The 98th annual NCAA Convention may not represent a landmark anniversary -- we are two years away from that -- but the upcoming meetings in Nashville do represent a significant milestone both for the evolution of the Convention itself and for the progress of the Association's academic-reform efforts.

Every Convention is important. But the last several -- since restructuring, really -- have been different. Though attendance should not be the critical factor in determining the Convention's success, the numbers have been down recently, particularly for the Division I membership. The Convention is primarily a business meeting, and all three divisions conduct their business very well each January, but if nothing else, the declining attendance has detracted from the sense of community that the pre-restructuring Convention enjoyed.

This year's Convention has a new and improved look and feel in an effort to recapture that notion of NCAA community. There are basic enhancements to help with logistics, such as a complimentary shuttle service, a "cyber cafe" where members can check e-mail, and assistance from volunteer staff at the Nashville Sports Commission and Vanderbilt University, the latter of which is serving as "host" of the Convention. This year's Convention also introduces a student job fair that will give institutions an opportunity to interview student-athletes for open positions.

But beyond those enhancements that help Association members conduct their business, there are significant programmatic changes to this year's Convention designed to better educate and involve members in NCAA issues. On Sunday, January 11, an agenda designed specifically for college presidents precedes the opening business session. Topics include an overview of the NCAA strategic-planning process, a review of on-campus crisis management, and a panel discussion about presidents' roles in the integration of intercollegiate athletics and higher education. In addition, each division will conduct an issues forum, and an extensive menu of Association-wide educational sessions will be offered in which members can participate.

The business of the 2004 Convention also makes this year's event important -- perhaps even historic. Activity of great and lasting importance is occurring in all three of the divisions, and CEOs are exerting more leadership than ever before.

I am especially heartened by presidential activity in Division III, where the Presidents Council's reform agenda clearly is engaging CEOs in thoughtful interaction and discussion with athletics administrators -- as well as with key personnel in such areas as admissions and financial aid -- at the campus level.

Division III CEOs are providing impressive leadership in athletics matters not only on their own campuses but also within their conferences -- and judging from the registration figures we have compiled in the national office, they now are preparing to provide unprecedented leadership at the Convention. As of mid-December, presidents of one-fourth of the 420 Division III institutions have indicated they plan to participate in the crucial discussions and voting that will determine the outcome of the Presidents Council's nine "Future of Division III" legislative proposals. More than twice as many Division III CEOs will be at the Convention in Nashville than have attended any previous NCAA gathering.

There undoubtedly are many others who, though they may personally be unable to attend the Convention, are leading discussions with campus personnel and interacting with colleagues on other campuses to determine institutional and conference positions on reform issues.

The increased presidential presence in Nashville is encouraging because -- whatever the outcome may be once the voting is finished -- we will hear the voice and observe the influence of campus CEOs to a degree never previously experienced in Division III. Such activity promises much for the future.

Similarly in Division I, presidents are exerting their authority in reform efforts. The Board of Directors has driven a package anchored by an incentives/disincentives structure that will receive plenty of attention at the Convention as it progresses toward a final vote from the Board in April.

The Convention also has re-emerged as an important part in the Division I legislative process, as the Management Council and Board will give initial consideration to more than 100 legislative proposals, including the incentives/disincentives package.

It is appropriate that we find ourselves once again guests in the city where NCAA members have made some of the most important decisions of the past quarter-century, including the 1997 vote to restructure the Association. As with previous Nashville Conventions, this one promises to be memorable, and we await January 9-12 with great anticipation.

Myles Brand is president of the NCAA.