The store fixturing industry has come a long way since 1956, the year NASFM was founded. In 2005, the National Association of Store Fixture Manufacturers celebrated its 50th Annual Convention, launching a year-long celebration of the association’s 50th anniversary. This special members-only event was held at the beautiful Four Seasons Aviara Resort.

No other event throughout the year focuses on the specific issues and concerns of store fixture manufacturing executives like the NASFM convention. One and a half days of sessions addressed current economic and retail trends and the philosophy of success. Feedback directly from retail fixture purchasers will helped members shape their businesses to meet future demands. And roundtables on subjects including executive issues, outsourcing domestically, marketing and sales, and the needs of design versus budget, provided a forum for sharing and discussing issues in depth to help members improve their company’s day-to-day and longterm prospects.

But it wasn't all work. NASFM’s conventions have long been designed to create the perfect balance between meaningful education, industry networking opportunities, social events, and, of course, the annual golf tournament and hole-in-one shoot-out—all in a beautiful location geared to relaxing, networking, and socializing with industry professionals, family, and guests.

Special events included a celebratory 50th anniversary reception and dinner Thursday night, Nov. 3, when longterm member companies, past presidents, and more received special recognition. A more relaxed and informal outdoor evening was scheduled for Friday night, Nov. 4. Themed “Changes in Latitudes,” the evening included a reception, dinner, and music on a Jimmy Buffett theme. And at night, after the scheduled events came to a close, the game room opened for those who liked to shoot pool, play poker, bring out the board games, or sit comfortably and chat.

Optional activities included scheduled trips to the San Diego Zoo, a Carlsbad-area shopping excursion, and a La Jolla tour. Family and guests were encouraged to participate in optional activities, the golf tournament, luncheons and dinners, a spouse and guest tea, the hospitality suite, and all of the resort’s amenities.