DCA ANNUAL CONVENTION FEBRUARY 4-9 THE RITZ-CARLTON CANCUN, MEXICO

Transcription

1 2014 DCA ANNUAL CONVENTION FEBRUARY 4-9 THE RITZ-CARLTON CANCUN, MEXICO

2 Ladies and Gentlemen: For over 50 years DCA has been the leading voice and organization in the underground distribution industry, and I am honored to be serving as your 2013 president. At the Ritz Carlton Cancun, Leigh and I have the opportunity to host our friends, colleagues, associates and invited guests. I hope you can join us as we catch up with old friends, meet new ones and find out what our members have been facing in our industry. Our convention chairs, Gary and Michelle Lawson of Ditch Witch, have been true partners with us and the DCA staff in planning a wonderful program. This year s meetings and activities will be informative, entertaining and the fantastic social events are sure to be a highlight of our convention. Please note the following: The convention is earlier than our traditional calendar. Please note the early registration and housing deadlines of Friday, December 20th! Traveling to Mexico requires a valid passport for everyone in your party. It can take up to 6 weeks to receive one mail, so do not delay if you do not have one or it has expired. Registration Party (Tuesday, February 4; 12:00 pm 5:00 pm) More than just a chance to pick up you registration packet. Come party while you register for the convention. Prizes, gifts, food and a whole lot of fun! Welcome Reception (Wednesday, February 5; 7:00 10:00 pm) Our opening event will be on the beach. We will be partying in the sand, so wear your flip flops and dress casual! DCA Golf Tournament (Friday, February 7; 1:00 pm 6:00 pm) Our annual convention golf tournament will at the beautiful Moon Spa & Golf Club. The activity fee includes transportation, lunch, green fee and refreshments during the tournament. President s Reception & Dinner (Saturday, February 8; 7:00 pm 10:00 pm) Come celebrate and meet the 2014 Board of Directors. Dress for the evening cocktail attire for the ladies; dress shirt and trousers for the gentlemen (no ties). Of course, we will also be taking care of business at the convention. All of our committees will be meeting to discuss the current affairs of DCA, and the current and future state of our industry. These conventions are our primary time to gather as colleagues and work together on improving our businesses, promoting our products and services and improving the industry we live and work in daily. There is no better place to network and re- - energize after a long construction season. Leigh and I have enjoyed representing DCA this past year and we thank you for the opportunity you have given us. We truly appreciate the support of the DCA Board of Directors, the professional staff and the members of DCA. We look forward to seeing you in Cancun! Sincerely,

3 THE DCA 53 RD ANNUAL CONVENTION MEETINGS AND EVENTS The 2014 DCA Convention is being held at The Ritz-Carlton luxury hotel in Cancun along the Mayan coastline and offers a spectacular venue for DCA members to reconnect, refresh and conduct association business in a beautiful location. Being involved and sharing information is one of the true benefits for DCA members. Meetings such as; the Associate Member Orientation, the Members Breakfast, and the Regular and Associate Member Meetings are terrific functions for networking and learning more about the industry and the association. Most of our meetings are open to all attendees and you are invited and encouraged to attend. Closed meetings are noted, indicating the meeting is for DCA members only or. Some of the more important and memorable functions at each DCA Convention are the social events that bring members and their families together to renew and develop friendships. Entertainers and featured speakers create special moments each year. Like last year, you can join your fellow DCA Members and guests as we Party at Registration! You will have an opportunity to win prizes and gifts while enjoying refreshments and registering for the event. PASSPORTS All U.S. citizens including minors are required to present a valid passport or passport card for travel into Mexico. For the latest entry requirements, visit All Canadian citizens need a valid passport to enter Mexico as well and information can be obtained at www. Mexico.gc.ca. CLIMATE The weather in Cancun is generally sunny all year round with an average daytime temperature of 86 degrees and a nightly temperature of 68 degrees. TRANSPORTATION Ground transportation to the hotel can be arranged in advance and the charges will be applied to your room account. To book your transportation, simply go to Transfer time is approximately 15 minutes. Cost per person is $24 plus 15 percent service charge per person (minimum two people). RESORT INFORMATION The Ritz-Carlton Cancun Retorno del Rey #36, Zona Hotelera Cancun, Quintana Roo Mexico Phone: REGISTRATION INFORMATION Register and arrange housing on the DCA web site at Early bird registration ends on December 20, The registration fee is $1,600 per member (single or couple). Children 10 and over is $800. Children 0 to 9 are free. After December 20, 2013 the price rises to $2,000 per member (single or couple). Children 10 and over remains $800. HOUSING INFORMATION Standard Room Rate Single/Double - $299 per night. Room rates are subject to state, local and occupancy taxes in effect at the time of the convention. Taxes are currently 13% per room nightly. Group room rate, will apply three (3) days prior to and three (3) days following the dates of the room block, based on availability. All room reservations will require a credit card to remit first night room deposit. Deposits will be refunded for rooms cancelled more that 7 days prior to arrival. Reservations need to be made December 20, Reservations made after this date will be accepted on a space available basis. Hotel Reservation web link page: You can also click the Housing link on the DCA web site when you register for the convention. Reservations must be received Friday, December 20, 2013

