IMPORTANT: 2008 Announcement
During a recent Board and Executive Committee meeting, the Management Development Program was discussed and a decision was made not to go forward with the program in 2008 due to waning attendance in 2007. This is not to say that management development is no longer an important aspect of NPTA – all education and training programs are being closely examined to determine the best way to get more member companies involved in targeted training for distribution. NPTA is looking to make management development better, easier, and more cost effective for all member companies.

In the meantime, here is what the NPTA is proposing for 2008 and beyond:

Young Distribution Professionals Conference
Tentative -- August 3-6, 2008
Eaglewood Resort, Itasca, Illinois

Click here to register.

Developed by the Association Education Alliance (AEA), a group of industrial distribution trade associations of which NPTA is a member. It features sessions on leadership, professional growth, and three different career tracks (sales, financial management, and interpersonal relationship development) designed to give the attendee a more customized experience. Additionally, it offers some great interactive events designed to encourage an exchange of information among the participants.

University of Industrial Distribution
Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, Indiana

Developed by the Association Education Alliance (AEA), this highly-rated program is sponsored by a number of different organizations including the ISSA, The North American Wholesale Lumber Association, Industrial Supply Association, Food Industry Suppliers Association and many others. The key is that attendees can develop their own 4-day track featuring 35-40 different educational sessions that best fit their interests and needs. All of the speakers are experts in either the distribution industry or professional development. Students can also earn continuing education credits for attending and the attendees are not limited to just young or new individuals to the industry. Unfortunately, the 2008 spring program sold out very quickly, however the AEA is considering offering a second session during the fourth quarter of this year. NPTA will offer this program in spring of 2009 but will update members with additional programs in 2008 when they become available.

Webcasts
Beginning spring 2008

Cutting-edge, professional education and training opportunities by constructing a series of Webcasts that will be available online to all members. The content for these informational online classes will include leadership, sales, business growth, organizational development and various topics recommended by the YLD committee, staff and other members.