Following each PWDA annual meeting, convention management polls attendees for suggestions on how to make the meeting more productive and enjoyable for all who attend. Generally, the PWDA Convention for the first three years has “graded out” exceptionally well. Yet, rather than allow the meeting format ultimately to become predictable and stale, the volunteer leaders and professional staff have opted to make some schedule and format changes for the May 18-21 convention in Scottsdale, AZ at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa.

Dinner and Entertainment to Conclude the Scottsdale Convention

The big news is the return of dinner and dancing to wrap up the annual meeting Saturday evening, just like WSA hosted back in the day with great success! As such, the convention this year will have a definite beginning (a top-drawer cocktail reception) and an end (dinner and entertainment). More educational opportunities will be offered as well: An early-bird workshop Thursday afternoon titled “Customer Service-At What Cost?” And then on Friday morning a quick-paced presentation focusing on “Four Key Areas of Distribution Management Worthy of a Fresh Look,” featuring Texas A&M's Mitch Harper. Incidentally, the Friday-morning program has been streamlined to conclude no later than 11:00 am giving everyone more time for recreation and personal activities in the afternoon.

Old Favorite Events Held Over

Kierland Resort and Spa
The Friday-evening Ice Cream Social complete with cordials and liqueurs and the Spouse Bingo directed by Marcie Leoff on Friday morning, are popular events scheduled again this year. Overall, both buyers and sellers will be afforded more group time to mingle and take care of business in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, a Premier Convention Host Hotel

No less than five championship golf courses are within 15 minutes of Scottsdale's Kierland Resort and Spa, and the on-site Kierland Course is one of the most enjoyable courses played anywhere. Shopping at Kierland Commons for spouses is literally a stone's throw from the resort. The Kierland Resort is configured very similarly to the Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian Wells, CA to provide central and easily accessible gathering spots within the confines of the hotel.

Sponsors Make the Difference in PWDA Events and Program Development

The quality of PWDA programming throughout the year, inclusive of the Annual Convention, is greatly facilitated through vendor and distributor sponsorship involvement. In 2005, nearly 60 vendor and 25 distributor firms enlisted as PWDA sponsors. This level of support has proven essential to the association's fiscal stability in recent years. To have this year's convention registration materials sent to you, kindly contact the PWDA Northern Office at 800-752-8833.