The 2016 National Fastpitch Coaches Association Convention was a great event this year.
As I fly home from the NFCA Convention in New Orleans I decided to jot down a few thoughts about this great event.
First let me say I think the NFCA is the number one resource for all softball coaches. I don't care if you are a travel ball, high school, or a college softball coach you need to join.
If you take the cost of a yearly membership, and what you get as a member it is a no brainer. You need to join today.
Mizuno's Booth
One of the things I always enjoy is the exhibit hall. For two days during the convention softball vendors set up their booths, and are there to tell you all about their products. This is also an opportunity to see all the new products on the market. Many times it is a preview before they're even on the market.
All of the big companies are there like Mizuno, Wilson, and Schutt. There are also a lot of smaller companies like software creators, educational, and training companies. While this part of the exhibit isn't about softball you would still want to go and see everything. It is amazing how much you can learn in the exhibit hall.
The biggest and best part of the convention are the speaker halls, and all the great speakers that are there everyday.
Want to get more education in pitching, hitting, or fielding? Help is there. Do you wish you were a better coach? Help is there. I would have to say that there is someone speaking on almost every subject you could think of.
I do not think there is any event on the planet that has as many speakers covering as many parts of softball as the NFCA has.
Another great part of the convention every year is the Hall Of Fame Banquet. Not only are the new inductees there, but many former inductees and legends of the game. People like Joan Joyce, Mike Candraia, Diane Baker, and many more.
The opportunity to meet and talk softball with these legends of the game is priceless and I always learn so much during this event. I love the history of softball and there is no other event like the Hall Of Fame Banquet for softball history.
Then there are all the networking opportunities. The chance to make friends, and relationships with other softball coaches. There were over 1,500 people at this years event. That is a whole lot of people to meet and get to know.
A Selfie With Jennie Finch
To make the networking opportunities even better companies like Diamond Sports, USSSA, and Wilson Sports sponsor networking events in the evenings. This is a great way to meet and network with other softball coaches.
I have made great friends that will last a lifetime. I actually look as much to seeing old friends when I attend as I look forward to the education I receive.
There are a lot of other events during the convention that I do not have time to mention in this article, but I think you get the picture from the few I mentioned.
Yes, the NFCA Convention is a MUST attend event, and the NFCA is a MUST join association.
I recommend you go to their website at http://NCCA.org and join today. The cost is very cheap for all you will receive in return.
