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 2024.
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.
Agenda
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Executive Committee Meeting (Invitation only)
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Executive Committee & Committee Chairs Meeting (Invitation only)
7:00 am - 2:00 pm: Golf Outing to benefit the NIBA Scholarship Fund
The NIBA Golf Outing will take place at The Club at Starr Pass, on the Rattler (Gambler) and Coyote (Pioneer) courses. 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 $250 fee includes transportation to the course, golf tournament breakfast, two beverage cart vouchers, and trail mix snack. Golf club rental is $85 and includes a souvenir pouch and 6 balls. Optional onsite purchases to benefit the Scholarship Fund: Mulligans and One Throw.
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Flexco Welcome Reception (Invitation only)
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm: International Attendee Reception
Get to know NIBA leadership and fellow members at our inaugural International Member Reception. Make global connections and learn about what to expect the rest of the week.
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Committee Meetings (Invitation only)
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm: President's Reception (Invitation only)
8:00 am - 12:00 pm: Jeep Tour (optional)
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Tucson Mountains. You will be picked up from the resort in open-air Jeeps and head off on an adventure through the Southwestern desert ecosystem with expansive vistas and views. As you navigate through the natural beauty of the mighty saguaro and the "jumping" cholla, your guides will tell you about geology, local history, and any Southwestern "critters" you might come across. Additional fee applies.
(Closed-toe shoes & waivers required, sunscreen recommended; bottled water provided; Guests with neck or back injuries and women who are pregnant are advised to consult with their doctor before taking a Jeep Tour.)
11:00 am - 3:00 pm: City of Gastronomy Food Tour (optional)
Experience the best food samples in Tucson - the first city in the United States to be recognized as a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy. Eat, drink, and explore Downtown Tucson and the cuisine, culture, and history. Visit a restaurant that used to be a taxicab hub, another that was a funeral parlor, and the longest continuously run family-owned Mexican restaurant in the United States. Your local guide will point out architectural highlights, cultural sites, and great local shops along the way. Alcoholic beverages not included. Transportation included. Additional fee applies.
(Please wear closed-toe shoes or comfortable walking shoes, this is a walking tour. Sunscreen and/or hat recommended.)
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm: Women of NIBA Reception
Join the female-only community of women leaders from around the belting industry. Included with all registration types, but please select for headcount.
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm: Spouse/Guest Reception
Mix and mingle with fellow spouses and develop new friendships in a welcoming setting.
5:30 pm - 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 pm - 9:00 pm: Opening Dinner Event
Kick off the 2024 NIBA Annual Convention with a toast to a successful Convention ahead. Included with all registration types.
9:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Young Professionals After Party
If you are 45 and under, you’re invited for a night full of fun and additional networking opportunities! Included with all registration types, but please select for headcount.
7:30 am - 8:30 am: Breakfast (open to all NIBA 2024 registrants)
8:30 am - 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 am - 10:15 am: Coffee Break (open to all NIBA 2024 registrants)
10:15 am - 11:45 am: Keynote — Vision, Culture, Climate, and the Leadership that Binds Them
Jimmy Blackmon
Jimmy Blackmon is among the most combat-experienced leaders of the modern era and has led high-risk missions all over the world. From achieving impressive results in the military and gaining experience as a consultant in businesses large and small, Jimmy understands how to navigate the complexities of the 21st Century. Experience the colorful, engaging storytelling ability that Jimmy is known for as he shares practical, pragmatic methods for casting an organizational vision, shaping culture, and setting a climate that is conducive to success. You’ll learn how leaders must employ a systematic approach to gain the trust and buy-in of their employees in order to reach their goals and fulfill their mission.
11:45 am - 12:45 pm: Lunch (open to all NIBA 2024 registrants)
12:30 pm - 2:30 pm: Service Project to benefit Casa de Los Niños (assemble beds for foster children)
Arizona, like many states, has a shortage of foster homes. Many children in foster care situations are placed in homes of families that are typically unprepared for an additional child. Oftentimes, children will sleep on the floor in sleeping bags or on couches, as the families do not have an additional bed prepared in advance. NIBA volunteers will build beds and dressers, and assemble bedding (including mattresses, sheets, blankets, and pillows) that will belong to the children they are donated to and help them to have a safe and familiar place to sleep and store their things for many years. By addressing the unique challenges faced by foster children, the NIBA community can contribute to creating a more stable and nurturing environment for these vulnerable youth.
