Baseball great Cal Ripken, Jr., is set to give the keynote address at the National Wood Flooring Association's Convention in Baltimore next year. The former Oriole shortstop and future Hall of Fame member is scheduled to present "Keys to Success: the Ripken Way" during the keynote session on the second day of the April 26 - 29 meeting. NWFA says it expects the 2006 meeting to be the largest ever, with more than two dozen education sessions, demonstrations and speakers, and more than 600 exhibits showcasing an array of products and services in the Wood Flooring Expo.

For those registering before March 15, the cost is $350 for NWFA members and $550 for all others. More information about the 2006 Convention is available on-line at the NWFA's website, www.nwfa.org. Click on the Convention and Expo link, and select either Attendee or Exhibitor.