp., will also highlight the session. Smith will give the Distributor State-of-the-Industry talk and Christifulli will discuss manufacturer issues. Keynote speaker Larry Winget will follow with an entertaining presentation titled "Success is Simple, Money is Easy, and Life is a Hoot."

STAFDA's trade show will be held on Monday and Tuesday afternoon. As a special perk, many exhibitors will offer show-only specials and prize drawings. Six educational workshops will be held on Tuesday morning, featuring speakers Kay DuPont, Dr. Rick Brinkman, Charles Petty, Dr. Al Bates, Michael Fortino, and Dr. Lou Benson.

DuPont will present "Success Skills for Today's Professionals," Brinkman will talk about "Dealing with People You can't Stand," Petty will present "Climbing the Ladder to Success," and Bates will offer "Improving the Bottom Line." Fortino's presentation is titled "Do We Sell, or Do They Buy," and Benson's seminar is called "Recruiting & Retention Strategies."

A closing party showcasing San Antonio's international heritage will be held from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday evening.