NIBA attendees can donate funds in $50 increments or up to a full bed kit ($800 each) to cover the materials to assemble a bed, dresser, and related bedding that will be provided to a foster child. Attendees can donate through the online registration process and sign up to help assemble the beds and dresser on site in Tucson.
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm: Manufacturer's Hospitality Suite Hub Happy Hour
The Hub is a dedicated social event for additional networking. Drinks will be provided. Open to all attendees. Potential Hub hosts can contact Amanda Stimart at astimart@niba.org to reserve your Hub Suite. Spaces are limited!
7:00 pm - 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
6:30 am - 8:00 am: 5K Fun Run/Walk (optional)
Whether you’re a walker, casual runner, or serious speed demon, NIBA’s Fun Run/Walk is a great way to kick start your weekend! During this friendly race you will wind through the resort property. Additional fee applies. (signed waiver required, sunscreen suggested)
8:00 am - 9:00 am: Breakfast (open to all NIBA 2024 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, Distributor/Fabricator, and Affiliate companies for short business meetings to inform, make decisions, and renew business relationships. No appointments are necessary.
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Board Meeting (invitation only)
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm: Closing Event
You're invited to gather to celebrate a memorable convention and bid farewell to your convention peers. Drinks and light bites will be provided. Included with all registration types, but please RSVP for guest count.
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 2024 Pricing
Distributor / Fabricator Member
Early Registration (before June 30): $750
Regular Registration (on or before Aug. 09): $850
Late Registration (Aug. 10 or later): $950
Manufacturer Member
Early Registration (before June 30): $850
Regular Registration (on or before Aug. 09): $950
Late Registration (Aug. 10 and later): $1,050
Affiliate Member
Early Registration (before June 30): $850
Regular Registration (on or before Aug. 09): $950
Late Registration (Aug. 10 or later): $1,050
Spouse Participant
Early Registration (before June 30): $500
Regular Registration (on or before Aug. 09): $550
Late Registration (Aug. 10 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 2024 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, Floor Plan, and Exhibitor Kit will be shared in July.
Sponsor NIBA 2024
Position your company as a leader in the belting community. From mobile apps to meals, sponsoring NIBA 2024 gives your company irreplaceable recognition. Enhance your brand and meet your goals.
Presenting Level Benefits ($30,000) - SOLD
- Your company logo will be represented on all signage and branding of the convention as the Presenting sponsor. For example, “NIBA 2024 Annual Convention presented by (your company name here)".
- Up to six (6) Convention registrations.
- Opportunity for two (2) exhibit booths at the NIBA Expo with prime placement in the Exhibit Hall.
- Private Business Suite: A Hospitality meeting suite space with patio (no bedroom included) can be made available for your company on Tuesday (4pm+), Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (until 11am) for business meetings conducted without conflict to NIBA convention programming.
- Two (2) Golf Outing registrations (not including club rental).
- One (1) Golf Hole sponsorship.
- Digital asset: convention website banner ad placement on niba.org convention page.
- Promotion brochure in the Convention mobile app “Virtual Registration Bag” – a menu item of brochures and marketing pieces that would normally be printed and distributed in an attendee bag.
- LinkedIn sponsor post by NIBA
- Four (4) promotional ads in the Belt Line Brief newsletter email. Sponsor to provide digital asset.
Custom Opportunity
Diamond+ Benefits ($18,000)
- Up to four (4) Convention registrations.
- Opportunity for two (2) exhibit booths at the NIBA Expo with prime placement in the Exhibit Hall.
- Private Business Suite: A Hospitality meeting suite space with patio (no bedroom included) can be made available for your company on Tuesday (4pm+), Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (until 11am) for business meetings conducted without conflict to NIBA convention programming.
- Promotional brochure in the Convention mobile app “Virtual Registration Bag” – a menu item of brochures and marketing pieces that would normally be printed and distributed in an attendee bag.
- LinkedIn sponsor post by NIBA
- Four (3) promotional ads in the Belt Line Brief newsletter email. Sponsor to provide digital asset.
- $500 discount off the cost of your company participating in the Hospitality Suite Hub ($4,500 value).
Diamond+ Opportunities - Choose one to complete your sponsorship
Mobile App - SOLD
Attendees will access the Convention program, session details, and exhibit information via the mobile app on their smartphones, tablets, or the web. The sponsor’s logo will be featured on the app splash page, a rotating banner within the app, and their own dedicated icon on the homepage of the app. Production included.
