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Expand your network. Enhance your business.

Networking that builds authentic connections? Exclusive opportunities to do business with leaders around the belting industry? Unforgettable moments shared with friends from around the world?

You'll find it all at NIBA 2023.

It's belting's best conference - where you'll discover essential contacts, the latest tools to make your business thrive, an inspiring keynote, and so much more.

Niba Connect 1

Agenda

5:00 – 6:00 pm: Executive Committee Meeting (Invitation only)

6:00 – 7:00 pm: Executive Committee & Committee Chairs Meeting (Invitation only)

12:00 – 3:00 pm: Optional Activity – Origins of the Opry

Guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium and the Opry including transportation. “Live from Nashville Tennessee, it’s the Grand Ole Opry.” For nearly 100 years, those words have opened. The Opry has launched some of the biggest careers in the genre and has played host to many unforgettable moments.

On this tour you will explore the most famous homes of the show. At the Ryman Auditorium you will discover the fascinating history behind the Opry’s first permanent home. This iconic building was constructed in 1892 and became home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 through 1974. Next you will travel to the Grand Ole Opry House, a purpose-built facility which has been the Opry’s home for almost 50 years.

At both locations you’ll get captivating behind-the-scenes stories of the longest running show in history and access to backstage locations frequented by your favorite Opry performers. For fans of country music, this is the ultimate experience. Additional fee applies.

12:30 – 3:30 pm: Optional Activity – Distilled: The Story of Tennessee Whiskey (WAITLIST)

Tennessee whiskey is revered around the globe, and the area surrounding Nashville has a rich history with this celebrated spirit.

Your journey begins at Nelson’s Green Briar Distillery. Prior to prohibition, Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey was the largest-selling brand of Tennessee whiskey in the world, producing more than 2 million bottles a year to keep up with demand.

Enjoy a tasting paired with small bite pairings, followed by a tour of the distillery. While exploring this expansive facility, you will learn how this legendary spirit was lost for over 100 years before being resurrected by its founder’s great-great-grandsons. Additional fee applies.

1:00 – 4:00 pm: Flexco Welcome Reception (Invitation only)

4:00 – 6:00 pm: Committee Meetings (Invitation only)

7:00 – 9:00 pm: President's Reception (Invitation only)

7:30 – 8:30 am: Breakfast – Open to all NIBA 2023 registrants

8:30 – 10:00 am: Annual Business Meeting

All NIBA members are welcome and encouraged to attend the NIBA Annual Business Meeting to catch up on the latest association news and strategic direction of the organization. New and outgoing volunteer leaders, as well as honorary members and scholarship winners, will be recognized.

10:00 – 10:15 am: Coffee Break – Open to all NIBA 2023 registrants

10:15 – 11:45 am: Keynote: Blind Ambition with Chad E. Foster

Can you imagine going blind as a teenager? When most people were preparing for the adventure of adult life, Chad E. Foster was watching the world he grew up in fade to black. But that didn’t stop him from becoming the first blind person to graduate from the Harvard Business School leadership program and climbing the corporate ladder as a successful Finance/Sales executive. Throughout his career, his financial strategies and decisions have resulted in the creation of countless jobs, billions of dollars in revenue, industry-leading growth, and best-in-class margins. He works at Red Hat, one of the most innovative Tech companies and the world’s largest open-source software company (recently purchased by IBM for $34 billion). With determination, ambition, and drive, he created what Oracle said would be impossible. He gave millions of people the ability to earn a living by becoming the first to create customer relationship software for the visually impaired. With speaking invites from London to Beijing, and the Atlanta Opera commissioning an opera inspired by his life story, Chad inspires people to overcome their own blind spots.

11:45 am – 12:45 pm: Lunch - Open to all NIBA 2023 registrants

12:30 – 1:00 pm: Service Project to benefit Nashville Community Resource Center (CRC) and There with Care (TWC). Assemble hygiene kits and activity bags.

Poor hygiene is a big factor in children not attending school. The CRC supports students and their families who are experiencing homelessness by erasing barriers to basic hygiene needs with hygiene kits. TWC provides fundamental services to families and children during the critical phase of a medical crisis. The activity bags are delivered to families who are spending long days in the hospital or at treatments.

How can NIBA help? NIBA attendees can donate funds in $30 increments to purchase materials to assemble both hygiene and activity kits that will be provided to children and their families. Each hygiene kit will include full-sized items such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, multi-pack of toothbrushes, deodorant, etc. The activity bags will include toys, art supplies, books, etc., for both patients and siblings. Attendees can donate through the online registration process and sign up to help assemble the kits onsite in Nashville.

