Committee Meetings
Thursday, November 4, 2004
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Have you ever wondered about the committees that guide your association? Interested in knowing more about upcoming events and relevant issues? Thinking about getting more involved? You’ll definitely want to attend NBMDA’s committee meetings, which offer the opportunity not only to observe, but also to participate in discussion.ll members are invited to attend any committee meeting as a guest.

President's Reception & Dinner
Friday, November 5, 2004
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The ballroom at the Sheraton Chicago will be transformed into our very own version of the popular Taste of Chicago food & entertainment festival. All of the famous landmarks of the city will be represented featuring specialty food stations. This is a valuable networking opportunity to interact with your fellow members while enjoying a variety of culinary delights representative of our host city. After dinner, the excitement of visiting Chicago's popular Howl at the Moon dueling piano bar will come to life. A pair of baby grand pianos will become the focal point of the evening as local talent amaze the NBMDA audience with their unique entertainment skills. Audience participation peeks as requests are taken for your favorite songs, including those from nostalgic TV shows and commercial jingles. This will be a total entertainment experience where the NBMDA audience becomes part of the show!

Roundtable discussion sessions provide segment members an opportunity to come together with those members who are serving the same customer base in order to discuss specific issues and topics impacting the marketplace. These sessions feature informal discussion opportunities within small groups. Both distributors and manufacturers are invited to fully participate.

This year's discussion sessions will focus on the four trends impacting wholesale distribution as featured in the latest NAW study – Facing the Forces of Change: The Road to Opportunity. The trends include: Customer Self-Service, Strategic Sourcing, Fee Based Services & Pricing, and Emerging Threats & Opportunities Associated with Logistics & Fulfillment. After hearing Mark Dancer review these trends in detail, discuss how they will likely impact your world with your peers and trading partners.

Interaction with Your Trading Partners
Manufacturer-Hosted Meetings & Functions for their Distributors
Wednesday, November 3, 2004
Saturday, November 6, 2004

Several manufacturers are planning to host special meetings and functions in conjunction with the 2004 Annual Convention. These manufacturers will take advantage of the concentration of distributors traveling to the convention by hosting their own corporate meeting designed to cover such items as new product introductions, new pricing programs and 2005 marketing programs and strategies. Ask your supplier if they are planning to host such a meeting. Manufacturers looking for assistance in planning their meeting should contact Kevin Gammonley (kgammonley@smithbucklin.com) in the NBMDA office.

Exhibitor-Hosted Welcome Reception
Thursday, November 4, 2004
4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

The popular Welcome Reception is held in the exhibit hall, providing an excellent opportunity to interact with current and potential trading partners in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Exhibitors will be in their booths to welcome distributors and finalize appointment schedules for the following day of conference sessions. Dress is business casual.

Tabletop Business Session
Friday, November 5,2004
9:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

We have united the industry's leading manufacturers and service providers within our Tabletop Business Session in order to provide you with valuable and efficient access to the decision-makers within these firms. This session provides a unique opportunity to visit with the senior executives of your suppliers or potential trading partners for in-depth, uninterrupted discussions. Review the year that has past and plan for the year ahead. This is high quality, executive interchange between distributors and manufacturers. You will find this experience to be an efficient and cost-effective alternative to the typical trade show environment.

NBMDA's Education Foundation Raffle

Founded in 1987, the NBMDA Education Foundation is dedicated to the advancement of distribution in the building material industry. It works to connect industry research, education and training with competitive business strategies. At this year's convention, the Education Foundation will raffle off a grand prize of $10,000 to one lucky winner. Be sure to buy your raffle tickets for a chance to win and an opportunity to support the valuable educational programming offered through the Foundation.

Book Club & Chicago Highlights
Thursday, November 4, 2004
2:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Each spouse/guest that registers for the Convention will be sent a book to read which has been selected by the spouses on the Convention Planning Committee. The book will be a quick-read to ensure that everyone will have sufficient time to complete it prior to the function. The group will gather in a comfortable setting to openly discuss and critique the book. Participation is optional. This is a fun and creative way to meet new people and engage in stimulating conversation.

A Sheraton concierge will address the group and provide suggestions on exciting Chicago events and happenings. If you are looking for alternatives to shopping, or simply have questions about things to do while visiting the Windy City, this session will give you the perfect opportunity to ask. Please visit the Chicago CVB at www.choosechicago.com for a list of activities and places to visit while in Chicago.

Magnificent Mile Shopping & Luncheon
Friday, November 5, 2004
Shopping: Morning – 12:45 p.m., Lunch: 12:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The Sheraton is located steps away from a shopping experience that is truly second to none! Meet up with fellow spouses/guests and take advantage of hundreds of different stores all located on Michigan Avenue. After a morning of shopping, relax with the other spouses/guests at the Grand Lux Café on Michigan Avenue. Meet at the Grand Lux Café at 12:45 and enjoy a fabulous lunch with your friends. They offer a unique global cuisine in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. With the expansive menu, there is truly something for everyone. Grand Lux Café's interior is decorated with glass chandeliers, whimsical Italianate murals, Venetian architectural motifs and ornate Viennese inspired ceilings. Each adds to the elegant ambiance found within the Grand Lux Café