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MEETINGS & EVENTS - NPA'S ANNUAL CONVENTION & EXPO
Greetings friends and colleagues,
It is hard to believe that the National Pawnbrokers Association Annual Convention is just a few months away! It seems like just yesterday when we were in Orlando visiting, learning, sharing stories, and having an all-around great time. Time really flies when you enjoy the profession like we all do.
The 2008 Convention & Expo will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the NPA. The vision of those men and women on creating an Association to benefit all pawnbrokers across the USA! Many of those founding members continue to serve our Association as Trustees, Board Members, and Vendors. In commemorating this milestone, the theme of our convention will be "NPA Celebrating 20 Years…A Look Back in Time!" We will have a "Roaring Twenties" Welcome Reception and Auction, as well as a "Flashback…1988" final night celebration. Once again, we'll be returning to Bally's on the Las Vegas strip. Remodeled and updated rooms and convention area will highlight your stay in Las Vegas.
During the seminar sessions, we will present an "Ideas in Action" round-table discussion. Industry leaders will be at each table to facilitate the session, allowing an open format for members to talk with one another while industry experts are on hand. In response to requests for a class-room style educational session, we'll have two hands-on diamond grading sessions. One for beginners and one advanced. Although all of the topics haven't been finalized, I can guarantee that we'll have a fantastic line-up of interesting and informative seminars. Be sure to come early and stay late! Robert Frimet will offer a Compliance Certification Program that will fulfill the requirements for MSB's and check cashers.
Jack Brown of Mid-States Recycling has arranged for our Golf Tournament to be played on a St. Andrews style golf course just a few minutes away. This course will be as challenging as it is fun.
Lee Amberg has arranged for something new this year - "Trading Sessions"! We will provide you with a list of vendors who will attend the convention this year that are buying watches, diamonds, coins, and collectibles. You'll find an entire article in the February issue of the NPA magazine explaining the process, but with the new Trading Session, not only will you be able to sell your overstock loose diamonds, but you'll have a perfect way to pay for your trip to Las Vegas!
And don't forget the Trade Show floor. Vendors you've come to know and buy from will be there, along with new vendors anxious to earn your business. Be sure to allow plenty of time in your schedule to stop and visit with each one.
These are just a few of the new ideas and programs that await you at the 2008 Convention. If you've never had the opportunity to attend, then make this the year! The networking opportunities are enormous! If you know someone that hasn't attended, give them a call and invite them along. This will be the best investment they've made all year!
To those of you who have supported NPA by your attendance in years past, I say "Thank you"! More importantly, to those founding fathers of this great Association, I wish to say "Thank you for your vision"! Without your efforts, none of this would have ever come to be. My hats off to you and the NPA for twenty great years!
Register early and receive a $50 discount coupon by contacting the 2008 Convention & Expo Sponsors. We're expecting a huge turnout, so don't be left out!
Sincerely,
Dave Crume
2008 Convention Chairman
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