ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Football legend Archie Manning has been announced as the Opening General Session speaker for the NACS Show 2007, which will take place November 6 to 9 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
“When people think of Archie Manning, they think of football, given his extraordinary career and the success of his sons, Peyton and Eli. But Archie is also an accomplished inspirational speaker with an equally impressive track record,” said NACS Vice Chairman of Convention and Events Jay Ricker, president of Ricker Oil Company in Anderson, Indiana.
“The convenience retailing industry is renowned for its family ownership, with second and third generations coming in to lead and grow the business – much like the success of the Manning family. With his warm personality, drive and sense of humor, Archie perfectly fits our criteria for an Opening General Session speaker: someone who will inspire and help attendees think ‘big picture’ at the industry’s signature event,” added Ricker.
Manning rose to prominence as an All-American quarterback at the University of Mississippi. He was named one of the 100 All-Time Greatest College Football Players and in 1971, Manning began a 15-year career in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints that included the Most Valuable Player award in 1978.
Both during and after his football career, Manning has received honors for his humanitarian work and continues being active in charitable and civic causes. In 2005, he received the Legends award from the Davey O’Brien Foundation and the Aspire award, a tribute to life’s coaches, from the Cal Ripken Foundation. Manning was recently selected Father of the Year by the National Father’s Day Council.
Archie and his wife, Olivia, reside in New Orleans and have three sons: Cooper, Peyton and Eli. Archie and Peyton coauthored the book Manning: A Father, His Sons and a Football Legacy. He and his sons also operate the Manning Passing Academy, a summer camp for high school quarterbacks and receivers.
Log on to www.nacsshow.com for more information about attending the NACS Show 2007, as well as hotel and meeting registration.