Convention 2005

Evening Events

Monday, March 21

First Timer and VIP Reception

5:45-6:30 p.m. NIA would like to welcome all first-time attendees to the 2005 convention. This invitation-only event provides an opportunity to introduce first-time attendees to the leadership of NIA, along with providing information about the week's convention program. The NIA Board of Directors, Executive Committee, past presidents, committee chairmen and NIA staff will be on hand to greet all newcomers. This hosted cocktail reception is casual and immediately precedes the Welcome Reception.

Welcome Reception-Celebrating the '50s in Style

6:30-8:00 p.m. Come dressed in your favorite poodle skirt or as the Fonz as we celebrate the decade our organization began holding meetings. Relax poolside after your journey and reunite with friends new and old, a networking opportunity at its finest. Tap your toes to the tunes of the '50s while dining on such fare as mixed greens with kaiware radish sprouts, a cascade of grilled, roasted and raw vegetables with a variety of dips, pan-seared pot stickers with sweet and sour dipping sauce and roasted char siu pork loin with steamed bao. To compliment dinner, enjoy a refreshing beverage of your choice from a selection of drinks at the hosted bar.

Manufacturers Dessert Hospitality Suites

7:30 p.m. Following the Welcome Reception, attendees are welcome to join several associate members to an evening of sweet delights. Back by popular demand, the hospitality suites are a chance for you to join host manufacturers in sampling heavenly desserts and sinful sweets sure to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth. Attendees are encouraged to take time to visit each dessert station, indulge and mingle with colleagues and friends.

Tuesday, March 22

Red Carpet Reception

4:30-6:00 p.m. Are you in the mood to paint the town red? Join us for an appetizer to a night of fun on the Las Vegas Strip. Meet up with fellow attendees for a chance to socialize, sip on cocktails, and nibble on hors d'oeuvres. Immediately following, buses will depart for the strip to transport you to one of two pre-selected, famed Las Vegas shows. (Separate registration required.)

A Night on the Town

Take advantage of a special registration opportunity! Immediately following the Red Carpet Reception, NIA will transport attendees by bus to one of two pre-selected, famed Las Vegas shows on the strip. (Separate registration required.)

KA and Mamma Mia are classic, over-the-top performances available to visitors of Las Vegas. However, NIA brings you a rare opportunity to enjoy one without worry of getting a good seat. Be one of the first to experience KA, or join the historically sold-out Mamma Mia. NIA reserved tickets are limited. Secure your seats before February 17.

• KA is the latest mystical creation of Cirque du Soleil, with its preview performance opening at the MGM Grand in November 2004. KA combines acrobatics, martial arts, puppetry, multimedia and pyrotechnics to illustrate the nature of duality, telling the epic saga of separated twins. More than 70 artists compose the international cast, with Asian-influenced costumes. This show is being launched as one of Cirque's "most theatrical shows ever." It can truly be said that you will never experience anything like it, unless, of course, you have enjoyed other Cirque du Soleil performances.

• Mamma Mia is considered the most successful show in the world. Fall in love with the characters of ABBA songs as their lives unfold on stage. It is a tale of love, laughter and friendship of a daughter and her unique family as she prepares for her wedding. The hilarious and enchanting story is set on a tiny Greek island.

Looking for a unique way to entertain your customers at the 2005 NIA Convention? Why not consider booking a block of tickets and inviting your special customers. We'll make it easy for you. Download complete details and order form ^PDF which can be faxed to (703) 549-4838.

A limited number of tickets is available for the two Las Vegas shows. Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis. It is recommended that orders are placed prior to February 17, 2005.

Thursday, March 24

President's Gala

Wrapping up a week of education, networking and activities, the President's Gala is a chance to mingle, eat and dance one last time with fellow NIA convention attendees. This optional black-tie event will be sure to leave you looking forward to next year's convention.

The evening begins with a hosted cocktail reception, a chance to toast to 50 years of associating. Next, enjoy an exquisite dinner of marinated beef tenderloin paired with Chilean sea bass, Dauphinoise potatoes, seasonal vegetables and decadent dessert of vanilla bean crème brulee.

While your taste buds are being tickled, enjoy a special presentation honoring outgoing president Dave Andrew and a memorable performance by the famous Las Vegas Rat Pack. That's right, Frank, Dean and Sammy look-a-likes will sing some of their legendary tunes and then mingle with attendees. Their program will be followed by the toe-tapping tunes of an outstanding six-piece band. A dance floor is available-so plan to grab a partner and boogie.