Wi-Fi - SOLD
Internet access will be available to Convention attendees at the hotel. Opportunities for sponsor recognition include featuring the sponsor’s logo on the Wi-Fi landing page and the option to customize access login credentials, such as the password. Your company will be notably visible every time attendees reconnect to the lifeline of Wi-Fi . Production included.
Lanyards - SOLD
Lanyards will be distributed to each attendee at registration. The sponsor’s logo will be featured on the lanyard and is sure to generate great exposure as participants are required to wear them throughout the duration of the Convention. Production included.
Diamond Benefits ($15,000)
- Up to three (3) Convention registrations
- One (1) exhibit booth at the NIBA Expo with prime placement in the Exhibit Hall and 50% discount on the second booth.
- Private Business Suite: A Luxury meeting suite space (no bedroom included) can be made available for your company on Tuesday (4pm+), Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (until 11am) for business meetings conducted without conflict to NIBA convention programming.
- Promotional brochure in the Convention mobile app “Virtual Registration Bag” – a menu item of brochures and marketing pieces that would normally be printed and distributed in an attendee bag
- LinkedIn sponsor post by NIBA
- Four (3) promotional ads in the Belt Line Brief newsletter email. Sponsor to provide digital asset.
- $500 discount off the cost of your company participating in the Hospitality Suite Hub ($4,500 value)
Diamond Opportunities - Choose one to complete your sponsorship
Hotel Room and Key Sleeve
All guests at the convention hotel will receive a custom branded hotel key card as they check-in under the official NIBA hotel block. Sponsor this item and you’ll be “in the pocket” of every Convention attendee! Production included.
NIBA Survival Kit
NIBA members network hard. Every convention attendee will receive a handy desert survival kit. Everything from Liquid IV packets to mints and Band-Aids will be included to counter the effects of extreme desert networking. The convention branding and the sponsor’s logo will be featured. Production included.
Platinum Benefits ($12,000)
- Two (2) Convention registrations
- One (1) exhibit booth at the NIBA Expo with prime placement in the Exhibit Hall
- Private Business Suite: A Luxury meeting suite space (no bedroom included) can be made available for your company on Tuesday (4pm+), Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (until 11am) for business meetings conducted without conflict to NIBA convention programming.
- Promotional brochure in the Convention mobile app “Virtual Registration Bag” – a menu item of brochures and marketing pieces that would normally be printed and distributed in an attendee bag.
- LinkedIn sponsor post by NIBA
- Two (2) promotional ads in the Belt Line Brief newsletter email. Sponsor to provide digital asset.
Platinum Opportunities - Choose one to complete your sponsorship
Charging Stations - SOLD
Ensure visibility of your company with branded charging stations. Your company will be a part of creating a unique and electric networking space. Stations will be placed strategically within the main meeting space. Production Included.
Convention T-Shirt - SOLD
The perfect convention souvenir. Convention attendees will pick up a t-shirt with the 2024 Convention branding on the front and your company logo on the back!
Gold+ Benefits ($8,000)
- Two (2) Convention registrations
- One (1) exhibit booth at the NIBA Expo with prime placement in the Exhibit Hall
- Option to add sponsor promotional brochures in the Convention mobile app “Virtual Registration Bag” – a menu item of brochures and marketing pieces that would normally be printed and distributed in an attendee bag.
- LinkedIn sponsor post by NIBA
- One (1) promotional ad in the Belt Line Brief newsletter email. Sponsor to provide digital asset.
Gold+ Opportunities - Choose one to complete your sponsorship
Opening Dinner Event Welcome Cocktail
Be the cocktail everyone is talking about. Sponsor and name a cocktail of your choice to greet attendees as they enter. Your logo can even be displayed on the top of the drink! Signage noting the details of your cocktail and company logo wafer included.
Thursday Bloody Mary Bar
Sponsor the Bloody Mary Bar on Thursday, September 12 at the conclusion of the keynote talk. Attendees can enjoy an adult beverage while recounting everything they learned that morning with new friends. The sponsor will be recognized on bar signage.
Enhancement idea: custom glass, sunglasses, or crazy straw with company logo.
Closing Event Lawn Games
New this year! The Closing Event will include the "Your-company-name-here Lawn Games". This will be included on all signage and program information. The competition will be fierce but no matter who wins, you'll come out on top. Production included.
