Get Jazzed: Day 1 of NFCA Convention

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 first day of activities. But before we dive into things, the most important item to point out is registration. 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.

2016 NFCA CONVENTION WEBSITE | REGISTER HERE | SPEAKER LINEUP | SCHEDULE | EXHIBITORS

Conducting Business
After picking up your credential, head over to your committee meetings being held at 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., respectively. It is a chance to discuss changes and have healthy conversations about the future of the sport in an intimate setting with your peers. Later in the evening, the NCAA Division I, II and III Head Coaches committees meet to discuss the important issues leading in to their respective business meetings on Thursday.

Educational Opportunities
There are many opportunities to gain valuable knowledge from our preconvention seminars to our keynote speaker on the first day. Held simultaneously from 12-4 p.m. on Dec. 7, the seminars feature NFCA Hall of Famer Cindy Bristow and the Assistant Coach University. Bristow will conduct a pitching seminar, while the ACU is designed to help assistant coaches become a valuable member of their team’s coaching staff and provide them with the skills to thrive under their head coach’s leadership.

Also on the docket is a Rightview Pro Training session (9:30-11:30 a.m.) and a New Convention Attendee Orientation (3-4:00 p.m.), the latter is conducted by NFCA President Rhonda Revelle.

Education and Achievements
The NFCA’s “First Pitch” Opening Welcome and Keynote session really gets the ball rolling. NFCA Executive Director Carol Bruggeman, Revelle, NPF Commissioner Cheri Kempf, ASA/USA Softball Executive Director Craig Cress, President of the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s Softball Executive Committee Dale McMann and Jenny Dalton Hill of USA Baseball will welcome everyone and present about the state of their organizations. Additionally, Bruggeman will recognize  Mary Nutter Scholarship and Diversity Convention Grant recipients along with our top academic programs sponsored by Easton and the StrikeOut Cancer fundraisers.

Capping off the opening welcome will be keynote speaker Brett Ledbetter. Ledbetter, a renowned author and motivational speaker, will present his “What Drives Winning” philosophy to the membership.

Fun
Following the “First Pitch”, USSSA is hosting the first of two evening social events with its Leadoff reception from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Immediately following is the Wilson Sporting Good’s reception running from 9 p.m. to midnight.