NAHAD—The Assn. for Hose and Accessories Distribution will host its 2005 Annual Convention, themed "Creating Value Together," in South Miami Beach, April 2–6. Activities at the convention will include educational sessions, meetings, social events and networking opportunities that range from board of directors' meetings to the 21st Annual Members' Dinner, Entertainment and Dancing.

"Our theme this year is 'Creating Value Together,'" said NAHAD president Thomas von Hillebrandt, in a statement. "We intend to emphasize the power of partnerships—with customers, vendors, employees and others within our industry's channel. With a powerful one, two, three punch on Sunday afternoon, NAHAD will explore how to succeed through partnerships, looking at every aspect from sales, customer service, [and] expanding the use of practical technologies right into your business to your partnership with employees and their contribution to your business."

The convention kicks off Saturday, beginning with the board of directors' breakfast & meeting, and includes NAHAD committee meetings, a "Welcome to Miami" orientation tour, and the first-time attendees' special welcome and members' opening reception that evening.

Sunday's triple threat begins with "Business Building Blocks—Skill and Knowledge Sessions," which include a session by Robert Redmond titled, "Legal Primer—Staying in Business and Out of Court," and Mac Fulfer's presentation, "Every Face Tells a Story—The Art of Face Reading." The convention's Opening Ceremonies will be led by von Hillebrandt, and will include a session by Jonathan M. Tisch on "The Power of We—Succeeding Through Partnerships;" Terry Brock's "Portals to Partnerships—Powerful Technology Tools for Today;" and Hal Becker's presentation on "Creating Sales & Service Partnerships." The association's ServiceMart exhibits and ResourCenter & NAHAD Institute, will be open all day.

Monday's activities begin with the association's Seventh Annual Fun Walk/Run; a presentation by NAHAD's Standards Committee titled, "Maximizing the Use of the New Hose Assembly Guidelines," led by Sam Foti, Jr., Joe Lark, Steve Gray and Dan Ahuero; the NAHAD Annual Business Meeting of Members; and concurrent Hose Assembly Guidelines review sessions. The ServiceMart exhibits and ResourCenter & NAHAD Institute will be open only in the morning. That afternoon, attendees are encouraged to take part in the Shotgun Start Golf Tournament, Fairchild Gardens Tour or Everglades Half-Day Tour.

The Contact Table Exhibits will be open Tuesday morning, followed by the Distributors' Executive Session that afternoon, which includes a presentation by Anthony Pericle titled, "Price for Success—A Practical Guide for Improving Margins." The 21st Annual Members' Dinner, Entertainment and Dancing completes the convention Tuesday evening.

Visit www.nahad.org for more details.