Gold Benefits ($6,000)
- Two (2) Convention registrations
- Option to add sponsor promotional brochures in the Convention mobile app “Virtual Registration Bag” – a menu item of brochures and marketing pieces that would normally be printed and distributed in an attendee bag.
- LinkedIn sponsor post by NIBA
- One (1) promotional ad in the Belt Line Brief newsletter email. Sponsor to provide digital asset.
Gold Opportunities - Choose one to complete your sponsorship
Notebook - SOLD
A sleek, convention-branded notebook will be distributed to all Convention participants. The sponsor's logo will also be featured. Production included.
Enhancement idea: Company-branded pens
Headshot Lounge
Ensure visibility of your company with a branded "Your Company Name Headshot Lounge" to take place during the NIBA Expo. Not all headshots are created equal. A professional photographer will take attendee LinkedIn-style business headshots. Production included.
Opening Dinner Event Photo Booth
Give your company lasting visibility by sponsoring the photo booth at the Opening Dinner. Convention attendees will pose for a photo and take your logo home on their printed souvenir! Production included.
Women of NIBA Reception Premiere Sponsor
The Women of NIBA is four years strong! Support this group's growth and goals by being their lead supporter. Production included.
Silver Benefits ($3,000)
- Option to add sponsor promotional brochures in the Convention mobile app “Virtual Registration Bag” – a menu item of brochures and marketing pieces that would normally be printed and distributed in an attendee bag.
- LinkedIn sponsor post by NIBA
Silver Opportunities - Choose one to complete your sponsorship
Networking Meet-Ups
Five unique networking events are available for targeted attendee groups. Sponsor one of the following at the Silver Level or two at the Gold Level.
Five opportunities available:
- International Attendee Reception – Tuesday, September 10
- Women of NIBA Event – Wednesday, September 11
- Spouse/Guest Reception – Wednesday, September 11
- New Member/First Timer – Wednesday, September 11 - SOLD
- Young Leaders After Party – Wednesday, September 11
Enhancement idea: Sponsor-branded cocktail napkins or pens
Daily Breakfast
Morning breakfasts provide attendees an opportunity to network with their peers. Sponsors will receive special signage for recognition during their respective meal.
Two opportunities available:
- Thursday, September 12
- Friday, September 13 - SOLD
Thursday Lunch - SOLD
Lunch following the Keynote Speaker provides attendees another opportunity to network before reconvening for afternoon & evening activities.
Bronze Opportunities ($1,500)
Choose one to complete your sponsorship or as an add-on to another sponsorship level.
Service Project Corporate Sponsor (multiple available)
Help NIBA give back to Casa de los Niños in addition to attendee donations. Your company will be recognized on signage and in the mobile app. Production included.
Thursday Coffee Opportunities
Caffeine is life. Coffee and hot tea will be served during breakfast and all the way through lunch on Thursday, September 12. To enhance onsite networking, we have three opportunities available for custom double-walled hot cups attendees can select based on what type of work they do. Let's help attendees get connected to the right people! Your logo on one side of the cup + LW, HW, or both noted on the other side.
Three opportunities available:
- Lightweight
- Heavyweight
- Lightweight & Heavyweight
Golf Outing to benefit the NIBA Scholarship Fund — Tuesday, September 10
All golf sponsorships will benefit the NIBA Scholarship Fund. If you're looking for a unique way to enhance your sponsorship presence or have a limited budget, but would still like to support the 2024 NIBA Annual Convention and the Scholarship Fund, see opportunities below:
Golf Outing Kickoff & Bloody Mary Bar - Gold Level — $3,000
Sponsor the Bloody Mary bar at the Golf Outing Kickoff event to start a fun-filled day. The NIBA golf outing will be hosted on Tuesday, September 10 at the The Club at Starr Pass. The sponsor will be recognized on bar signage.
Enhancement idea: Sponsor-branded Bloody Mary mugs.
Trail Mix Bar - Silver Level — $2,500
Help refuel golfers with a build-your-own trail mix after a grueling round on the course. Golfers will enjoy this after their round and take it with them on the way back to the hotel. Sponsor will be recognized on signage.
Enhancement idea: Supply branded bags.
