Nearly 2,400 attendees celebrated AWCI’s 100th anniversary in Florida March 24–28 during AWCI’s Convention & INTEX Expo. Celebrations throughout the convention were punctuated by upgraded events and menus. Those who attended the awards brunch not only heard from global futurist Jack Uldrich, they found out who won AWCI’s construction quality, safety and innovation awards. In addition to sharing ways to predict the unpredictable, Uldrich advised attendees to consider engaging a “reverse mentor,” someone younger who can help you see things from a different perspective.
The President’s Welcome Reception was held at Epcot and featured a visit from Mickey and Minnie Mouse, a DJ and a fireworks show. Then, near the end of the convention, those who attended the formal black-tie Celebration Night Dinner had their photos taken and placed in commemorative frames to mark the occasion. A group photo of the entire room was also taken; a copy of this photo will be placed in the time capsule. Live music awaited dancers who wanted to work off the calories they ate during the dinner that ended with a special dessert.
During the dinner, the Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry hosted its annual silent auction and raffles. Combined, the silent auction, jewelry raffle and auto raffle raised more than $65,000, which will benefit the Foundation’s education programs and the AWCI CARES program.
In addition, all full registrants received a complimentary copy of AWCI’s centennial book, “Celebrating 100 Years of Industry Growth with the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry,” which can also be found online. The centennial decades insert included with this newsletter provides easy-to-use links to each of the book’s chapters. Those who were unable to attend can order a copy from the AWCI Bookstore, but note that supplies are very limited; the hardcopy book won’t be available for long.
And then there was the largest trade show in the wall and ceiling industry. With more than 300 booths, the INTEX Expo was deemed a success as various exhibitors contributed tools and other items to AWCI’s time capsule, which was featured prominently in AWCI’s booth. Expo visitors were also invited to write messages to the future, which all will go in the time capsule that will be (hopefully) opened in 2118 during AWCI’s bicentennial celebrations.
Sponsorships at this event were at an all-time high due to increased efforts for the centennial year.
With all the centennial excitement, it is important to note that AWCI’s convention got down to business right away. Various AWCI committees met to shape future trends within the industry and the association, and education session topics covered hot topics such as augmented reality and other new technologies, OSHA’s new rule regarding silica, quality pre-construction meetings, panelization and exterior wall flammability. AWCI’s board of directors meeting included presentations on self-performing general contractors, steel tariffs and the Foundation’s upcoming research paper, “LEED v4: Implications for Contractors.”
See more photos on AWCI’s Facebook page.
The 2019 convention will be held in Maryland, April 22–26.