The trade show at the 2007 NCAA Convention in Orlando, Florida, promises to continue making the connections it started with at its inaugural appearance in 2006. The event will be January 5-7 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center.

Initiated at the 2006 Convention in Indianapolis, the trade show was a big hit with exhibitors, who were able to make valuable connections with decision-makers in intercollegiate athletics, and delegates, who had the opportunity to complete business with vendors while also attending to the business of the Association.

The inaugural show had 60 exhibitors, and organizers hope to attract 80 to the Orlando show. They already are on the right track: Early last month, nearly 60 were slated to fill booth space in Florida. With registration among delegates also tracking in greater numbers than at the same time last year, the show promises to be a success for participants on both sides of the booths.

The show is generally attended by a wide range of exhibitors, including architectural firms, bleacher and chair-back manufacturers, turf companies, awards-makers, apparel companies, athletics-equipment suppliers and NCAA corporate champions, partners and official licensees. Some offer limited-time deals that are available only at the Convention.

The NCAA Convention is an attractive market for exhibitors because of the level of decision-makers that attend. Company representatives can interact with large numbers of athletics directors and presidents. In 2006, 754 athletics directors, 82 conference commissioners and 183 presidents or chancellors attended the Convention.

Host Communications Inc., a Lexington, Kentucky-based firm, acts as sales, marketing and on-site manager for the trade show. That relationship is contracted through the 2008 Convention in Nashville.

Organizers gathered a range of feedback from last year’s show and integrated it into plans for the 2007 version, including adding a reception that will allow the membership additional "face time" with exhibitors during which to conduct business in a relaxed atmosphere. The hospitality event will be Saturday, January 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., depending on the completion of the Convention’s opening business session.

John Johnson, NCAA director of promotions and events, said delegates and exhibitors alike were enthusitic about the trade show.

"We received positive feedback from attendees about the benefit they received from the NCAA offering a trade show during the Convention," Johnson said. "We are working with Host to offer more to our attendees and exhibitors in hopes that it will be an even better experience this year."

Exhibitors such as Jim Knazek, sales manager with artificial turf company FieldTurf Tarkett, participated in the 2006 trade show in Indianapolis. Knazek said he believes the event is a great opportunity for his company.

"The NCAA trade show provided our company with great exposure and an opportunity to meet some of the top collegiate decision-makers," Knazek said. "Exhibiting at this show is a great fit for us."

Convention organizers have considered the idea of a trade show for several years. Convention attendees and companies interested in exhibiting at such an event said it was an appealing concept. All the pieces of the puzzle fit together for the 2006 Convention, and the inaugural event was executed during the Centennial celebration in Indianapolis.

Johnson said the trade show is an integral part of the overall plan to make Convention a more meaningful experience for the membership.

"It’s an opportunity for delegates to gather ideas and be informed about the marketplace," Johnson said. "It gives the Convention added value."

Officials hope to grow the event to become the premier trade show in college sports. Mike King, NCAA director of operations, said he’s hoping for 80 exhibitors in 2007. But he said the NCAA doesn’t shy from turning away vendors whose products or services are not appropriate for the audience.

"Our goal is not sheer numbers," King said. "It’s to help provide a quality experience."

Advance registration is required to guarantee space, and space is assigned according to a placement system that gives first consideration to NCAA corporate champions, partners and licensees. The registration fee is $2,500 and includes booth space and accoutrements. Hotel accommodations are an additional cost.