The end of the year is near and many of you are getting ready to toss out your 2010 calendars. As you look ahead to 2011, we wanted to fill you in on a few big events coming up in the first quarter that need to be added to your new business calendar.

Here’s a quick look at some of the biggest events you won’t want to miss in 2011:

NAHB International Builders Show – The NAHB International Builders Show returns to Orlando Jan. 12-15 for a week of real estate updates, conferences and training sessions. More than 1,000 industry suppliers will be on hand, more than 200 educational courses will be available and visitors can tour numerous green model homes and meet dozens of designers from Extreme Makeover Home Edition. More information about the international show is available online at www.BuildersShow.com.

24th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast – On Jan. 14 at 7 a.m., the City of Jacksonville invites you to the 24th Annual MLK Jr. Breakfast at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. Mayor John Peyton will serve as the keynote speaker. This annual event celebrates the life and dreams of MLK Jr. More information about tickets and table opportunities are available at www.JaxMLKBreakfast.com.

126th Annual Meeting of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce – This is one of the best events in downtown Jacksonville all year! Starting at 6 p.m. on Jan. 18, E. Forsyth Street in front of The Florida Theatre turns into a great networking and celebration event as hundreds of Chamber members come out to remember the previous year’s achievements and successes. The program begins in the Florida Theatre at 7:30 p.m. For more information about the 126th Annual Meeting, visit www.opportunityjacksonville.com or call (904) 366-6600, ext. 7601

Did we miss any major events that will kick of 2011? If so, let us know by adding your event information below. Here’s to an amazing year ahead with some outstanding local events to get us going in the New Year!