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Associations Focus: NSCA at InfoComm a Smashing Success

The NSCA Zone was the place to be at InfoComm 08 last month as members spoke with staff and NSCA board members about all the ways NSCA helps save them time, make money, and solve problems

Associations Focus: NSCA at InfoComm a Smashing Success

Jul 1, 2008 12:00 PM

All-industry-member blues band Drunk Unkles raise money for industry education by performing at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

The NSCA Zone was the place to be last month as members spoke with staff and NSCA board members about all the ways NSCA helps save them time, make money, and solve problems. Greg Bedross of Kramer Electronics and Sierra Video Systems was the lucky winner of NSCA’s grand prize, a 2008 Toyota Prius Hybrid.

InfoComm 08 began with a bang as the NSCA Education Foundation, along with sponsors Atlas Sound and IED, hosted the Systems Integration Industry Charity Golf Tournament on June 17. Industry members raised more than $30,000 to benefit the industry education initiatives of the NSCA Education Foundation, as well as the International Communications Industry Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Later that night, industry members enjoyed the music of popular rock band the Gin Blossoms during ExpoJam. The event, sponsored by Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, packed in lots of eager fans to hear hits such as “Hey Jealousy,” “Follow You Down,” and “Til I Hear It From You.”

“There was no better way to celebrate the partnership between NSCA and InfoComm than by treating our contractors and consultants to an amazing concert by the Gin Blossoms,” says Larry Italia, vice president and general manager of Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems.

Before the show opened on June 18, NSCA Executive Director Chuck Wilson recognized volunteers — including NSCA Instructors of the Year, manufacturer Partners in Education, and retiring members of the NSCA Board of Directors — during the NSCA Member Breakfast and Industry Forum. Craig Thompson, president of Thompson Electronics Company, received NSCA’s 2008 Per Haugen Lifetime Achievement Award. Thompson was honored for his years of dedication, leadership, and service to NSCA, which included terms on the NSCA Board of Directors and NSCA Education Foundation Board of Directors.

AE Systems President Randy Vaughan received the 2007 NSCA Educator of the Year award for receiving the highest course evaluations among all 2007 Expo education participants. He was also lauded for his service and dedication to the NSCA Board of Directors from 1997 to 2008.

Brian Cline, principal of Cline & Associates, was tapped for the 2008 Volunteer of the Year award. Cline has contributed many hours of service to the NSCA and the NSCA Consultants’ Council, serving as the council’s chairman from 2005 to 2007.

When the show opened, education was the name of the game. In fact, NSCA offered more than 70 courses designed to help industry professionals work more efficiently, build their businesses, and fine-tune their skills. Attendees took advantage of courses such as Sharpen Your Management Skills, Mass Notification, and Eight Steps to Increased Profitability.

Throughout the show, the NSCA Zone was at the center of the action. Representatives from SystemsPlus Insurance Solutions shared how they could help NSCA members save money on insurance premiums. National City Media Finance explained how they could take the guesswork out of client financing. Industry research reports containing valuable trend and benchmark information was made available to convention attendees to benefit their businesses and careers.

Visitors to the booth viewed member video testimonials, listened to live presentations about the benefits and value of membership, and relaxed away from the hubbub of the show floor. NSCA also catered to end-users with a presentation geared toward customers and why they should hire NSCA members — just another way NSCA helps its members generate new business.

After a busy day on the show floor, members were thrilled to visit The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for the InfoComm premiere of the Industry Charity Concert, featuring the Drunk Unkles. This all-industry-member blues band played the live gig to raise money for industry education through NSCA’s Education Foundation. Melissa Henderson, education foundation managing director, says the event helped fund NSCA scholarships and will support future industry outreach efforts.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for NSCA to join with InfoComm to provide the best industry show available,” Wilson says. “We look forward to our trade show partnership in years to come. Now we can return to what we do best: serving our members through education, membership, and advocacy.”

For more information about NSCA, visitwww.nsca.orgor call (800) 446-6722.

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