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 our exhibitors and sponsors. In 2016, the sold out exhibit hall includes 85 companies and is open to convention attendees on Dec. 8 and 9. It’s an opportunity for members to discover innovative products, apparel and services, invest time with companies to create a positive relationship that can be beneficial in the future.

Speaking of positive relationships, the NFCA welcomes its 17 sponsors to the convention, including our convention sponsors- Sports Attack, USSSA and Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF)- and Diamond Kinetics, who is the lead sponsor on our brand new Convention App and USA Softball who is the lead sponsor on our hotel key cards. Additionally, longtime partners- Wilson, Diamond, Mizuno and Schutt Sports- sponsor events and Easton Baseball/Softball is the lead on our Assistant Coaches of the Year awards.

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

The exhibit hall doors open at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8 and 9:00 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 9. After spending time checking out all the latest products, apparel and services, enjoy free beer and wine during Mizuno’s Happy Hour on Thursday (5-6:30 p.m.). If you didn’t get a chance to make it over on Thursday or if you want to return for a second go-around, doors open at 9:00 a.m. on Friday.

Be sure to stop by Sports Attack’s booth 213 for a chance at a pitching machine, which will be raffled off on Friday between 12:15 and 1:15 p.m. Additionally, members will have an opportunity to bid on some great items donated by our exhibitors during our annual silent auction, Friday from 12-1:30 p.m. Items range from T-shirts and DVDs to all-inclusive gift packages and pitching machines.

NFCA Sponsors
Diamond & PGF- Co-hosting the Diamond Sports/PGF Reception at the House of Blues. It’s a one-of-a-kind event. (Thursday)

Mizuno- Exhibit Hall Happy Hour (Thursday)

Schutt Sports Continental Breakfast (Thursday)

Wilson Sporting Goods- Hosting the Wilson “Queen of Diamonds” Party. An after-party featuring a photo booth, LIVE band, beignets and drinks. (Wednesday)

Easton Baseball/Softball- The Easton/Baseball Softball Assistant Coaches of the Year will be presented at the Champions Brunch on Saturday morning.

Sports Attack- In addition to the raffle, Sports Attack is the official sponsor for all clinic sessions. Over four days, learn valuable drills and tips from some of the best speakers and smartest minds in our game today.

USSSA - Come join us for Cajun food, drinks and music as USSSA hosts the Opening Reception. (Wednesday)

Diamond Kinetics- Sponsoring our all-new 2016 Convention App, which will be your guide to everything going on during the week. Download (Android | IPhone). Click HERE for more details.

NCSA- Recruit education specialists will host open-office hours during the convention.  Stop by for an informal meeting on Thursday or Friday. On Friday, head on over to the Grassroots Seminar where NSCA will conduct a 10-minute presentation on recruit education for youth coaches.

Additionally, Triple Crown, Traveling Teams, Bownet, Jugs, Pocket Radar, SDI Camps and SportsBoard can be found with our other sponsors (excluding NCSA) in the exhibit hall.