NIBA: The Belting Assn. will hold its annual convention Sept. 19-22 at Baltimore's Marriott Waterfront. This year's theme is “The Power of Distribution: Evolving Together.”

NIBA officials have assembled a diverse group of speakers for the event, including a former Super Bowl running back and a Grammy-winning country singer.

Singer Louise Mandrell will perform for members on the opening day of the convention. Later, consultant Michael Marks will present “An Outsider's Perspective.” Marks, managing partner of Indian River Consulting Group, will update NIBA members on market changes and industry trends. He'll also review recent research studies that have impacted NIBA's markets and customers.

Former Pittsburgh Steeler running back Rocky Bleier will speak on Friday, Sept. 21. Bleier was drafted by the Steelers and the U.S. Army in the late 1960s, and was wounded while serving in Vietnam. After spending two years recovering, he became a key contributor to the Steelers' Super Bowl-winning teams of the 1970s.

NIBA has expanded its Conference Booth program this year; new rules allow manufacturers to include signs and product displays, as well as videos and computer presentations in their booths. They can also give out samples and promotional materials.

Only Manufacturer and Affiliate members of NIBA who are registered for the entire conference can participate in the booth program. More than 70 manufacturers were registered for the Baltimore show as of mid-July.

The final night of the convention will feature a block party on Baltimore's Eutaw Street, just behind the right field bleachers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Food will include Maryland crab cakes, Bambino's barbecue ribs and Boog Powell's beef sandwiches. Baseball-themed entertainment and guided tours of the stadium will be available, as well.

For more information, log on to www.niba.org.