LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The 2018 NFCA National Convention is just days away! Here are some important tips as you prepare for your trip to the Windy City next week.
WHAT’S NEW IN 2018
– NFCA Silent Auction Goes Digital
– Grassroots Forum: Meet & Mingle
– Share the Warmth
– Extended Registration Hours
DOWNLOAD THE CONVETNION APP HERE
– Schedules
– Speaker information & outlines
– Exhibitor information
– Exhibit Hall layout
– Meetings, Session & Social Event times & locations
– Interactive Maps
– Social Media links
– Live Q&A Polling
– Awards
– Personalized schedules
– NFCA Sponsor & Partner information
SILENT AUCTION (NEW)
The NFCA’s Silent Auction is going digital this year!
Visit www.biddingforgood.com/nfca to view all of the items available and register to bid. The bidding will begin Thursday, December 6th at 11am and end on Friday, December 7th at 1pm.
You MUST visit the company/booth of the item you wish to bid on and scan the QR code in order to begin the bidding war.
Helpful hint: download a QR code reader on your phone to participate
WHO’S COMING, WHAT’S ON TAP
Check out who is speaking and when they will be presenting. Also, take time to visit our exhibit show being held Dec. 6-7. With another sold out show, attendees have the opportunity to check out the newest softball training equipment, technology and apparel. While you’re in our exhibit hall, make sure to take part in the brand new Digital Silent Auction (Dec. 6 & 7), Scrap Yard Sports Happy Hour (Dec. 6) and Sports Attack Raffle (Dec. 7), for your chance to come away with some tremendous prizes.
SPEAKER LINEUP | SCHEDULE | EXHIBITORS | HOTEL | HOST CITY
GRASSROOTS MEET & MINGLE (NEW)
You asked for it and here it is! Come join your fellow high school and travel ball coaches as well as softball instructors from around the country for a meet and greet event that is exclusively your own. Here you can grow your network and join in on various discussions from the X’s and O’s to player and team management.
SHARE THE WARMTH (NEW)
Don’t forget to pack your new or gently used cold weather gear and bring them to the Merchandise booth at Convention. Items will be donated to a local Chicago elementary & middle school in need. Youth and adult sizes are appreciated.
TEXT UPDATES
To receive text updates during the NFCA National Convention, text NFCA to 313131
HOTEL WIFI
Complimentary wi-fi for guests in their rooms and on floors 2-4.
SSID: NFCA2018
password: playball
MENTORING WORKSHOP
One of the most anticipated events of the week! Grab a seat next to some of the best and brightest in the game. This event pairs coaches from all membership categories for conversation and promotes professional growth and marketing.
Have you been coaching for 7+ years? Are you interested in being a mentor? Contact [email protected] to become a mentor today!
REGISTRATION
Check-in is located in the Ballroom Promenade where you receive your credential, welcome items and other pertinent convention information. Don’t forget to check out our NFCA store located next to registration as well!
ID REQUIRED
You will be required to show a picture ID upon picking up your convention credentials. If you are picking up for your entire staff at least one ID will be required.
Registration and store hours are as follows (store will close one hour prior to registration)
Tuesday, Dec. 4 | Noon-4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 5 | 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 6 | 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 7 | 7:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 8 | 8:00 a.m.-Noon
* 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
Credential lanyard color key (Must be worn at all times, including social events):
Dark Gray – NCAA Division I Members
Red - NCAA Division II Members
Teal – NCAA Division III Members
Light Blue – NAIA Members
Orange – Two-Year Members
Red – High School Members
Navy Blue – Travel Ball Members
Maroon – Affiliate Members
Yellow – Exhibitors
Fluorescent Green – Media
GET SOCIAL
Get social during the convention and have a chance to win fun prizes during our social media (Twitter only) contest. Here’s a head start so you can put a game plan into action to win! You must use #NFCAPLAYBALL to be eligible.
Day 1 (Tuesday)
Guess the silhouetted coaches in the Convention graphic.
Day 2 (Wednesday)
Take a photo with your coaching tree.
Day 3 (Thursday)
Find a Hall of Famer and take a photo. Bonus: Include their best (brief) advice for a new coach in your post.
Day 4 (Friday)
Take a selfie with your favorite FOUR exhibitors (different companies) in the Exhibit Hall and post a collage of those photos.
Day 5 (Saturday)
Find a grassroots coach (youth, high school or travel ball) from your home state and take a selfie.
Daily winners for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will be announced on Twitter and can show the NFCA’s announcement of the winner to choose one free item from the NFCA store located near registration.
Additionally, the tweet (photo and/or message) that best sums up the Convention will be chose as the grand prize winner, earning free registration