Newton, Mass.—The Industrial Sup-ply Manufacturers Assn. and the Industrial Distribution Assn. will hold their joint spring convention, the newly titled ISCON, Industrial Supply Convention, May 23–25 in Orlando, Fla.

"Attendees can look forward to a couple things," said Ray Reynertson, ISMA president, and president and CEO of Sturtevant Richmont Div., Ryeson Corp. "With business being better, there will be a more positive atmosphere in participant attitudes, and in the business being conducted. Also, we'll focus on manufacturing moving offshore, and helping attendees determine which of their business partners are likely to move offshore or stay."

Another topic of conversation that is sure to be discussed is the proposed merger of ISMA and I.D.A. into one broader association, pending member approval.

"Given the timeline, the [I.D.A. and ISMA] member vote would have taken place, and if the votes are tabulated by then, we could be launching the new association," said Reynertson.

Held at the Gaylord Palms Florida, the convention, titled "Put the Magic Back into your Business," will start off with an Opening Session (Sun. May 23) featuring humor, in the person of Steve Bridges, a widely known comedian who will offer clean, comedic and uncanny characterizations of contemporary political figures. Conventioneers also will be privy to a Closing Session (Tue. May 25) with Pulitzer Prize–winning writer George F. Will, who will offer an insightful look at what attendees can expect of the election year.

The education/management sessions on Monday, May 24, will feature a panel discussion, "How to do Business with Integrators."

ISMA's BizTech, held on Sunday and Monday, is a two-day, stand-alone exhibition of products and technology for distributors and manufacturers that will provide attendees with new ideas in communications, financial planning and reporting, marketing, material handling and customer service. ISMA's Career Fair, scheduled for Sunday, brings industrial distribution students from across the country into one area, where manufacturers and distributors will host booths in which to meet the candidates.

Conference Booth Programs are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, with the ISMA Manufacturers Conference Booth Program on Monday, and the Distributor Conference Booth Program on Tuesday. Both programs offer attendees a unique venue for one-on-one conversations, networking, and reserving ample time to meet and deal with a number of prospective trading partners in one location.

Association activities will include the Annual Membership Meeting and New and Prospective Members' Social for both ISMA and I.D.A., as well as I.D.A.'s Small, Specialty and Emerging Distributor Roundtable and Luncheon, and the International and Canadian Members' Luncheon.

The ISMA/I.D.A. Young Executives Forum will host its Annual Golf Tournament on Sat., May 22, and its Social on Monday evening.

The Northamerican Industrial Representatives Assn. will host its MRIO, the Manufacturers Representatives Interface Opportunity, on Sunday, giving NIRA members and their partners time to network and meet face to face.

For more information, visit www.ismaonline.com.