2008 International Billiard and Home Recreation Expo Far from Conventional

With 2008 rapidly approaching, planning has moved into high gear for the 25th Annual International Billiard and Home Recreation Expo, June 12-14, 2008, at the Charlotte Convention Center. Combining a unique mix of innovative exhibitors, qualified buyers, strategic business seminars, professional pool play, recognition for the game’s greatest players and a little fun, the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) is pleased to announce an exciting line up that is “far from conventional.”

“The 2008 Expo will present attendees with a host of business opportunities on the floor, networking opportunities throughout the show and a little fun on the side,” said Ivan Lee, BCA president. “Research from the 2007 show indicates attendees and exhibitors were equally satisfied with their experience and took note at the efforts to improve the show’s overall content. Taking the ideas we incorporated into last year’s show, including strategic business seminars and networking events, and dedicating increased efforts to bring new exhibitors with innovative products to the Expo floor, will make the 2008 Expo a great show for exhibitors and attendees alike.”

Withmore than 20 hours of open floor time and 200,000+ square feet of exhibit space inthe Charlotte Convention Center, hundreds of exhibitors will be on hand with productdisplays ranging from the “classics,” such as billiard tables, cues, cases, cloth, slate, balls,chalk, racks, stands, lighting, instructional products, publications, accessories and leaguesystems, to complementary lines like furniture, bars, darts, room décor, poker supplies, game tables, video games, music systems, tanning beds, spas, apparel and novelty items. The Business of Billiards Seminar Series will provide exclusive education sessions for BCA Expo attendees with a total of six seminars.

The highlight of the educational sessions will be keynote speaker Kyle Petty, NASCAR Nextel Cup driver and CEO of Petty Enterprises. As CEO of Petty Enterprises, Petty remains a fixture at his family-owned business. Petty has been able to productively use his family business, and take advantage of his incredible driving talents and people skills, to build a winning driving resume and rebuild a racing business that has been one of the most successful in the history of motorsports. A proven winner, Petty stays focused and determined to keep Petty Enterprises at the forefront of the motorsports world. In addition, the Business of Billiards Seminar Series will feature business improvement sessions specifically for retailers and poolroom operators, and general sessions for all attendees. Topics will include retail merchandising strategies, poolroom design tactics, Internet marketing strategies, and charity and promotions tips. The results of the BCA consumer research project also will be presented.

The BCA is also turning to laughs for this year’s industry celebration. Comedian Jake
Johannsen will provide a great night of entertainment during the Expo. Johannsen is one of David Letterman’s favorite comics, as he has appeared on Letterman’s show over 29 times. Johannsen’s bizarre take on life and his uniquely intelligent style have made him a regular at comedy clubs all over the country. Scheduled for Friday evening, Johannsen will provide a fun-filled night at the Expo. Also this year, and for the first time ever, the BCA’s 9-Ball Championship Tournament – the generationpool.com 9-Ball Championships – will be held in conjunction with the BCA Expo. The 2008 BCA 9-Ball Championships will feature professional men’s and women’s divisions.

Semi-final and final events will take place June 11-12, 2008, in the Grand Ballroom at the Charlotte Convention Center and will be aired on ESPN. In addition, the 52nd BCA Hall of Fame Induction ceremony will take place June 12 during the intermission of the final events.

“With the combination of the 2008 BCA Expo, the 2008 generationpool.com 9-Ball
Championships and the BCA Hall of Fame induction ceremony, this year’s event will truly be a celebration of billiards,” said Lee. “We are looking forward to a highly successful week in Charlotte.”

About the BCA
Founded in 1948, the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) is a non-profit organization
dedicated to growing a united, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry through BCA leadership. The BCA seeks to enhance the success of its members and promote the sport of billiards though educational, marketing and promotional efforts, annual industry trade shows, tournaments and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody’s game. For more information, visit www.bca-pool.com or call 866.852.0999