NSCA Bulletin 36.08 | Page 5

NSCA.COM 2014 NATIONAL CONFERENCE RECAP The 2014 National Conference “kicked off” on Wednesday, July 9 with several pre-conference sessions from long-term athletic development (LTAD) to nutrition and agility training to tiered strength programming. Veteran attendees mingled with 200+ first timers at orientation and convened in the exhibit hall at the “Kick-Off Party,” while the international affiliates received recognition to start this year’s National Conference in Las Vegas, NV. Thursday was the first full day of sessions. It started with a wake-up workout, and rolled right into standing-room-only lectures, inspiring words from NSCA President, Steve Fleck, and insights from Board of Directors candidates. One notable highlight was the keynote presentation from Lt. Pete Scobell, who shared his personal life journey through an extraordinary athletic and military career, then graciously signed autographs and chatted with individual attendees. Career Talks and networking at the Women’s Luncheon, exhibitor reception, and the student “event” built strong connections among peers just starting their careers and mentors sharing their successes. Friday carried on with thought-provoking sessions like the talk by Dr. C. Keith NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2014 Harrison presented by the Diversity Committee, “The Role of Gender Identities and Stereotype Salience with the Academic Performance of Male and Female Athletes.” New to the 2014 National Conference format, Solution Sessions led by the Special Interest Groups (SIG), explored common industry challenges and shared expert opinions by industry veterans. Poster presentations and free communications sessions gave researchers the opportunity to share their work and talk with peers about their findings. The exhibit hall also presented opportunities for learning with Career Talks for professionals in academia, personal training, and strength and conditioning coaching. Notably, the exhibitor showcases discussed topics like load integrated in performance apparel, active recovery, overfeeding, and strength for running. One highlight was the ReebokOne prize announcements for the first timer event’s “Passport to Prizes.” On Friday evening, the Annual Awards Banquet was held, where esteemed colleagues were recognized for their career achievements, retiring Board of Directors and NSCA Foundation members were honored, the newly elected members were introduced, and a keynote presentation was given by Brian Cain. NSCA BULLETIN | ISSUE 36.08 The last day of the 2014 National Conference bridged the gap with handson sessions on topics such as squat progressions, sprint mechanics, barefoot training, and much more. Research presentations, lectures, SIG Solution Sessions, and Career Talks packed every minute of the final day. Veteran and up-and-coming Registered Strength and Conditioning Coaches (RSCC) assembled at the RSCC recognition luncheon hosted by NSCA Founder, Boyd Epley, and NSCA Coaching Program Manager, Scott Caulfield. This included great discussions on the future of strength and conditioning coaches for National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I schools, the mentorship program for new coaches, and a keynote presentation by Coach Joe Kenn.  The NSCA thanks all of the presenters for sharing their knowledge and the attendees for engaging in such a great event. Thank you to all the exhibitors for bringing cutting-edge products and services. And thank you to the sponsors whose support helped make it all happen. Join us again next year July 8 – 11 in Orlando, FL for the 2015 NSCA National Conference. 5