NIBA–The Belting Assn. will hold its annual convention, themed "Mission Leadership…Thriving with Change," Sept. 15–18, at the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina in San Diego. Attendees will be able to enjoy the sun and fun of California while participating in workshops, presentations, keynote addresses and networking opportunities.

"[Members] will have many opportunities throughout our three-day program for information sharing with other belting industry executives from around the world," said NIBA president Bruce Dieleman, in a statement. "Again and again, our membership appreciates the Annual Convention for just that reason."

Thursday's events include NIBA Committee Theater, where attendees will see a mock NIBA Board and learn why their input into the association is so important, how the association process works, and how NIBA programs benefit them. Also that day will be a presentation titled "Speaking of those who have no voice…," by the San Diego Zoological Society's official hostess Joan Embry, whose work includes television appearances, radio interviews, speaking engagements and animal presentations. Afterburner, a team of former and current fighter pilots, will address attendees in "Leaning Forward," mixing in their experiences in combat and in business.

Attendees to Friday's event will see Bill Hodgdon's presentation, "Every business plan can be improved. Here's how to do it," during the convention's general session.

On Saturday, attendees are invited to walk through the six-hour extended Conference Booth program, where more than 70 manufacturer companies will be available for short meetings for information, making decisions and renewing relationships.

Networking opportunities include Wednesday night's convention welcome at Margaritaville, Thursday's Manufacturer's Hospitality Night, and Saturday night's Top Gun at the Miramar Officers' Club event.

Networking tours include On Safari at the San Diego Wild Animal Park on Wednesday; the NIBA Golf Outing, Two Museum Tour in Balboa Park, Coronado Island Walk, and Tour of the San Diego Zoo on Friday; and the Fiesta Fantastico Tijuana Tour Friday night.

"With an on-target business program, networking opportunities, and a wide array of free-time choices, this year's convention will be a relaxing and energizing experience," said Dieleman.