NPCA annual meeting: Nashville will host the association's 119th annual meeting and leadership conference.

The National Paint and Coatings Association (NPCA) will hold its 19th annual meeting and industry leadership conference at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, TN, Oct. 29-31.

This year's opening general session keynote speaker is Peter H. Diamandis, chairman and CEO of the X PRIXE Foundation. A pioneer and leader in the commercial space arena, Diamandis also serves as chairman and co-founder of the Rocket Racing League, and is cofounder of the International Space University. He also serves as the CEO of Zero Gravity Corporation, a commercial space company.

In his presentation, Diamandis will focus on his motto, "The Best Way to Predict the Future is to Create it Yourself." He will discuss his life spent turning impossible dreams into reality such as creating a global space university, flying the first private tourist to the International Space Station and inventing the Rocket Racing League. Diamandis will use examples from his own life to show how one makes their dreams real.

This year's closing general session speaker is William Strauss, a leading authority on American generations and a noted playwright. He is the author and co-author of several books on generations with Neil Howe, all best sellers widely used by businesses, colleges, government agencies and political leaders of both parties.

In his address, Strauss will examine generations in an historical context and offer what the future is likely to hold for each generation, and why.

Forum session speakers include Jack Uldrich, author of the award-winning, best seller, "The Next Big Thing Is Really Small: How Nanotechnology Will Change the Future of Your Business." Uldrich will adress the subject of his new book, "Investing in Nanotechnology: Think Small. Win Big."

In his presentation, R. Keith Sawyer, a professor of psychology and education at Washington University in St. Louis, will demonstrate how innovation emerges from creative collaborations throughout an organization.

Schedule (as of 8/28/06)

Sunday, October 29

10:00-11:30 am: Budget and Finance Committee Meeting.

11:30 am-1:00 pm: Board of Directors Reception and Luncheon.

1:00-3:00 pm: Board of Directors Meeting.

3:00-4:30 pm: Executive Committee Meeting.

5:30-7:30 pm: Welcoming Reception

Monday, October 30

7:15-8:45 am: Small Business Committee Continental Breakfast & Forum Session--featured speaker: TBD (sponsored by Einhorn Associates, Inc.).

7:15-8:45 am: Continental Breakfast (sponsored by Oak Printing Company).

9:00-10:30 am: Opening General Session. Keynote speaker is Peter Diamandis.

10:30-10:45 am: Morning Refreshment Break (sponsored by Fitz Chem Corp.).

10:45 am-12:00 pm: Industry Suppliers Forum Session--featured speaker TBD (sponsored by D.H. Litter).

12:00-1:30 pm: Honors Luncheon (sponsored by Vincentz Network).

1:45-3:00 pm: Forum Session--featured speaker is Jack Uldrich.

3:00-3:15 pm: Afternoon Refreshment Break (sponsored by Fitz Chem Corp.).

3:15-4:30 pm: Forum Session--featured speaker is Keith Sawyer (sponsored by Chemical Distributors).

5:30-7:00 pm: Chairman's Reception (sponsored by Cook Composites and Polymers).

Tuesday, October 31

8:00-10:00 am: Closing General Session and Breakfast--featured speaker is William Strauss (sponsored by Cook Composites and Polymers).

10:30 am-12:30 pm: Architectural Coatings Committee Meeting.

10:30 am-12:30 pm: Industrial Coatings Committee Meeting.

For more information, contact NPCA's Dorothy Brawner at [phone] or www.paint.org.