Veteran, Author, Small Business Owner, Leadership Coach and Speaker 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 | 6:00 PM

Pre-Convention Party

Join us for our first-ever pre-convention party featuring cheers, beers, and a taste of what's to come! Whether you're looking to forge new connections or strengthen existing ones, this casual event in Bristol is the ideal opportunity to blend business with friendship in a relaxed setting.

*Admission is included in the full registration cost, BUT space is limited, so register NOW to secure your spot.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 | 5:00 PM

Welcome Reception at Bristol Motor Speedway

Hop on a special bus to the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway – the loudest, and most exciting track in NASCAR with the fastest half mile in the racing world! The NIFDA Convention & Expo will kick off with cocktail hour on a wonderful outside patio to enjoy the beautiful East Tennessee weather, followed by a Backyard BBQ buffet dinner in the Bruton Suite.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14 | 7:30 AM

Hosted Breakfast at Vivian’s Table

Vivian’s Table, located inside The Bristol Hotel, features unique dishes ranging from homemade recipes passed down generations to newly crafted creations that celebrate Bristol’s southern roots while using elevated flavors and local ingredients.

NIFDA is taking care of breakfast, so join us!

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14 | 9:00 AM

Opening Ceremony & Introductions

A beautiful opening ceremony complete with Color Guard, introductions from all members in attendance, and a quick presentation from the NIFDA Board of Directors. Bring your coffee (or tea, or water!) and kick off convention putting names to faces!

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14 | 10:15 AM

It's Personal, Not Personnel: How to Invest in People with Rob Campbell

Renowned Veteran, Bestselling Author, Small Business Owner, and Leadership Expert

In this presentation, Rob will share his insights on contemporary leadership principles that prioritize people. As a retired Army Colonel, Paratrooper, and Ranger, he has experienced the crucible of leadership – combat. A veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, and now a small private business owner, Rob has a keen understanding of how to inspire people in the contemporary work environment

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14 | 11:30 AM

Lunch Buffet at LUMAC Rooftop Bar

LUMAC, the only rooftop bar in Bristol, is exclusively reserved for NIFDA’s lunch hour. You’ll get to enjoy 360-degree views of the scenic Appalachian Mountains and city center in what Arch Digests has called the “most beautifully designed bar” in Virginia.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14 | 12:30 PM

The Power of Brain Friendly Leadership

Speaker: Shelby, Owner at Ideation Coaching & Consulting

Empowered brains rock! The better we understand how our brains work, the more successful we can be at designing brain-friendly leadership approaches and workplace environments that help perform at our best. This dynamic and engaging presentation will teach you how to maximize the power of brain-friendly leadership to accomplish your most important goals. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of yourself, a deeper understanding of others, and some practical, scientifically-proven tools that you can employ to – yes, be a better leader – but also to be a better version of yourself.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14 | 1:45 PM

FMAA/NAVA/Sourcing

Panel Discussion

Planning in progress; more details coming soon…!

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14 | 3:00 PM

Business Valuation with David L Smith

Former Business Owner, Currently a Business Broker and Member of the Multi-Million Dollar Club at Murphy Business Sales

Get ready to delve into the intricacies of business valuation and exit planning with David, returning after a successful roundtable session last year. He will unveil the secrets to accurately assessing the value of your business or one you're eyeing for acquisition, while also offering invaluable insights on exit planning strategies. Discover expert tips and tricks for maximizing your company's worth in this engaging and informative session.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14 | 5:30 - 9:30 PM

Expo & Dinner at Foundation Event Facility

Join us for an evening of impactful connections at the Annual Expo! Set in the iconic 110+ year-old building in downtown Bristol with original brick walls and stunning 16-foot windows offering panoramic views of State Street, this event promises an ambiance like no other. Come network with flag industry leaders, manufacturers, and suppliers, explore exhibitor tables showcasing cutting-edge products and programs, and find special attendee pricing. Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and elevate your business in the heart of Bristol's historic charm! Walking distance from The Bristol Hotel.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15 | 8:00 AM

Breakfast & Annual Business Meeting

Join us for a time-honored tradition as the Board of Directors hosts the Annual Business Meeting onstage while attendees indulge in a delicious meal. While we like to joke about it being the most entertaining event, it's crucial for voting members (ALL Dealers and Manufacturers) to stay informed about the inner workings of NIFDA. Breakfast will be served promptly at 8:00am, followed by the Annual NIFDA Business Meeting in the King room at The Bristol Hotel.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15 | 9:00 AM

Concord American Flagpole Tour

Our exclusive manufacturing tour will take you through three cutting-edge facilities in Abingdon and Bristol, Virginia, including Concord American Flagpole, Hapco, and Tri-City Extrusion.

Witness firsthand how Concord American Flagpole maintains control over the entire manufacturing process, from inception to completion. Learn about state-of-the-art aluminum manufacturing technologies, Concord's rigorous quality assurance system, and the advantages of an integrated supply chain. From observing the transformation of raw aluminum material into flagpoles at Tri-City Extrusion's expansive warehouse to witnessing Hapco's precision spinning techniques to create the final shape, thickness, and diameter, to the final customization steps at Concord American Flagpole, where each flagpole is meticulously crafted to meet order specifications, including powder coating, cutting, and welding, attendees will gain invaluable insights into the intricate process behind flagpole production.

We will first meet in the King Room at The Bristol Hotel for a briefing from Concord American Flagpole, and then load up on buses to begin our trek to Abingdon.

Lunch will graciously be provided by Concord.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15 | 3:00 PM

Free Time

Following the manufacturing tour, we've set aside some "free time" for attendees to either explore the enchanting town of Bristol at their leisure, or for Manufacturers and Dealers to convene for private, one-on-one discussions. Alternatively, you could take advantage of this window to recharge and gear up for the grand finale of our trip – the Annual Awards Dinner.

Check out our list of Things To Do In Bristol here.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15 | 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Annual Awards Banquet

Join us for the Annual Awards Banquet at the historic Bristol Train Station's Kegley Hall, within walking distance from The Bristol Hotel. Built in 1902 and meticulously restored, Kegley Hall boasts cathedral ceilings, Gothic-style architecture, original flooring, and enchanting chandeliers, creating an unforgettable backdrop for the evening's festivities. Be there as we announce the Betsy Ross Award Winner and participate in the early bird raffle drawing. Enjoy an evening of elegance and entertainment, starting with a cocktail reception accompanied by live piano music, followed by a delightful dinner to conclude the convention in style. Plus, don't miss the exciting announcement of the 2025 convention!