AWCI’s Convention & INTEX Expo is coming up March 22–26 in Las Vegas. I hope you will attend and encourage your team and peers to join us for the valuable industry experience it will be. Your investment in AWCI’s annual event is one that will pay off in many ways over the years to come.
We have a wonderful lineup of speakers starting on March 25 with Ben Nemtin speaking on his New York Times best seller, “What Do You Want to Do Before You Die?” It has been described as a collection on your wildest dreams. And he should know because he’s done it. After suffering depression, to feel more alive Ben created the world’s greatest bucket list with friends. That list included things like having a beer with Prince Harry and placing a $250,000 bet on roulette. I know you’ll find his talk inspiring.
Meanwhile, AWCI’s executive vice president and CEO, Michael Stark, will be providing the “State of AWCI” during the opening session on March 25. Speakers at the education sessions on March 25–26 will discuss construction technology, drug screening, contract language and much more, including a presentation of select AWCI “Doing It Right” programs. Let’s not forget the always popular awards program, fund-raising events for the Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry, the Solutions Showcases in the exhibit hall, the new Emerging Leaders Reception and the optional activity for spouses—the Showgirl Boot Camp Experience.
Whether this is your first or your 31st AWCI convention, there are always key take-aways—be it from what you learn at the trade show, the educational sessions or the ample networking opportunities.
One of the best things I find about attending AWCI’s Convention & INTEX Expo, and frankly about my membership in AWCI, is that AWCI is the one place where all types of firms in our industry can come together to discuss best practices—essential as we all strive to lead successful businesses. Whether your company is open shop or union; big, small or somewhere in between; a contractor, supplier, distributor or manufacturer; has a local, regional or national presence; or even a woman-owned small business like mine, AWCI has something for you. AWCI does not represent any one of these markets, but represents them all—the entire wall and ceiling industry.
AWCI’s Convention & INTEX Expo is our largest gathering of the year. Our goal is that this year’s event in Las Vegas will be even better than those before it, and that next year in New Orleans will be better still. Know that AWCI is working every day to represent all of its members and the entire industry, and I hope you’ll join me in Las Vegas this month to be part of this exciting journey.
In addition to being 2019–2020 president of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry, Nancy Brinkerhoff is CEO and president of Ironwood Commercial Builders in Northern California.
