The Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Assn. will host its 28th Annual Convention & Trade Show in San Francisco, Nov. 14–16. Activities at the convention will include the trade show, educational workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities.

Sunday's agenda opens with STAFDA's popular Tech & Consultants' Fair, an exhibition of more than 30 computer hardware, software, e-business and technology vendors, as well as two workshops led by STAFDA technology consultant Steve Epner, "Are You Spending Too Much or Not Enough on Information Technology?" and "Turning Over Rocks: Finding Hidden Values in Your Systems." The Industry Panel & Discussion kicks off the afternoon activities with a three-person industry panel featuring distributor and STAFDA vice president Marshall Jones of Marco Supply Co., Rebecca Branson of the manufacturer The Threaded Rod Co., and Jack Hurley, a rep from Jackson Sales Co. The panel discussion precedes the Rap Sessions, separate discussions among the different peer groups, where attendees discuss points and thoughts brought up by the panel.

Monday begins with the association's General Session, which will include both the "Year in Review" and the "STAFDA in Review" audio/visual presentations, and the state of the industry talks by STAFDA president Craig Russell and Paul Steiner of Kapro Industries. The Session's keynote speaker, futurist Lowell Catlett, Ph.D., will speak on "Future World–Future Minds," a look at emerging technologies, and how attendees can prepare for the coming changes.

Monday and Tuesday's afternoons are reserved for the association's Trade Show, where more than 35 different product categories will be on display in more than 750 booths. Distributors visiting the trade show will see new products and demonstrations, along with prizes and show specials.

Tuesday morning's four educational workshops run concurrently, and offer a variety of topics. Marjorie Brody will lead a session on how to "Present Like a Pro," in which the audience will learn how to achieve their potential by strengthening their presentation skills; Dr. Tony Alessandra will present "Collaborative Selling: How to Gain the Competitive Advantage in Selling;" and Mark Dancer will address the attendees on "Future Channel Trends & Strategies," a look at how the evolving channels, as well as other challenges and opportunities, will impact STAFDA members. Frank Abagnale, the subject of the 2003 Steven Spielberg movie Catch Me if You Can, returns with his "Art of the Steal" presentation, explaining how to protect a company from embezzlement, forgery and Internet fraud.

Networking opportunities include Sunday evening's "Streets of San Francisco" opening party, which celebrates all things San Francisco, including Chinatown, Alcatraz, North Beach, and Ghirardelli Square, and Brian Setzer Orchestra's 75-minute concert after the party. Tuesday night's "Speakeasy & Barbary Coast Lounge" closing party will recreate San Francisco's mid-1800s heritage.

For a complete list of STAFDA events and activities, go to www.stafda.org.