LOUISVILLE, Ky. –  The 2016 NFCA Convention kicks off on Wednesday Dec. 7 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 10 at the New Orleans Marriott.  Over the course of four days, attendees have a wide array of opportunities to educate themselves, network, conduct business, be recognized for their achievements, discover innovative products and have fun.

To get those more acquainted with the on-going proceedings, this feature takes a look at the third day (Dec. 9) of activities which includes a full slate of speakers, the Softball Summit, the final day of our exhibitor show and our prestigious Hall of Fame Banquet.

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Note: Be sure to pick up your credential, because without your convention badge, you will be unable to attend all the great sessions offered in New Orleans.

For those arriving on Tuesday, Dec. 6 and who want to beat the crowd, a four-hour window (Noon-4:00 p.m.) is available to pick up your credentials. The registration booth will be open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7 and Thursday, Dec. 8. On Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10, the booth opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at noon and 10 a.m., respectively.

In addition to picking up your credentials (for those who preregistered), members can also register on-site, renew their memberships and sign up for other convention related items.

Awards
The most prestigious event of the convention takes place Friday evening when the NFCA Class of 2016 is inducted into the Hall of Fame. Bob Brock (Sam Houston State), Jacquie Joseph (Michigan State), Mona Stevens (Utah) and John Tschida (University of St. Thomas) will be the 26th class to earn this momentous honor and bring the hall’s membership to 73. The festivities begin at 6:30 with a 30-minute reception, followed by the Hall of Fame march as current members of the hall welcome the 2016 inductees. After dinner, the always entertaining and thoughtful emcee Kathy Veroni (Class of ’98) will introduce each Hall of Famer prior to their acceptance speeches.

Earlier in the day during the Softball Summit, the NFCA will present its Donna Newberry “Perseverance Award” to Louisiana-Lafayette’s Michael Lotief and the Distinguished Service Award to NJCAA Executive Director Mary Ellen Leicht.

Educational Opportunities
A full slate of speakers hit the stage on Friday, beginning with Longwood’s Kathy Riley (Coaching College Hitters) at 9 a.m., followed by Dave Mikula (Supporting Student-Athletes in Sustaining Quality Mental & Behavioral Health) at 10 a.m. Rounding out the morning speakers is James Madison’s Mickey Dean (Defense: An Evolution). In the afternoon, Bo Hanson and the University of Notre Dame coaching staff will speak on the “Inner Workings of a Successful Staff.” Geared toward our high school, travel ball and youth coaches, the Grassroots Seminar Powered by Wilson (3:30-5:00 p.m.) features a panel of college coaches in a 50-minute Q&A session, followed by NCSA Recruit Education and a 25-minute presentation by Hanson on Developing Your Athletes to be ‘Athlete Tough.’ Lastly, is the Coach Emeriti panel, which is a laid back session in which three retired coaches (Sandy Jerstad, Scott Whitlock, Sue Enquist) share their experiences from years past in hopes of educating and enlightening the membership.

New Tools
With 85 companies in attendance, the exhibit hall opens its doors to members at 9:00 a.m. It will be the final opportunity for members to discover innovative products, apparel and services and also invest time with companies to create a positive relationship that may be beneficial in the future. Additionally, members can take part in our silent auction and Sports Attack raffle for an opportunity to bid on and win items donated by the vendors in attendance.

Conduct Business
The Softball Summit takes center stage on Friday afternoon (1:30-2:30). In an open forum setting, it is a chance for the entire membership to discuss business across the landscape of softball. Friday morning (8-8:45 a.m.) is reserved for continuation of our college caucuses as well as the High School All-American meeting. The Cal JC coaches gather for their business meeting at noon, while the High School and Travel Ball memberships conduct separate caucuses from 2:30-3:30.