It’s rare that an association gets to celebrate a centennial, so the National Costumers Association is planning an extraordinary event to honor this momentous birthday. The celebration, August 4-6 in Indianapolis, will transport attendees back to the earliest days of the NCA and honor key historical events in the decades following. The event also will include educational opportunities so that members can be inspired to grow their businesses. Click here to register now!
“The NCA has such a wonderfully rich history, and we truly want to honor that,” says Pam Markel, NCA president. “At the same time, we’ll be looking forward by offering educational courses to help our members succeed.”
Remembering Our Roots
The Friday night opening party will have a “speakeasy” theme with the sights and sounds of the Prohibition Era, the likes of which have not been seen since the passage of the 21st Amendment. Remember, forbidden fruit is always the sweetest! Guests will be asked to wear 1920s costumes, the dinner and drinks will be inspired by Jazz Age recipes, and a photo and memorabilia display will show off the association’s earliest moments. Bust out those newsboy hats and beaded headbands and join us for a roaring good time.
The times-gone-by fun will continue on Saturday evening with Bal Masque-themed party. The elegant sit-down dinner will honor past presidents, Harrelson Award winners, Harry Palmer Award winners, Honorary Life members and Unsung Heroes. Several awards will be presented. Another highlight of the evening will be visual presentation of the NCA’s history in 25-year increments.
“The party on Saturday will really honor the people who have made the NCA a success,” Markel says. “And of course we’ll end the evening by sharing an amazing 100th birthday cake!”
Education
Celebrating history is fun, but looking forward is also important. Convention attendees will be able to attend two educational events on Saturday morning and two on Saturday afternoon. Here are details:
- "Behind every mask there is a face...and behind every face is a story." Create an elaborate mask that tells your story for the Bal Masque banquet.
- "Marketing Beyond the Basics." Whether YouTube, Instagram, Tik Tok or something new, social media and digital marketing are critical for your business.
- "To Halloween and Beyond." Learn how to sell beyond Halloween; diversify your products, expand to new audiences, and test new marketing initiatives.
- "Between Friends: Hacks for your business." Members will share their unique tricks for our unique businesses.
Costs, Reservations
The convention will be held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis North (click here to reserve your room, or call 888-875-2580 and ask for the National Costumers Association Anniversary block). We have negotiated an excellent room rate for the hotel, just $139 per night, free breakfast and high-speed internet included. The fee to attend the event, which will include the Friday and Saturday night dinners, lunch on Saturday, and the four educational events, will be $279, with an “early bird” registration fee of just $249. Click here to register now!
“We hope to see many of our friends at this event, and we look forward to meeting many people whom we have not yet met,” Markel says. “There will be something fun and inspiring for everyone there. This event will go down in NCA history – don’t miss it!” Click here to register now!