Glen Ellyn, IL--When the Bearing Specialists Association (BSA) convenes its 2008 Annual Convention April 26-29 at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Tucson, Arizona, bearing industry distribution and manufacturing leaders will tap into a dynamic business program and a wealth of top level networking. North American industry leaders will be joined by a growing number of international counterparts representing the increasingly global aspects of both the bearing industry and BSA. BSA convention attendees consistently rank the annual industry event as meeting or exceeding their expectations and well worth their investment of time and money.

Convention programming, which is closely tied to the association’s Strategic Plan identifying BSA as “the forum to enhance networking, knowledge sharing, and to promote the sale of bearings through authorized distributors,” features an outstanding line-up of speakers selected for their ability to address the diverse needs of today’s global business marketplace. “Dollarization” expert Jeffrey J. Fox believes that every day good companies suffer because they create financial value for their customers but aren’t able to keep their fair share. This is because most marketers cannot fully articulate the value customers get from their products and the argument falls to the lowest common denominator -- price. Bruce Warmbold, President & CEO of Schaeffler Group USA Inc., is both a regular BSA convention attendee and a member of the ABMA Board of Directors, giving him an excellent perspective to provide an industry update on the global bearing market from the American Bearing Manufacturers Association. Attendees will also hear from Jim Cathcart on purpose-driven leadership.

BSA’s manufacturer-hosted Conference Table Session offers participants a unique opportunity to pre-schedule and plan for face-to-face meetings to address bearing industry concerns and resolve business problems. Convention attendees find these short, 30-minute meetings to be increasingly productive. Online Conference Table registration is available to all those who have registered to attend the 2008 Annual Convention. Distributors are also encouraged to let manufacturers with whom they have made appointments know what they expect to discuss with the manufacturers.

Prospective convention attendees are encouraged to link to the association’s convention website, www.bsaconventions.org which includes a complete schedule of events, video clips of the key presenters at the Convention Business Program, details on the expanded spouse program new to the 2008 schedule, tantalizing descriptions of sporting and sightseeing opportunities, and a host of additional information and tips about social and networking opportunities.

In addition to the business program, BSA convention attendees consistently rate the informal networking opportunities at the convention and related social events to be one of the most valuable aspects of the annual event. The opening reception & dinner, manufacturer appreciation event at Coyote Corral, BSA golf and tennis competitions, and closing dinner dance add to the networking opportunities for all attendees.

BSA is the “must belong to organization for authorized bearing distributors.” An international service and educational organization of distributors representing a total of almost 100 companies distributing factory-warranted ball-, roller-, and anti-friction bearings and invited manufacturers of bearings and related products, the association’s mission says, “BSA is the forum to enhance networking and knowledge sharing and promote the sale of bearings through authorized distributors.”

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