by Latricia Good

With more than 350 booths already filled with many of the nation?s top-notch companies, the exhibit hall at NLC?s Congress of Cities and Exposition in Reno, Nev., Dec. 5-9, promises to be one of the best ever.

The exhibit hall will feature the latest in municipal services and give delegates a chance to build relationships with suppliers from around the nation. But unlike in the past, this year NLC is planning to update the exposition with a new and improved look and design, and an exciting array of additional features that will add to the experience.

At the exposition, which will officially open on Wednesday, Dec. 6 during the evening welcome reception, delegates will be able to network and talk with representatives about the latest products, trends and developments related to municipal services. Attendees will also have the option of comparing a variety of products and services in order to evaluate which ones would be most effective at the least possible costs.

While all cities need some of the same basic products and services, each city and town has its own unique needs and, according to Dot LaMarche, alderman, Farragut, Tenn., the NLC exposition is a great site for local leaders to get a personal look at the solutions that would best fit their communities.

?The exhibit hall is the perfect place to find solutions for the challenges cities face today,? said LaMarche. ?You are able to see first hand the latest and greatest technology and ideas for improving the quality of life in your community.?

Delegates visiting the exhibit hall can meet with suppliers who are able to provide flexible, scalable solutions geared toward their city?s specific challenges. These suppliers, whose capabilities range in areas from public safety to parks and recreation maintenance, will also be spotlighted in the conference exposition guide.

The exhibit hall presents a unique opportunity for delegates and exhibitors. Both can take part in hands-on demonstrations and in-person meetings that often prove to be beneficial in moving a business relationship forward. For companies like American Water, it is a chance to gain a better understanding of the needs of municipal clients and begin cultivating these relationships.

?Because this event brings together so many key decision makers from every part of the city administration, it provides an invaluable opportunity to develop contacts and leads, said Lisa Daniels, American Water?s corporate marketing manager. ??This is where exceptional business development begins.?

In addition to outside companies and organizations, the exhibit hall includes the NLC City Showcase. In the showcase, cities display creative programs that have proven to be successful in their municipalities.

Related Links:  Download the complete list of 2006 Exhibitors as of 10/16.
View the list online and visit a virtual booth ?  
Congress of Cities & Exposition Website 
More than 2,000 attendees have registered to date.