STAFDA Gets Caught Up in Baltimore

Staff -- Industrial Distribution, 10/1/2005

The Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Assn. will host its 29th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Baltimore, Nov. 6–8. The convention, a three-day mix of products, technological offerings, workshops, trade show booths, and networking, will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center.

On Sunday, Nov. 6, attendees are invited to the association's popular Rap Sessions, where non-competing members share ideas and experiences in an informal setting, and also may share their experiences and perceptions of the industry's best practices. Following the Rap Session, distributors meet separately to discuss their specific issues, moderated by Indian River Consulting Group's Michael Marks, and associates and reps have their own joint session with rep agent authority John Haskell.

Monday morning's General Session will include a legislative update on issues affecting small business, led by John Satagaj, president of the Small Business Legislative Council; the Distributor State-of-the-Industry address given by STAFDA president Marshall Jones of Marco Supply Co.; and the Associate State-of-the-Industry address presented by Ed Gericke, senior vice president—sales and marketing, of Werner Co. The convention's keynote speaker is former U.S. Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, who will present, "Leadership: Taking Charge."

On Monday and Tuesday, more than 750 booths are expected at STAFDA's Trade Show, where distributors will have the opportunity to place orders and take advantage of the many show specials and numerous prizes, as well as see new products and demonstrations, meet with suppliers, and source new lines. More than 35 different product categories from hundreds of vendors are expected under the convention center's roof.

On Tuesday, four concurrent workshops are on the agenda, including: "The Radical Leap: Extreme Leadership at Work & Beyond," led by Steve Farber; "Designing a Workable Sales Compensation Plan," with Michael Marks; "The Business Success Blueprint," presented by George Hedley; and "Employee-based Management: Finding & Keeping Good People," led by Dr. Kathy Newton.

As for this year's Tech & Consultants' Fair, computer hardware, software, e-business, and other technology vendors will demonstrate and answer questions about their applications specific to the construction and industrial market; and other consultants, which include experts for advice on credit and collections, employee testing, estate planning and legal concerns, will also be on hand for walk-up discussions or scheduled appointments.

Networking and party opportunities include: the "Ultimate Sports Night" event, which welcomes STAFDA members and their guests to Baltimore, and to Camden Yards, home of Major League Baseball's Baltimore Orioles. Activities and entertainment at the party include: Baltimore's nationally recognized Frederick Douglas High School marching band and the Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders; a dueling pianos show; Chuckleball, a sports comedy and musical review; virtual reality games and foosball; the Designated Hitters Lounge for billiards; and a NASCAR quick-tire challenge center. The "Viva Las Vegas" closing party will whet members' appetites for next year's convention in Las Vegas, and will also feature a performance by Elvis, as well as plenty of food and beverages.

Tours and seminars also are available at the convention for spouses and companions. Speakers Deborah Sherwood and Susan Granger will present two seminars on Sunday, Nov. 6. Sherwood's morning session, titled "Petticoat Power in the White House," will examine the role of America's First Lady. Granger's afternoon session, titled "Hollywood: Mythmaking and Moneymaking," will discuss the impact movies have had on American culture. The tours include: "Welcome to Baltimore," which shares the best of Baltimore; "Historic Annapolis," which will take attendees through Annapolis, one of the country's most beautiful cities; and "Welcome to Washington," a tour that takes attendees into the nation's capitol for a whirlwind tour of D.C.

For more information, visit www.stafda.org.