Casual beachside networking will be a key focus of NAHAD’s 34th Annual Meeting & Convention slated for April 28 – May 1, at the JW Marriott Marco Island, Fla.

As usual, the four days provide attendees with education, training, networking, and fun, giving users, manufacturers and distributors of hose and accessories an opportunity to connect with friends, industry leaders, business partners, and learn about new products and services.

“We have altered our pattern in 2018 to take advantage of our beach location. Members asked to have more space in the program for networking and informal meetings. On Sunday afternoon, we are taking over a large part of the beach for NAHAD activities, as well as a time to relax with a new contact or two,” said Scott Moss
NAHAD 2017-2018 President. “In response to members asking for more time in the Showcase of Hose Solutions, we plan to open the exhibits early with a cocktail reception on Monday night, followed by our traditional Showcase on Tuesday. We will end in the early afternoon to allow those who need to return to their offices the time to make late afternoon and evening flights.”

The meeting will be kicked off by Alan Beaulieu, one of the industry’s most popular economists who has had industrial distribution in his sights for many years said Moss. In addition, Digital Media expert and author, Jonathan Taplin will follow with a discussion of the powerful disintermediation of centuries-old business practices. Attend this session to find out what your business can do to counter the “Amazon effect.”

This year’s keynote presentation will be given by Herb Meyer on Sunday, April 29 from 12 – 2:00 p.m. Meyer served during the Reagan Administration as Special Assistant to the Director of Central Intelligence and Vice Chairman of the CIA’s National Intelligence Council. The author of How to Analyze Information and The Cure for Poverty, Meyer’s essays on intelligence and politics have been published in The Wall Street Journal, National Review Online, Policy Review and The American Thinker. In this presentation, Meyer will talk about the national security, economic and cultural issues that dominate the news.

In addition, the event offers numerous networking opportunities including the NAHAD Hose Safety Kiosk, Speed Networking, events for first-time attendees, emerging leaders, Women in NAHAD program, parties and networking on the beach and at the pool, sponsored hospitality suites and a Showcase of Hose Solutions.

Opportunities for fun abound for both attendees and their spouses, includuing golf and resort activities. In addition, spouses can enjoy tours and excursions to dolphin watching, the Everglades, botanical gardens and even Waverunners.

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