3:30 – 5:30 pm: Women of NIBA Reception 

Join the female-only community of women leaders from around the belting industry. This event takes place offsite at Culture & Co, a woman-owned charcuterie and wine/beer pairing conveyor belt experience. Included with all registration types, but please select for headcount. Transportation included. Buses depart the Omni at 3:30pm and return to the Omni at 5:30pm.

5:30 – 7:00 pm: New Member/First Timer Meet-Up

New NIBA members since the time of last year’s Convention and those attending this event for the first time are welcome to join NIBA’s Program Committee, Membership Committee, and Board of Directors at a private reception before the Opening Dinner Event to learn more about the organization, how to become more involved, and to meet their mentors. If you’re a new member or first-time attendee be sure to RSVP in the online registration process. Included with all registration types.

7:00 – 9:00 pm: Opening Dinner Event

Kick off the 2023 NIBA Annual Convention with a toast to a successful Convention ahead. Included with all registration types. Dress code: Nashville Country Chic

8:00 – 9:00 am: Breakfast - Open to all NIBA 2023 registrants

9:00 am – 1:00 pm: NIBA Expo

The Convention Expo is consistently rated as one of the most valuable reasons to attend the NIBA Annual Convention. In just four hours, you can connect with Manufacturer and Affiliate companies for short business meetings to inform, make decisions, and renew business relationships. No appointments are necessary.

10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Spouse/Guest Optional Activity – Line Dancing Social

Looking to learn something new in a fun and interactive way? This dance instruction activity is just the ticket. Whether you are looking to swing, two-step, or line dance the night away we have just the way to get you ready. Refreshments will be provided. Additional fee applies.

2:00 – 3:00 pm: Optional Activity – Hatch Show Print Tour + Keepsake Creation

This tour features a hands-on experience at the production facility of one of Nashville's most iconic brands. Hatch Show Print is Nashville’s iconic letterpress shop. During your tour you will view a century-and-a-half’s worth of brilliantly colored posters printed for your favorite entertainers. Then it’s off to the production room where you’ll handle the tools of the trade to create your own keepsake print. Additional fee applies.

3:00 – 5:00 pm: Next Gen Networking Trivia Event

If you are under 40, you are invited for an afternoon full of trivia fun and additional networking opportunities! Included with all registration types.

5:30 – 7:00 pm: Manufacturer's Hospitality Suite Hub Happy Hour

The Hub is a dedicated social event for distributor/fabricators to meet with manufacturers. Drinks and light appetizers will be available. Open to all attendees. Manufacturers can contact Amanda Stimart at astimart@niba.org to reserve your Hub Suite. Spaces are limited!

7:00 – 11:00 pm: Private Manufacturer Hospitality Suites*

In keeping with tradition, this is an exclusive opportunity for Manufacturer members to concurrently host networking receptions. Please note that access to some hospitality suites is by invitation only. Manufacturers can contact Amanda Stimart at astimart@niba.org to reserve your Hospitality Suite.

*Suite times may vary

7:00 – 8:00 am: Optional Activity – Nashville Running/Walking Tour

Explore Nashville like a local with your running shoes! Join us as we run and walk through downtown, allowing you to see the cultural, historical, and architectural highlights of the city up close. Attendees will be split up into 3 groups: dedicated runners, casual runners, and walkers. Each group will have their own tour guide. 

During your ~3-mile adventure, you will have the chance to learn about Music City and take some snapshots as you discover popular squares, famous buildings, and our favorite neighborhoods, including hidden gems not reachable by bus or bicycle. Additional fee applies.

6:30 am – 2:00 pm: Golf Outing to benefit the NIBA Scholarship Fund

The NIBA Golf Outing will take place at the Hermitage Golf Course Generals Retreat Course. Transportation is provided and will depart the Omni at 6:30am sharp. Breakfast will be available at 7am and golf will begin with an 8am shotgun start. The format has been expanded to attract all types of skill levels, as well as differentiate between recreational golfers and those who take the skill a bit more seriously. The NIBA tournament will offer two format options: regular scramble (Captain’s Choice) format or Stroke Play. The additional $275 fee includes transportation, golf tournament, breakfast, and two beverage cart vouchers. Golf club rental is $100. Optional onsite purchases to benefit the Scholarship Fund: Mulligans and One Throw

11:00 am – 12:50 pm: Optional Activity – Soul of Music City Private Trolley Tour (WAITLIST)
A tour that hits all the high notes! Experience the true heart of Nashville in the city that lives & breathes music.

