Today is the big day for SkillsUSA Champions from across this nation. The 2009 SkillsUSA Championships officially opens with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the New Grand Ballroom South plaza. With 91 contests and more than 5,400 competitors, the championships encompasses Bartle Hall, its Conference Center, Municipal Auditorium, American Royal Center and downtown Marriott and Phillips hotels.

And though the leadership and some technical contests began yesterday, most will be held today. Make sure to stop by and see the contests in Municipal Auditorium and make the trip down to the American Royal Center (next to Kemper Arena) to check out the TeamWorks and Welding Fabrication contests.  A free shuttle is provided, see the map in your conference program on Pages 32-33.

Don’t forget TECHSPO continues both outside and in the lobbies throughout Bartle Hall.

Tonight, make sure you head out to Worlds of Fun theme park. It’s a great way to blow off steam after a tough day of competition. Best of luck to all competitors!

There’s a lot going on today. I’ll be meeting with advisors this morning at the Call to Action session at 8:30. Be sure to visit SkillsUSA University and don’t forget about SkillsUSA’s Amazing Race, is today from 9-noon. Details are on page 17 of the conference program.

There’s still time to register for the Champions 5K run. You have until noon today. The race is tonight at 7 p.m. in Liberty Park across from Union Station. Benefits the SkillsUSA Alumni & Friends Association.

FInally, the Champions Festival is from 7-10 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in the Exhibit Hall. All participants must wear the official conference T-shirt and appropriate casual attire suited for recreation. This will be strictly enforced, so pick up your T-shirt at the Lowe’s Pin Trading Pavilion in Municipal Auditorium. Details are available on page 15 of your conference program.

Things are really kicking off today at conference. Just a reminder that TECHSPO exhibits open at 9 a.m. today. Be sure to stop by the new Lowe’s Pin Trading Pavilion to swap pins with other SkillsUSA members.

This evening at 7 p.m., the conference officially begins with our Opening Ceremony at Kemper Arena. Our speakers include keynote speaker Wendy Venturini, SPEED Channel journalist and SkillsUSA alumnae. We will also hear from motivational speaker Stephen Palleta. New this year, thanks to School Video News, we will be broadcasting our Opening Ceremony live via Internet. Get the details here.