Activities and Networking

Don’t miss your chance to network with the industry’s finest professionals! Pre-register today!

Thursday, February 7
Presidential Welcome & Kickoff!
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Come to this informal gathering to meet MBNA Leadership and say hello to fellow convention goers before the event officially begins on Friday!

Friday, February 8
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Certified Memorialist® Workshop & Lunch (for CMs only)
All Certified Memorialists are encouraged to attend this workshop! This event will allow you to explore, collectively, a myriad of industry topics with your fellow CMs! Enjoy each other’s company, compare notes on how you’re accruing CEUs for recertification, and enjoy a great presentation.

4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Opening Reception on Exhibit Floor
This networking event brings you together with manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers and your peers to discuss business needs and opportunities in a casual atmosphere.  This is a great opportunity to expand your universe of contacts and collect ideas to apply in your business.  Complimentary hors d'oeuvres, two drink tickets and a cash bar will be provided.

Saturday, February 9
8:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Exhibit Hall Open with Continental Breakfast
Be sure to join us as the Exhibit Hall opens for a complimentary continental breakfast!

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
New/Veteran Memorialist Mixer (For Retailers Only)
Are you new to the monument industry?  Don’t miss out on this chance to meet and greet industry veterans and association officers so you can start hit the ground running in your new career.

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Installation Celebration Reception
It is time to celebrate the “New Year” for MBNA! This reception lets you welcome the newly elected leadership of MBNA and provides one last chance to finish building business relationships started on the show floor. With heavy appetizers and a fully stocked bar, you can stay for a bit before hitting the town with your favorite supplier or manufacturer. Or you can cheer on the new leadership and enjoy the food and fun right there in the hotel! Don’t over do it and miss out on the following day’s exhibit hall time and educational sessions!

2018 MBNAspire to Success Awards

MBNA’s Aspire Awards were created to recognize monument builder companies that have drawn favorable attention to their companies, and in turn, to the industry through their specialized marketing and/or public relations campaigns. Up to three (3) winners will be awarded the handsome granite MBNAspire Award, a tall, polished trophy that adds elegance and interest to any member’s lobby or bookshelf. Honorable mention entries will receive a certificate of merit suitable for framing. All winning entries will be featured in MBNews. Click here an official entry form.

MBNA Design Contest

All entries are finished monuments that fall into one of nine categories (Public/Civic; Cremation; Hand Etched; Laser Etched; Hand Carved; Markers; Small Monuments; Large Monuments; Novice Monuments).  Recipients in all categories will be awarded a handsome granite award for display in their office and the overall winner will receive the Bert Gast Memorial Trophy.

Contest judges will look at elements of proportion, balance and the story the monument conveys when judging entries.  Award recipients will be recognized during the Installation & Recognition Dinner at the MBUniversity conference, featured in MBNews, included on the MBNA website, and promoted through industry-wide press announcements.  Click here to download an official entry form.

Sunday, February 10
7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Worship Service
All are welcome to this non-denominational worship service.




Past attendees have said

“I learned enough from this show to dramatically increase sales and profits. This show doesn’t cost; it pays.”