The Bellagio Resort & Casino is the site of the 22nd Independents Conference & Exposition scheduled for April 11-14, 2005. Under the theme of "Winning Solutions for Independents," the conference will offer new ideas in the areas of technology, credit scoring, employee recruiting/retention, managing the family-owned business, and new business opportunities. The program is enhanced by the largest exposition of products/services offered by industry suppliers.

The keynote speaker will be Michael Deaver, vice chairman, Edelman Public Relations Worldwide and one of the nation's premier professional communicators. With more than 30 years experience in national politics and public relations—20 years at the side of Ronald Reagan—Deaver has established himself as the authority on managing presidential perceptions in the information age.

Dale Murphy has been confirmed as the "Breakfast of Champions" speaker on the meeting's last day. Murphy is a former Atlanta Braves player and one of the best players of the 1980s. He won two Most Valuable Player Awards. He was one of the most respected and loved stars of his era.

Many special events and networking opportunities are also planned, including a Silent Auction and Golf Tournament to benefit the AFSA Education Foundation.

The AFSA Board of Directors will meet in conjunction with the Independents Conference and will join the Welcoming Reception with Exhibitors and the AFSAPAC Desert Reception.

The 9th Annual Marketing Forum will also meet in conjunction with this conference. (Separate registration is required).

Look for more information to arrive in the mail by mid-January. Details on all of these events will also be available on the AFSA Web site.