4 CONVENTION SPEAKERS OPENING KEYNOTE BREAKFAST - Thursday, February 6, :30 am - 10:30 am Richard Picciotto, FDNY Chief and Highest Ranking Firefighter to Survive the World Trade Center Collapse Richard Picciotto was an FDNY Battalion Commander in Manhattan on September 11, Following the terrorist attack, Picciotto rushed inside the World Trade Center to rescue those inside, but soon found himself trapped in the smoldering rubble of the North Tower after its collapse. Chief Richard Picciotto s gripping, first-person account provides a firefighter s view of the 9/11 World Trade Center catastrophe and emergency response. Picciotto played a vital role in that massive operation, testified in front of the 9/11 Commission and, has additionally, appeared on many major networks, including CNN, the History Channel and National Geographic. His book, Last Man Down, chronicles his harrowing experience on 9/11 and has become a New York Times best-seller. While learning more about the largest rescue in U.S. history and how preparedness and courage helped save 20,000 lives, Picciotto reminds audiences of the nation s patriotic spirit and the generosity of its people. BUSINESS SESSION - Thursday, February 6, :00 am - 12:00 pm Mark Bridgers, Principal, Continuum Advisory Group Mark Bridgers is a consultant to the design and construction industry and leads a Utility Vertical Market team. He works primarily with gas/electric utilities to support the planning, design, and construction of capital assets. As a recognized expert in capital construction and operational challenges, Mark was recently honored with membership in the Society of Gas Operators (SOGO). Mark is an educator, trainer and writer with more than 20 years of industry expertise including an in-depth knowledge of the energy markets, and electric/gas utility concerns. He is an author of over 125 articles and research papers published internationally in industry journals. Mark s topic is Rocketing to Success: Achieving Growth in the Face of Scarcity. It is known the recovery, growth and expansion of the pipeline, shale oil/gas energy, and residential housing construction markets are well underway. This growth has led to a scarcity of labor, equipment operators and financing in these markets. Looking forward this scarcity will serve as constraints to growth and demand innovative solutions industry participants in order to thrive. MEMBERS BREAKFAST - Friday, February 7, :30 am - 10:30 am Mac King, Comedy Magician, The Mac King Comedy Magic Show, at Harrah s Las Vegas Hailed many as the premiere comedy magician in the world today, Mac King was just named Magician of the Year the Magic Castle in Hollywood, just broke a Guinness World Record, appeared on his seventh TV special for NBC-TV, performed on the Late Show with David Letterman and has been regarded as one of the top 5 shows in all of Las Vegas for the past ten years. King captivates audiences as he performs amazing sleights-of-hand, makes his head completely disappear in a paper bag and renders himself invisible, all while remaining unbelievably funny. Because of his quick wit and extensive audience interaction, no two shows are alike. CLOSING KEYNOTE BREAKFAST - Saturday, February 8, 2014 Clayton Anderson, Former NASA Astronaut 8:30 am - 10:30 am Clayton Anderson is an American engineer and a NASA astronaut. In 1983, Anderson joined the Johnson Space Center in the Mission Planning and Analysis Division. Anderson was a member of the Expedition 15 crew on board the Atlantis in June 2007 and spent 152 days on board the International Space Station. During his tour of duty aboard the station, Anderson performed three spacewalks. After retiring he said, My goal is to give people an inside look into the life of an astronaut, the ups and downs, highs and lows, and what happens in a person s life when you agree to fly and live in space for five months. The focus here is persistence, hard work and inspiration, illustrated through Anderson s fifteen attempts to become a United States Astronaut. Using examples from his two spaceflights, Anderson challenges attendees to examine how they may apply the same concepts to their everyday work and personal lives. DCA GOLF TOURNAMENT - MOON SPA & GOLF CLUB Friday, February 7, :30 pm - 6:00 pm Jack Nicklaus has put his signature on the Cancun-Riviera Maya golf landscape with The Club at Moon Palace. This 7,165 yard, par-72, Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is a true championship golf course that surpasses even the highest standards set Palace Resorts. With four sets of tees, The Golf Club at Moon Palace will be enjoyed golfers of all skill levels, as this fantastic layout requires the golfer to navigate not only through the native Mayan vegetation, but also numerous natural wetland waste bunkers that have been strategically placed. Inclusive Price: $225 per person Club rental: $58 Shoe rental: $18 Green fee Private round trip transport to course Lunch Refreshments during play

