NIBA Heads to the Golden State

Staff -- Industrial Distribution, 8/1/2006

NIBA–The Belting Assn. will host its 2006 Annual Convention, themed “Strike the Right Balance,” in Rancho Mirage, Calif., Sept. 16–19.

The four-day convention will feature a slate of educational sessions, including two general session speakers and two workshops on industry-related topics, as well as an expanded conference booth program and networking opportunities.

On Sunday, keynote speaker Keith Harrell will present a session on, “Connect: Building Success through People, Performance and Profits,” which will focus on connecting with customers to improve service and a business's own strategic plan and objectives for the coming year. Also on Sunday, Dr. Kevin Freiberg will speak on, “Gutsy Leadership: Creating a Workplace that Explodes with Productivity, Passion and Profitability,” which will explain the importance of having guts when it comes to new direction, blowing up old rules, and being accountable. Dr. Carl Brown will present, “Trends in Business Globalization,” on Monday, focusing on adaptability; trends in labor costs, and interest and exchange rates; and the outlook for free trade areas. Also on Monday, Bob Hafey of Flexible Steel Lacing Co., and Rex Davis of IBT, Inc., will lead a session on, “Time: The Currency of the 21st Century,” explaining to attendees that the 21st century is about lean thinking, lean tools and change.

Tuesday's conference booth program will include more than 70 manufacturing companies that are available for short business meetings designed to allow channel partners to inform, make decisions and renew business relationships.

Networking events include Saturday night's Welcome Evening, held against the desert backdrop; the Manufacturer's Hospitality Night on Sunday; and Tuesday night's Convention Farewell evening at Empire Polo Club, where attendees will enjoy an evening at the polo grounds. Tours that are available to attendees include: “Climate Climb: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway,” “San Andreas Fault 'Earthquake' Jeep Adventure,” “The Living Desert Wildlife & Botanical Park,” and “Palm Springs Celebrity Home Tour.” Also, NIBA's popular Golf Outing is on the agenda.

Spouse and companion events include a NIBA Spouse Mixer, a Celebrity Home tour, and shopping at El Paso.

For more information, visit www.niba.org