As final preparations are being made for STAFDA's 29th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Baltimore, registrations continue to come in at a record pace. This year's Nov. 6–8 meeting, held at the modern Baltimore Convention Center, will be a perfect balance of outstanding educational opportunities, a dynamic trade show showcasing numerous products and new exhibitors, and unique social events. With former Secretary of State Colin Powell as the General Session keynote speaker, it all adds up to three exceptional days.

We've expanded STAFDA's opening event, the Tech & Consultants Fair, to include more than just hardware and software vendors. GPS tracking companies will be participating this year along with other e-business providers. Nearly half of all vendors at the Fair are new exhibitors, so there will be plenty to see and demo. STAFDA consultants and endorsed service providers also will be on hand.

Our two Tech Fair workshops, featuring STAFDA Inventory Consultant, Jon Schreibfeder, and STAFDA Warehouse Consultant, Bob Footlik, will help members put their stock in order and then organize their warehouse. This is the first time STAFDA has featured the talents of two consultants whose subject matter goes hand-in-hand.

STAFDA's Rap Sessions are still the best way to network with industry peers. This year's Full Rap Session will be led by industry experts, Michael Marks and John Haskell, who will oversee the discussion among distributors, manufacturers and rep agents on industry best practices and common business topics. Marks' and Haskell's expertise will continue into the two separate Rap Sessions: Marks will moderate the Distributor Rap Session, and Haskell will oversee the Associate/Rep Rap Session.

STAFDA president, Marshall Jones, Marco Supply Co., will present the Distributor State of the Industry address at our General Session, followed by Ed Gericke, Werner Co., with a manufacturer's perspective. However, the star of the program will be retired General Colin Powell. As former U.S. Secretary of State, his keynote address on leadership promises to be inspiring and patriotic.

Following the General Session, the Trade Show opens. More than 25 percent of the exhibitors in Baltimore did not attend our '04 San Francisco convention, and with 750+ booths, distributors will have plenty to do and see. Many exhibitors will be unveiling their 2006 product lines or offering terrific fourth-quarter savings.

STAFDA's Workshop Sessions on Nov. 8 offer the chance to learn from business leaders. Michael Marks will present a program on "Designing a Workable Sales Compensation Plan;" construction contractor George Hedley will address "Business Success Blueprint;" former Tom Peters protégé Steve Farber will talk about, "The Radical Leap: Leadership;" and Purdue University professor Dr. Kathy Newton will explore employee productivity and how to hire the right people in, "Employee-Based Management."

Spouses/companions haven't been neglected. They've got three enjoyable day trips (Washington, D.C., city tour of Baltimore, or Annapolis) plus two entertaining workshops.

STAFDA's also been known for its incredible Opening Parties. Our "Ultimate Sports Night" at Camden Yards will cover every sporting interest imaginable. Attendees will have free rein of Camden Yards, including the Club Level and their eight-story Warehouse building, which is a huge entertainment complex. There will be music, a comedy troupe, multitudes of interactive games, and a behind-the-scenes tour of Camden, with several food and beverage stations.

Our closing Viva Las Vegas party will also be entertaining and help put people in the mood for our Nov. 13–15, 2006, Las Vegas Convention.

STAFDA remains the best value in the industry for education, sourcing new lines, and networking with peers. If you aren't a STAFDA member, why miss out on all the action? Visit www.stafda.org for membership information. We invite you to join us.