NSCA Expo: More Than Just Exhibits

The 27th Annual NSCA Expo is once again more than just a showroom floor for today's top industry products. The 2007 NSCA Expo not only adds a large offering of NSCA University courses to its schedule, but also provides plenty of networking opportunities with several special events where attendees can catch up with key industry leaders, or just take the chance to unwind.

Expo Events
Expogoers can kick off the show festivities the night before the exhibition at the 2007 Opening Night Celebration, held in Rosen Centre, March 14, at 6 p.m, sponsored by West Penn Wire. Enjoy complimentary refreshments while mingling with other NSCA attendees at one of the industry''s biggest networking opportunities of the year.

The opening night celebrations continue with L''Acoustics-sponsored ExpoJam. The energy and excitement of Alan Parker''s movie, The Commitments, has been transferred into a live experience by a band from Dublin of the same name. If you haven''t fulfilled your music fix, the Atlas Sound Party, held March 15, also features live entertainment, as well as food and giveaways.

In between exhibit visits, attend the Consultants'' Reception (held at the Consultants'' Lounge Exhibit Hall A and sponsored by AMX, Bose, and FSR) or the International Reception (held at the Rosen Centre). The International Reception is of particular interest, bringing together all the expo attendees traveling to the event from other countries. At the reception, all those visiting from outside the United States are welcome to enjoy fine food and beverages and discuss how commercial electronics are being applied in other parts of the world.

This year, there are two NSCA member-exclusive events: the New Member Reception and the 2007 NSCA Membership Luncheon. NSCA''s Board President will welcome all those attending the New Member Reception, held at 5:30 p.m., March 14, and sponsored by Rauland. Enjoy complimentary beverages while networking with industry peers and colleagues. At the 2007 NSCA Membership Luncheon, held March 15 from 12 p.m. to 1p.m., complimentary lunch will be served while members discuss recent developments in the industry and look to the future of systems integration and the convergence with the building industry.

NSCA Education Foundation Fundraisers
Industry members can also gather together to show their support of advancing industry education at the NSCA Education Foundation fundraising events. The 11th Annual Jason Perlman Memorial Golf Tournament on March 14 will be held at MetroWest Gold Club, which features a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed golf course. The traditional golf course architecture provides a fair, yet demanding challenge to make a pleasurable golf experience for players of all skill levels. Attend the event (sponsored by AutoPatch, Belden, Herman, Middle Atlantic Products, QSC, Shure, and Sound & Video Contractor) and support juvenile diabetes research.

Returning entertainers, the Drunk Unkles, will perform March 16 during NSCA Expo. The concert is an industry event, put on by the industry for the industry, helping industry causes. This year''s event, sponsored by AMX, AutoPatch, FSR, and NEC, will support the NSCA Education Foundation''s efforts to provide training to its commercial electronic systems professionals.

Throughout the NSCA Expo dates, several fundraising events will be ongoing. The “Bid for Education” Silent Auction features great products that expo attendees can bid on, including newly released products, and items for your office and even your home. This year''s auction is expected to be the best yet with a product showcase, highlighting some of the expo''s must haves. Auction winners will be announced on the last day of the expo. For more chances to win, buy tickets at the NSCA Foundation Raffle, sponsored by Atlas Sound. Tickets are only $5 each or $20 for five, and are available during show hours. You need not be present to win.

For those who don''t get the chance to attend the Jason Perlman Memorial Golf Tournament, visit the NSCA Zone for the Putting Challenge and possibly win a cash prize. The popular event sponsored by Telex Communications combines golf, drinks, and friendly competition. While at the Challenge, putters should stop at the 19th Hole, where a $5 donation buys you three putts, a drink ticket, and a chance to win $500. Proceeds from each of the fundraising events will help financially support industry programs, offer tuition assistance, and help students get involved.

Several events require reservations, so log on to secure your spot and gather more information at www.nscaexpo.org.

For a full list of Expo 2007 Special Events click here.

Register for NSCA Expo 2007 at www.nsca.org/expo.