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. The Industry Panel & Discussion kicks off the afternoon activities, preceding 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 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 the more than 750 booths. Distributors visiting the trade show will see new products and demonstrations, and take advantage of prizes and show specials.

Tuesday morning's four educational workshops run concurrently: Marjorie Brody will lead a session on how to "Present Like a Pro;" 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." Frank Abagnale, the subject of the 2003 Steven Spielberg movie Catch Me if You Can, returns with his "Art of the Steal" presentation, an explanation on protecting a company from embezzlement, forgery and Internet fraud.

Networking opportunities include Sunday'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. Tuesday's "Speakeasy & Barbary Coast Lounge" will recreate San Francisco's mid-1800s heritage.