Billiards "Far From Conventional" at 2008 BCA Expo

The 25th Anniversary edition of the Billiard Congress of America's (BCA) International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo was held at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC June 12-14, 2008. Attendance for the three- day event was 1,111. The number of companies exhibiting at the event was 178, occupying 628 booths...

"Our theme, 'Far From Conventional,' was witnessed over the past few days with our commitment to provide added value to all attendees of the Expo while taking the overall Expo experience to a new level," commented Ivan Lee, co-chair of the Expo and 2007-2008 BCA Board President.

"The keynote presentation by NASCAR legend Kyle Petty, expanded Business of Billiards Seminar Series and more than 20 hours of open floor time and 200,000+ square feet of exhibit space in the Charlotte Convention Center provided the Expo environment that our membership has been seeking. Further, the introduction of the 2008 GenerationPool.com 9-Ball Championships and the 2008 BCA Hall of Fame ceremony, as well as entertainment by comedian Jake Johannsen afforded additional industry recognition and networking opportunities in a fun environment."

"While we would have liked to have a larger show with respect to exhibitors and attendees, we are not surprised with the results given the difficult economy our members are currently facing," said Lee. "However, we believe those in attendance benefitted via the business opportunities and relationships forged on the show floor and by participating in the Business of Billiards seminars and special events. We look forward to a stronger economy next year, as we return to Las Vegas for the 26th Annual International Billiard and Home Recreation Expo."

The BCA has secured the Sands Convention Center for the 2009 Expo, which will take place June 25-27, 2009, and the Las Vegas Convention Center, June 24-26, 2010. The Expo will also be held in Las Vegas in 2011 and 2012, with the dates and locations for those years still to be determined.

About Billiard Congress of America Founded in 1948, the Billiard Congress of America is a non-profit trade 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 game 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 BCA-Pool.com or call 866.852.0999.