TAMPA, Fla. For many who attend Motorcoach Expo, there inevitably comes a moment when some of the wonder and contentment of childhood over takes them.

Walking through the exhibits of shiny new motorcoaches, brightly lit engines, neon-painted portable lifts and bus seats clad in psychedelic fabrics frequently feels akin to exploring a giant toy store.

While feeling that way at the show may be perfectly normal, the reality is that Expo is serious business. It is vital for industry personnel of every stripe to attend educational conferences and equipment expositions, both for the purpose of seeing the newest goods and services and -- more importantly -- for comparing notes with peers from across the U.S. and Canada.

There is great value in kicking the tires before deciding what to buy and getting feedback from other operators who may have firsthand experience with prospective equipment acquisitions, as well as tough business issues.

In fact, the key to making the most of Motorcoach Expo 2006 is the ability to network with industry colleagues, vendors and potential customers, in a relaxed yet meaningful way.

Heres a rundown of the various activities and events at Expo that assure outstanding networking opportunities . . . and having a great time.

Welcome Reception at the Tampa Aquarium. As the opening event of Expo, attendees will be welcomed to Tampa with a taste of the citys Cuban history, as well as a nod to its greatest celebration, Gasparilla. The aquarium setting, with its 10,000 aquatic animals and plants, will make the event an evening to remember.

Operator Luncheon / Lessons in Leadership. Steve Farber, former vice president of The Tom Peters Company, will speak on the concept of "extreme leadership." Geared to leaders at any organizational level, this session will inspire, entertain and offer ideas for leading your organization to greater success.

Sneak Preview: Its the first opportunity to see all the 2006 show floor has to offer, from motorcoaches to computer systems, from seating to destinations. A great opportunity to network and glimpse the exhibits.

3rd Annual Vision Awards Banquet. Each year, the United Motorcoach Association presents the UMA Vision Award to a company that exemplifies the best in the industry. For the first time in 2006, the Vision Award will recognize two companies, one large operator of 15 or more coaches and one small operator of less than 15 coaches. Along with the awards presentation, exhibitors and attendees will enjoy wonderful food and exciting entertainment.

2nd Annual Ray Dupuis Golf Tournament. Cap off the Expo experience with a day of golf. The 2nd Annual Ray Dupuis Memorial will be Sunday, Jan. 22. The Golf Club at Cypress Creek offers 18 of the most scenic and challenging holes of golf in all of Florida.

Top-rated speakers. The line-up includes: Carol Ervin, who heads the employment law practice group at Young Clement Rivers, a leading South Carolina law firm. Arnold Sanow is a nationally known business/communications/people skills expert and author. Duane Spader developed the popular Total Management Workshop and other workshops and seminars related to business management. He was featured in a front-page article in the Dec. 1 issue of Bus & Motorcoach News.

Success Sessions. Hot-topic educational sessions at Expo include: Getting plugged into your market; comprehensive business plans for small operators; implementing a marketing plan; 2007 engine requirements; developing packaged travel; selling group travel, understanding replacement costs in the coach-buying decision, and managing fuel costs.

New Products and Services. Motorcoach Expo is the No. 1 forum for the unveiling of new products and services for the industry. Next year will be no exception.

Sound exciting? It will be. And the kicker? See the registration form on Page 27 for details on how to save on registration costs.