convention Program Highlights
Member Conference Registration and Hospitality
Tues, April 17, 2:00pm-5:00pm
Wed, April 18, 8:30am-7:30pm
Thur, April 19, 7:00am-12:30pm
Fri, April 20, 7:45am-12:30pm
Enjoy leisurely conference registration at any time convenient to you. Be sure to pick up your badge prior to attending any events. Beverages and light refreshments will be served in a relaxing setting. Use this opportunity to enjoy a quiet chat with NAHAD acquaintances, and network to make new friends. This is also an excellent opportunity to visit NAHAD’s Connections Café and learn all about the latest and greatest member benefits and the advantages of the Hose Safety Institute.
NAHAD conference registration staff will be available throughout the convention to answer questions and to assist you. Please refer to the Program Schedule for specific times.
NAHAD’s Connections Café
Wed, April 18, 8:30am-7:30pm
Thur, April 19, 7:00am-12:30pm
Fri, April 20, 7:45am-7:30pm
Sat, April 21, 6:30am-12:30pm
Take a moment to review NAHAD’s program services designed to make your business more effective and efficient. Training materials, web-based programs, and NAHAD’s Hose Safety Institute will all be available for your review and consideration.
First Time Attendee Welcome to NAHAD
Wed, April 18, 6:15pm-6:45pm
Thur, April 19, 7:00am-8:30am
As a first time attendee, we’d like to extend a special welcome to you. We ask you to arrive early in Las Vegas and gather together to meet NAHAD’s leadership to receive a brief orientation as to what to expect over the next few days and how to get the most out of your attendance. In addition, you will participate in your own Speed Networking Session to meet NAHAD leaders and fellow first-timers. Take the fast-track to maximize your networking opportunities for the entire convention.
Opening Welcome Reception
Wed, April 18, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Welcome to Las Vegas! NAHAD’s Reception will be held poolside with all the glamour and glitter that is Las Vegas surrounding our location in the heart of the Strip. Tropical breezes, palm trees and a poolside venue will greet you! We have planned some festive surprises and we’ll provide enough delicious food to satisfy your appetite. The opportunity to meet and mingle is our special ingredient for a pleasant evening of business networking.
Young Executives’ After Party
Wed, April 18, 9:30pm-11:00pm
Keep the Party Going! NAHAD will arrange for an after party at one of the outlets within the Venetian/Palazzo complex to give those young executives 40 and under an opportunity to network on their own. Get more info about the NAHAD Young Executive's Propgram Here. Please register for this event on the Convention Registration Form.
Speed Networking: Meet Your Industry Peers
Thur, April 19, 7:30am-8:30am
With over 600 delegates in attendance, it is often difficult to meet those members who might be a valuable connection for your business. Expand your horizons by signing up for this networking-by-design opportunity. This program was inaugurated in 2010 and was highly valued by those who participated. Attendees told us that it would be helpful to hold this session at the beginning of the convention, so plan to get an early start on Thursday to take full advantage of the opportunity to expand your network of contacts during this 90 minute session – bring at least 40 business cards.
Spouse Brunch Event: Fun with Flowers & J
Thur, April 19, 9:00am-11:00am
J Schwanke is a gifted speaker and demonstrator who has made thousands of presentations to audiences in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom. J’s presentations inspire and excite. His expertise in flowers provides an unexpected springboard and utilizes a relatable medium to which audiences naturally respond. The attention garnered by flowers is immediate and innate. When combined with J’s compelling and humorous speaking style, the result is an entertaining and memorable experience.
Trading Partners Meet in Suites NEW!
