Kansas City: CAMEX

February 22-26, 2013. CAMEX is the Campus Market Expo, and it positions itself as the premier educational event for college store professionals. Approximately 1,500 store pros meet to take part in more than 120 educational sessions, keynotes, learning tours, and workshops led by both professional speakers and education industry experts.  People were here to learn.  Educational opportunities included everything from Deep Dives (2-hour sessions designed to provide an in-depth exploration of critical topics impacting the industry) to Flash Sessions (20-minute presentations allowing just enough time to hear  a great idea and ask a few questions).  For those whose curiosity was still not sated, there were learning tours of mainstream retailers, campus stores and local apparel vendors. Then there was the Book Tour Luncheon, and for new arrivals in the industry, the First Timers’ Program.  It’s never too late to start….

Kansas City: NSCAA

Jan. 11-15, 2012. The NSCAA is the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.  From coaches to administrators, parents to players, the NSCAA hosts events for all members of the soccer community. The NSCAA offers a comprehensive curriculum inclusive of all coaches at all levels of the game, whether it’s learning the basics of coaching goalkeepers or a high-level discussion of systems of play.  The mission is “to help soccer coaches grow and develop in a positive and professional manner”.  The National Soccer Coaches Association of America recognized four coaches who contributed to the growth of the sport through their efforts in the collegiate, high school, youth and coaching education realms, the awards being presented at the annual NSCAA Awards Banquet.  So when’s kick-off?

Kansas City: Western Nursery and Landscape

Jan. 8-9, 2012. The Western Nursery & Landscape show now goes by the more informal name of National Green Center.  The National Green Centre claims to be integrating the green industry, consisting of Breeders, Growers, Independent garden centers, Landscape contractors, Landscape designers, Landscape architects, Research professionals, Editors & garden writers, and anyone connected with public gardens.  Attendees also included retailers, maintenance specialists, irrigation experts, turf mavens, golf-course builders and maintainers. A highlight was the Sweet Melissa Fashion Show, showing off the hottest new plants in horticulture  50 new plants “rocking the runway with models, music, lights and cameras”.  So remember, if you’re going… be sure to wear some flowers in your hair…