Filled with live music, history, and fun with close-up views of some of the most legendary spots in town including the Ryman Auditorium, Municipal Auditorium, Musicians Hall of Fame, Music Row, Rhythm & Blues heritage of Historic Jefferson Street and the Elliston Place "Rock Block", you'll hear insider stories and intriguing facts about the people, places and events responsible for the city's iconic reputation. Additional fee applies.

2:30 – 4:30 pm: Closing Event - Cornhole Tournament

You're invited to gather to celebrate a memorable convention and bid farewell to your convention peers. But first, a cornhole tournament! Drinks and light bites will be provided. Included with all registration types, but please RSVP for guest count. Sign up for the cornhole tournament at the onsite registration desk.

5:00 – 7:00 pm: Board Meeting (Invite only)

NIBA 2023 Mobile App

Make the most of your conference experience with the NIBA 2023 App.

With this power-packed tool in your pocket, you'll stay seamlessly connected and engaged throughout the entire convention. Here's what the app has to offer:

  • Create a Mobile Business Card: Login with password niba2023 and update your profile to ensure those you meet will have all the information needed to keep in contact.
  • Check out the Exhibitors and Attendees: Easily set up 1-on-1 personalized meetings with fellow attendees, exhibitors, and industry leaders all through the app.
  • Opt-in to the Chat function: Make sure you don’t miss a meeting or a new contact. The app has a built in messaging system so people can get in touch with you during the meeting even if they don’t have your cell phone number.

 

USERNAME: email address you registered with

PASSWORD: niba2023

What attendees are saying

"I loved having time to see customers throughout the resort and week. There was a nice variety of events, activities, and spaces to network."

"This was my first time attending NIBA. So with little to no expectations going into it, I had a great time. One of the things that stood out to me the most was the engineering of the schedule. There are enough planned events on the itinerary to maintain a scheduled routine flow but also ease of flexibility to allow for ample networking opportunities."

"I have attended over 30 conventions and this one rates in the top 5. I loved the schedule and the food was outstanding."

"Best all-around convention I have had in a long time."

"What an amazing experience. Very organized and fun!"

"All of the attendees were very professional. I had a great time getting to know other distributors that I had not dealt with before. I also enjoyed the time that I got to spend with some of my competitors."

NIBA 2023 Pricing

Distributor / Fabricator Member

Early Registration (before June 30): $750

Regular Registration (on or before Aug. 11): $850

Late Registration (Aug. 12 or later): $950

Manufacturer Member

Early Registration (before June 30): $850

Regular Registration (on or before Aug. 11): $950

Late Registration (Aug. 12 and later): $1,050

Affiliate Member

Early Registration (before June 30): $850

Regular Registration (on or before Aug. 11): $950

Late Registration (Aug. 12 or later): $1,050

Spouse Participant

Early Registration (before June 30): $500

Regular Registration (on or before Aug. 11): $550

Late Registration (Aug. 12 or later): $600

Expo Booth

$1,000*

Booths are assigned by the Program Committee on a first-come, first-served basis according to payment date with priority given to NIBA 2023 sponsors.

*in addition to registration fee

NIBA Expo

90% of attendees say the Expo is the top reason to attend NIBA's Annual Conventions.

Want to know why?

It's where business happens. Explore the latest products, meet business leaders, and create connections that move business forward.

 

Booth Assignments are now available - UPDATED Aug 27.  Find Freeman exhibitor information here including shipping, and placing orders, etc.

Get to Know Nashville

Nashville is a city of storytellers and dreamers, where all are welcome with an authentic, friendly, creative spirit. Come discover all the city has to offer and write your own Music City Story. Plan your trip today.

Omni_Nashville_Hotel-Nashville-Aussenansicht-9-690654

Omni Nashville Hotel

This luxury hotel is a modern expression of the city’s distinct character, incorporating natural materials, exposed steel and regional limestone. The multi-story hotel and connected Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum are a dynamic destination in downtown Nashville. Be sure to secure your room reservation before the room block cut-off date of Friday, August 11, 2023.

The NIBA room block at the Omni Nashville is now sold out on most nights. There may still be rooms available at the Omni at a higher nightly rate.

The discounted room block at the Omni Nashville is now closed.

Overflow Hotels

The discounted room block at the first set of overflow properties is now closed.

We have secured an additional room block a 10 minute walk away at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. It is a short 10 minute walk from the Omni.  The cut-off for this room block is Friday, August 18.

Common Questions