Thur, April 19, Beginning at 12:30pm
NAHAD Convention evaluation surveys consistently ask for more time to have conversations with trading partners in both formal and informal meetings. Taking advantage of our location in an all-suites hotel, we suggest that you use some of the Open Time on Thursday afternoon to schedule appointments prior to your arrival. Lists of all attendees will be posted on the web site beginning on February 23 to assist you
Manufacturer and Associate Sponsored Hospitality Suites
Thur, April 19, Beginning at 6:30pm
Manufacturers and Associates are invited to entertain NAHAD’s distributor members on this evening. If you are interested in contacting the Venetian Hotel for information regarding hosting a Hospitality Suite, you may call Rochelle Brooksby, Venetian Catering & Conference Manager, by telephone Direct: 702-414-4003 or email rochelle.brooksby@venetianpalazzo.com
As a special convenience, Manufacturers and Associates may order a complete set of NAHAD Distributor mailing labels (no cost) or specialized reports (fee charged) from the NAHAD office. Please call NAHAD - 1-800-624-2227 or 1-410-940-6350 for details.
Luncheon and Annual Meeting of Members NEW!
Fri, April 20, 12:00pm-2:15pm
Take a Break from the UID in a Day programs to enjoy a fun-filled luncheon in Emeril Lagasse’s Stadium. This active sports restaurant will suspend sports-betting for NAHAD’s luncheon program, but you can enjoy the ambiance, presentations and networking in this very special sports arena.
Affiliate Member Exhibits
Fri, April 20, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Sat, April 21, 8:00am-12:00pm
NAHAD’s Affiliate Members have been fully integrated into the NAHAD Showcase of Hose Solutions (Contact Tables) where they will provide displays of their latest products and services. Affiliate members offer a range of services of particular interest to distributors and manufactures including distribution software, financial services, catalogs, insurance services, printing services, and specific products designed for the hose industry.
NAHAD Showcase of Hose Solutions NEW in 2012!
Fri, April 20, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Sat, April 21, 8:00am-12:00pm
With NAHAD’s 2012 venue in Las Vegas, where nightlife is a force to be reckoned with, NAHAD will kick off the annual Showcase of Hose Solutions (Contact Tables) with a festive opening. Manufacturers, Associates and Affiliate Members will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services in a special Grand Opening reception format. Enjoy a favorite beverage and light hors d’oevres while you meet with trading partners and review the latest hose and accessories products and services. The Special Friday Opening will be two hours long, finishing at 7:30 pm so that all NAHAD members can enjoy a Las Vegas Show or visit a special restaurant. The full program will recommence on Saturday from 8:00 am until noon.
Exhibitors may include an expanded display of products and information (see Contact Table Rules HERE). You may set up your booth on Friday, April 20 from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, to get everything in place and ready for the Grand Opening at 5:30 pm. Affiliate Member Exhibitors will again be integrated into the Shocase program. Contact Table rules apply. Double Booth Space available: exhibitors have the opportunity to expand their booth space to encompass a space of 10’ x 20’, side by side. See Registration information HERE.
All attendees will receive complimentary tote bags and 28th Annual Meeting collector’s mugs. Preceding the program, there will be a separate early breakfast buffet for exhibitors. Breakfast for non-exhibiting attendees will be served from 7:00 am – 8:00 am. Luncheon will be served to all attendees at the conclusion of the program, allowing for a networking break and time to start packing up booth materials, luncheon starts at 12:30 pm. Exhibitors may finish their booth teardown from 2:00 pm until 3:30 pm.
Manufacturer, Associate and Affiliate members are invited to register as soon as possible for an exhibit booth by completing the registration form. Booth selection will be on a first-received, best-selection basis. For further details, contact the NAHAD office directly.
Closing Luncheon and Keynote Presentation
Sat, April 21, 12:30pm-2:30pm
Whether you are going to catch a flight home or stay in Las Vegas for one more night, relax and enjoy a sit-down luncheon. Keynote speaker Scott Tibbitts will help you think outside the box about opportunities to retool your business. When Scott visited NASA with a proposition that a household water heater valve might help NASA explore the solar system, he began a venture which allowed him to employ 150 individuals and bring in $18 M in revenues.
What can a single idea do for your company?
The convention is open to members of NAHAD only. If you wish to be apart of the 2012 NAHAD Annaul Convention please visit our Join NAHAD page.