Golf Outing Breakfast - Silver Level — $2,500
Breakfast will be provided to NIBA golf outing registrants. Be the exclusive sponsor of this meal on Tuesday, September 10 at the The Club at Starr Pass. Sponsor will be recognized on signage.
Beverage Cart - Bronze Level — $2,000
Brand the beverage cart with your corporate logo during the NIBA golf outing. The golfers will thank you!
Golf Hole Contests — $250 each
A variety of golf hole contests are available for sponsorship. Be the exclusive sponsor of any of the following games with your logo featured on signage near the tee box!
- Closest to the Pin - SOLD
- Straightest Drive
- Longest Drive
- Longest Putt
- Hole in One
Golf Hole Sponsor — $250 - 1 SOLD
For $250 your logo will be featured on a pin flag (that you get to keep!) and a yard sign at your respective sponsored hole and on signage near the golf outing registration area. You also have the option to insert an item in the golf swag bag that all golfers receive. 17 hole sponsorship opportunities are available. You may also add on a drink and/or snack to your sponsored hole and keep the networking going!
Other on-site opportunities to donate to the NIBA Scholarship Fund:
Golfers can purchase these at the check-in table upon arrival:
- Mulligan: $5 each or $20 for 5 mulligans
- One throw: $20 each
- Purchase a tee: $25 per player or $80 per team
Manufacturer Hospitality Night
NIBA’s Manufacturer Hospitality Suite Night will be held at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass on Thursday, September 12. NIBA has already secured several event spaces to make it as easy as possible for our Manufacturer members to participate. In addition to private suites, we are offering a social “Hub” Happy Hour option.
- Manufacturer Hospitality Hub Happy Hour (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm): There are 5 private Happy Hour suites available (840 sq ft each). These five private meeting rooms will have a shared foyer space in the main meeting area for easy attendee access. They each also have their own large patio. Each company in the Hub will contribute $4,500 for their private suite space with their own bar and bartender. The only additional cost is if a company in the Hub wants to offer a signature cocktail, food, entertainment or décor within their designated space. NIBA staff are available to help tailor your Hub setup to meet your goals.
- Private Manufacturer Hospitality Suite (7:00 pm - 11:00 pm): Private meeting rooms for manufacturers that prefer a more exclusive space and to select their own food and beverage. Companies may select the suite space of their choice.
Once confirmed, NIBA will provide Manufacturer members with the appropriate contact information at the hotel to coordinate logistical details for their respective hospitality suite.
Get to Know Tuscon
More than just saguaros and Sonoran hot dogs, Tucson, AZ, is a cultural and natural hub where you can experience the Southwest as it was meant to be. This vibrant desert city was the first U.S. city to be recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, highlighting and celebrating its overlap of Mexican, Native American, and Southwestern dishes.
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass
Style and comfort intersect at this Mountain Park luxury hotel near downtown Tucson, AZ.
Be sure to secure your room reservation before the room block cut-off date of Thursday, August 15, 2024.
Common Questions
Activities
Jeep Tour - $215
Wednesday – 8:00am – 12:00pm
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Tucson Mountains. You will be picked up from the resort in open-air Jeeps and head off on an adventure through the Southwestern desert ecosystem with expansive vistas and views. As you navigate through the natural beauty of the mighty saguaro and the "jumping" cholla, your guides will tell you about geology, local history, and any Southwestern "critters" you might come across.
(Closed-toe shoes & waivers required, sunscreen recommended; bottled water provided; Guests with neck or back injuries and women who are pregnant are advised to consult with their doctor before taking a Jeep Tour.)
City of Gastronomy Food Tour - $260
Wednesday – 11:00am – 3:00pm
Experience the best food samples in Tucson - the first city in the United States to be recognized as a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy. Eat, drink and explore Downtown Tucson and the cuisine, culture, and history. Restaurants in the area include one that used to be a taxicab hub, another that was a funeral parlor, and the longest continuously run family-owned Mexican restaurant in the United States. Your local guide will point out architectural highlights, cultural sites, and great local shops along the way.
(Please wear closed-toe shoes or comfortable walking shoes, this is a walking tour. Sunscreen and/or a hat recommended.)
5K Fun Run/Walk - $35
Friday – 6:30am – 7:30am
Whether you’re a walker, casual runner, or serious speed demon, NIBA’s Fun Run/Walk is a great way to kick start your weekend! During this friendly race you will wind through the resort property.
(signed waiver required, sunscreen suggested)
2024 Sponsors
