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 on credit and collections, employee testing, estate planning and legal concerns, also will be on hand for walk-up discussions or scheduled appointments.

The Rap Sessions allow non-competing members to share ideas and experiences in an informal setting, where they also may share their 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.

More than 750 booths are expected at STAFDA's Trade Show this year, offering distributors 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 under one roof.

This year's General Session will include a legislative update on issues affecting small business 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 led 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."

Four concurrent workshops are on the agenda for the convention, and include: "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. The workshops begin at 8:30 a.m., and repeat again at 10:30 a.m.

The "Ultimate Sports Night" event welcomes STAFDA members and their guests to Baltimore, and to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, home of Major League Baseball's Baltimore Orioles. Activities and entertainments in 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 feature a performance by Elvis, as well as plenty of food and beverages.