5 OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES EXPLORE CHICHEN ITZA $150 per person Tuesday, February 4 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Chichen Itza is one of the greatest remnants of the Mayan Civilization. Throughout its nearly 1,000-year history, different peoples have left their mark on the city. The Maya and Toltec vision of the world and the universe is revealed in their stone monuments and artistic works. The fusion of Mayan construction techniques with new elements from central Mexico make Chichen Itza one of the most important examples of the Mayan-Toltec civilization in Yucatán. You will explore the site foot and walk through some of the impressive structures to experience the beauty and architecture of this famous city. You will visit the great Pyramid of Kukulcan, a magnificent stepped pyramid, the Temple of the Warriors, the Ball Court & the Observatory. The site is listed as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and is one of the most visited sites in Mexico. Deluxe air-conditioned transportation Refreshments & lunch Admission fee English speaking tour guide Transfer to site 2.5 hours Sunscreen & sunglasses recommended Hat and comfortable walking shoes DEEP SEA FISHING $275 per person Tuesday, February 4 Thursday, February 6 7:00 am - 1:00 pm 1:00-6:00 pm The Mexican Caribbean Sea is productive all year long for a large variety of species including marlin, sailfish, mahi mahi, wahoo, king fish, barracudas, black fin tunas, red snapper, grouper, trigger fish, and sharks. That is why Deep Sea Fishing is one of the most popular water activities in Cancun! The captain and crew are experienced, and bilingual, with years of fishing knowhow. Deep Sea Fishing is an exciting experience for everyone. Whether you re a fishing amateur or an experienced angler, this fishing expedition is perfect for you! Round trip to marina Exclusive fishing charter All fishing bait & tackle Refreshments on board Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat highly recommended Strapped sandals (no flip flops) Guests who experience motion sickness are advised to take proper precautions Activity based on favorable weather conditions. The captain will determine if the boat can go out during inclement weather conditions CATAMARAN SAILING AND REEF SNORKELING $170 per person Tuesday, February 4 Friday, February 7 9:00 am - 1:00 pm 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm Enjoy a spectacular day on the crystal clear waters of the Mexican Caribbean. Sail away from Cancun and visit the Isla Mujeres aboard a fun-filled sailing catamaran. Swim and snorkel on the most splendid sites that form part of the Mesoamerican coral reef systems - second largest in the world. You will see a spectacular show of marine life, home for over 100 exotic species. Round trip to marina Private catamaran Snorkeling equipment Snorkeling tour of reef Refreshments Beach attire Water shoes/sandals Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat Underwater camera

