“We really value early indicators, such as this, to let us know we are on track. The industry has come together, especially in recent years, and set an increasingly high bar for the expo. We aim to exceed it,” said Michael Martin, NWFA's president and CEO. “During the past three years, we have enjoyed significant growth. With the continued support and confidence of our members, the NWFA is poised for another successful year.” 

 

The show has been recognized by Trade Show Executive as one of the top 50 fastest growing shows for 2012 and 2013, and is a finalist for the 2014 show. Each of those years, the show grew an average of 25%.

 

Additional indicators pointing toward growth of this year’s expo are showing in registrations and hotel reservations. With two and a half months to go, registrations have increased 23% compared to the 2014 expo in Nashville, Tenn. Fifty-seven percent more hotel rooms already have been reserved compared to 2014. 

 

This year’s expo will celebrate NWFA’s 30th anniversary, and will feature a lineup of keynote messages from Bill Courtney, Oscar-winning mill owner and John Mozeliak, general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals. 

 

Expo’s “Play it Forward” theme will include sports-oriented networking events at the homes of the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Rams, and chances to win a VIP trip for two to Super Bowl 50. It also will introduce long-term opportunities for NWFA and its members to give back in communities across the U.S. 

 

 Ozzie Smith, Baseball Hall of Famer will announce NWFA’s partnership with the Gateway PGA REACH Foundation, an organization he helps guide to benefit underprivileged youth. Actor Gary Sinise, of the Gary Sinise Foundation, officially will launch a partnership with NWFA to benefit wounded military veterans.

 

For more information, visit nwfaexpo.org.