The NAIA's 67th annual meeting began with a bang as "Thunder Over Louisville," a spectacular riverside fireworks and air show just outside the Galt House headquarters hotel, welcomed the NAIA.  Convention delegates then turned their attention to a substantial legislative agenda, a revamped council structure driven by the move to direct qualification, and continued development of minimum standards for character-driven intercollegiate athletics.

Attendance of 419 delegates and guests set a new convention attendance record for the third straight year.  Despite nationwide air travel delays, the pre-convention workshop hosted for the second year in partnership with the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) was well attended.

Monday's awards banquet, sponsored by Mutual of Omaha, recognized the lifelong achievements of three NAIA Hall of Fame honorees:  Terry Garner, Lyon College (Ark.); Nancy Trillow, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Fla.); and Duard Walker, Milligan College (Tenn.).  The previous evening, convention attendees were feted at a special reception at the Muhammad Ali Center overlooking the Ohio River, presented by the Mid-South Conference, Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and Louisville Sports Commission.

Four committees charged with recommending minimum standards for character-driven intercollegiate athletics met early in the week, and delegates received updates in council and association meetings throughout the convention.  Carroll College President Tom Trebon, chair of the Committee on Presidential Leadership and Conference Standards, noted in remarks to the full convention that NAIA members will have continued opportunities for input through periodic surveys.  Recommended standards and best practices will be delivered to the Council of Presidents this coming September.

NAIA President & CEO Jim Carr's State of the Association speech highlighted numerous achievements in the past year and encouraged delegates to take an active role in "creating the future" of the NAIA.  Carr challenged NAIA members to support the association's efforts to carve a "niche" characterized by presidential leadership, stronger conferences, uncompromising standards and Champions of Character.  He also noted "sustained, meaningful and important dialogue" between the leadership of the NAIA and NCAA in recent months and encouraged the membership to provide input as the two organizations explore areas of mutual benefit, potential programmatic partnerships and a long-term view of college sports that benefits all intercollegiate student-athletes and retains the unique NAIA identity.