6 OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES Experienced guides will lead you through the dense mangroves to the open sea where you will get in to the teal blue waters to explore the reef. While snorkeling, you will see amazing exotic fish, beautiful living coral and other marine life. Truly an unforgettable experience. Round trip to marina Speed boat for 2 people Snorkel equipment, refreshments Wear light clothing Sunglasses, sunscreen & hat Bring or wear bathing suit THE TULUM RUINS $130 per person Thursday, February 6 12:30-5:30 pm Tulum is an ancient fortress that sits atop the rugged cliffs overlooking the Caribbean, offering breath-taking views of the turquoise waters below. Tulum was one of the last cities inhabited and built the Mayans; it was at its pinnacle between the 13th and 15th centuries and managed to survive about 70 years after the Spanish occupation of Mexico. Old World diseases, brought the Spanish settlers, appear to have been the cause of its demise. Among the structures in Tulum, El Castillo (the castle) is the most imposing, serving as a temple as well as a fortress. Round trip air-conditioned transportation English speaking guide Boxed lunch & beverages Admission fees Tram ride on site Transfer to site 90 minutes Sunglasses, sunscreen & hat Comfortable walking shoes (no flip flops) WATER JUNGLE SAFARI $125 per person Thursday, February 6 Saturday, February 8 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm Admire the beauty of the Caribbean Sea while you drive your own speed boat. You will travel through a series of channels experiencing tropical birds, exotic plants and marine life. SELVATICA EXTREME CANOPY ADVENTURE $170 per person Thursday, February 6 Saturday, February 8 12:30 pm - 5:30 pm 12:30 pm - 5:30 pm Take it to the next level and let s pump it up to the EXTREME! When fast is not fast enough and high is not high enough and long is just not long enough...then get ready to experience EXTREMO where you will have the ride of your life on some of Mexico s longest, highest and fastest zip lines. Then you and a buddy are off to rally through the jungle in your very own rally buggy crossing the finish line at the emerald green waters of your private cenote (sink hole). Relax, swim and jump in the refreshing waters of the jungle. Round trip transfers to the site Entrance fee Refreshments Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes (clothes and shoes will get extremely dirty!) Sunglasses, sunscreen & hat Bring or wear bathing suit Bring change of clothes (your other clothes will be dirty and wet) Small lockers available Register online at

7 PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Tuesday, February 4 Member Spouse or Guest 7:00 am - 1:00 pm Deep Sea Fishing Optional adventure See brochure 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Chichen Itza Expedition Optional adventure See brochure 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Catamaran Snorkeling Optional adventure See brochure 9:00 am - 9:30 am Executive Committee Meeting 9:30 am - 11:30 am Board of Directors Meeting Attire Closed session of the Executive Committee Closed Closed session of the Board of Directors Closed 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Board Spouse Activity Optional culinary experience for Board Spouses 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Registration Party Register for the convention. Enjoy catching up with old friends and meet new ones. Includes refreshments and entertainment. Board Spouses 11:30 am - 12:00 pm Leadership Council Closed session of the Leadership Council Closed 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Leadership Council Lunch Private lunch for Leadership Council and Spouses 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Past Presidents Meeting Closed meeting of DCA Past Presidents Closed 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Past Presidents Dinner Past Presidents will gather for an enjoyable evening at the famous Five Diamond Restaurant Fantino in The Ritz. Wednesday, February 5 7:00 am - 9:00 am 3 Mile Walk/Run Open to all... Run, walk, or just enjoy a morning stroll with friends along the beach. 8:00 am - 9:00 am Curtis Allen Scholarship Committee 9:00 am - 10:00 am DCA-Dale R. Michels Scholarship Committee The committee will meet to choose the recipients of the Curtis Allen scholarship. The committee will meet to choose the recipients of the DCA-Dale R. Michels scholarships. Athletic Closed Closed Men: Sport Coat (Tie not required) Ladies: Cocktail attire 10:00 am - 10:30 am NDPIC & PF Trustees Closed meeting of the NDPIC & PF Trustees Closed 10:30 am - 11:00 am LiUNA/DCA Trust Meeting Closed meeting of the LiUNA Trustees Closed 11:30 pm - 12:30 pm First Timer Orientation Lunch ( only) 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm Associate Member Orientation 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm Regular Member Orientation 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Safety/Risk Management Committee First time DCA Convention attendees and spouses/ guests are invited to lunch with the Board of Directors & Leadership Council along with their spouses/guests. Associate Members are invited to learn about the convention meetings, activities and evening events. New Associate Members will be introduced. Open to all Associate Members. Regular Members are invited to learn about the convention meetings, activities and evening events. New Regular Members will be introduced. Open to all Regular Members. The committee will focus on the Arthur Everham Safety Award and the Safety Director of the Year Awards. 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Education Committee Enriching the association through speakers, continued learning and current trends. 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm HDD Committee HDD issues and industry conferences in 2014 will be the focus. 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Membership Committee Committee will focus on membership initiatives in 2014 and future years. 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Government Relations Committee 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Welcome Reception & Dinner Discussion regarding regulatory and legislative items pertaining to the construction industry. Enjoy an evening at the private Beach Club at the Ritz. Catch up with old friends and make new ones., beach shoes Housing & Registration Deadline: Friday, December 20, 2013 Distribution Contractors Association 101 West Renner Road, Suite 460 Richardson, Texas Telephone: (972) Fax: (972) events@dcaweb.org

