Palm Springs, Calif. — The warm climate and premier golf courses of Palm Springs didn't keep the National Assn. of Hose & Accessories Distributors from getting down to business earlier this year. The group held its 18^th Annual Meeting & Convention at Palm Springs' LaQuinta Resort & Club May 8-12, and business concerns took center stage during the four-day meeting.

A proposal to change the association's name and to allow manufacturers to become voting members of the group was announced on the final day of the convention. Ballots were sent to members in late May and a decision was expected by the end of June. Proponents want to retain the association's acronym (NAHAD) and logo but change its name to The Association for Hose & Accessories Distribution.

NAHAD president John Mork told members that the new name would "better reflect the association and its mission." There are 300 distributor and 130 manufacturer members of NAHAD. A simple majority was needed to approve the changes.

Other convention highlights included the Manufacturers' Contact Table program and a host of workshops and seminars.

Futurist Bob Treadway gave the keynote address, focusing on scenarios for how the world may look in 10 years. The economy, technology and employment trends figured prominently in his speech. Other speakers included Michael Marks of Indian River Consulting Group and Adam Fein of Pembroke Consulting, who gave a joint presentation on the recent Facing the Forces of Change report, published by the National Assn. of Wholesaler-Distributors. Fein's company researched and wrote the report for NAW.

Marks also led a session titled Tools for Success , which outlined the various NAHAD programs and services available to members. The presentation was supported by testimonials from members who've used or taken part in the programs mentioned, such as the Executive Forum Program, the NAHAD Institute training program, and the association's Hose Assembly Guidelines.

Other featured speakers were Michael Armbruster, Valley Belting & Hose Co., Inc., who gave an update on NAHAD's Hose Assembly Guidelines; Abe WalkingBear Sanchez, whose presentation was titled Finding Cash When Times are Tough; and David Griffith of Modern Group Ltd., whose motivational speech was titled Leadership & Balance.

There were 650 attendees at the Palm Springs convention, down from about 800 last year in Puerto Rico. NAHAD's 19^th Annual Meeting & Convention will be held at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlanda, Fla., April 5-9, 2003.