8 Thursday, February 6 Member Spouse or Guest 8:30 am - 10:30 am Opening Keynote Breakfast Keynote Speaker: Richard Picciotto, FDNY Chief and Highest Ranking Firefighter to Survive the World Trade Center Collapse. Attire 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Business Session Speaker: Mark Bridgers, Rocketing to Success 12:30 pm - 5:30 pm Selvatica Extreme Canopy Adventure 12:30 pm - 5:30 pm Explore the Mayan Ruins of Tulum 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm Water Jungle Safari & Snorkeling Optional activity See brochure Optional activity See brochure Optional activity See brochure 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Deep Sea Fishing Optional activity See brochure 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Auction Reception Live and Silent Auction items will be on display while you enjoy a buffet style dinner. 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Annual Auction The auction is a fun and fast paced evening. Members and guests vie for highly sought-after items. Funds raised go to scholarships and other DCA activities. 10:00 pm - 12:00 am Nightcap Reception Relax with friends and business associates after the auction for a nightcap. Friday, February 7 8:30 am - 10:30 am Members Breakfast DCA Members will enjoy breakfast and be entertained Comedian & Magician Mac King. 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Spouses Program Start the day with a healthy breakfast and be pampered with several optional spa treatments; yoga session, chair massage, meditation, reflexology, all while enjoying the sights and sounds of the beach front venue. 10:00 am - 11:00 am DCA Town Hall State of the Association. This is an opportunity to have your voice heard with an open dialogue with DCA leadership. 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Regular Member Meeting DCA Contractors will vote on the 2014 slate of officers. 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Associate Member Meeting The Associate Members will discuss 2014 goals and elect a new Associate Member Director. Casual/Beach Attire 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm Catamaran Snorkeling Optional adventure See brochure 12:30 pm Golf Transportation Transportation to Moon Spa & Golf Club Proper Golf Attire 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm DCA Golf Tournament DCA Golf Tournament at Moon Spa & Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course (shotgun start). Full lunch buffet included. Evening Restaurant Dine-Around This evening is on-your-own. Gather some friends, pick a restaurant and have a wonderful evening in Cancun. Saturday, February 8 Proper Golf Attire 8:30 am - 10:30 am Closing Keynote Breakfast Keynote Speaker: Clayton Anderson, Former NASA Astronaut. 10:30 am - 12:00 pm New Board of Directors Meeting 12:30 pm - 5:30 pm Selvatica Extreme Canopy Adventure 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm Water Jungle Safari & Snorkeling 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm President s Reception & President s Dinner Newly elected 2014 DCA Board of Directors have their first closed session meeting. Closed Optional activity See brochure Optional activity See brochure Come celebrate the conclusion of the convention and welcome the 2014 Board of Directors. 10:00 pm - 12:00 am After Hours Reception Dance the night away. Sunday, February 9 Ladies: Cocktail attire Men: Dress shirt and trousers 8:00 am - 10:00 am Farewell Breakfast A chance to say farewell to old and new friends.

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