The event hotel, The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg is now sold out. If you need a reservation, a list of other downtown hotels is available here.
A list of restaurants in the local area is here.
Click here for a printable brochure.
2016 Annual Meeting
The 2016 AWPA Annual Meeting will be held in sunny St. Petersburg, FL. We hope you will join us Monday through Wednesday, February 22-24, at the Vinoy St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club. The 2016 Annual Meeting brings together experts on the economy, the latest information on trade and business issues affecting the industry, provides current perspectives on your markets and gives you the opportunity to discuss current issues with colleagues and customers. The Vinoy's location, right in the heart of the St. Petersburg waterfront, provides fantastic opportunities for dining and shopping, along with all the leisure amenities that you expect from a resort hotel. Add that to the program of industry economic information, an up-to-the-minute political update, and the chance to rub elbows with everyone in the steel wire industry, and it's a meeting you won't want to miss!
GENERAL SESSIONS
With so much uncertainty in the manufacturing industry today, you need the best information on the economy, the markets, and the current legislative and regulatory environment. This program is designed to provide important information to assist you in formulating a responsive business strategy in 2016.
Economic Update
What lies ahead for the global economy in 2016? What economic forces will impact the industry? We will have the data, and tell you what to watch for in 2016. Come hear the inside scoop on economic trends for the steel sector in general and the wire industry.
Scrap Market Forecast
The raw materials markets are a vital aspect of the rod and wire business. How will the state of the global economy impact affect the scrap market? Don’t miss this expert’s take on the current state of the scrap market, and the forecast for 2016.
Rod Supply Panel
After a hiatus of several years, this program will include the popular panel of your colleagues who are industry experts addressing Global Rod Supply. Executives from a wire company, US carbon and stainless rod mills, and an international trading company will provide insight from their perspectives on the current rod market and the supply and demand issues that face the wire industry.
2016 Political Outlook
In February, the Presidential Primary season will be in full swing. What will the November elections bring? What can we expect from Congress in 2016 as the parties battle their way to the White House? What trade issues will be on the forefront? We will hear from Glen Bolger for an update on the 2016 election. Mr. Bolger is one of the Republican Party's leading political strategists and pollsters. He is a partner and co-founder of Public Opinion Strategies, a national political and public affairs survey research firm whose clients include leading political figures, Fortune 500 companies, and major associations. Public Opinion Strategies has 13 US Senators, 6 governors, and more than 65 Members of Congress as clients. He will have the inside scoop for us on the 2016 campaigns.
Supplier Presentations
Supplier members will also make presentations on the capabilities, capital improvements and quality and productivity advances at their companies.
MEETINGS
Committee Meetings
Committee meetings will be held Monday afternoon. Committee meetings are the forum where activities and programs are planned and issues of concern are discussed. All members and potential members are welcome and encouraged to attend the Membership, PC Strand and Stainless Committee meetings. A Rope (planning) Committee will also take place, if there is sufficient interest from rope producers. Attendance at the Executive Committee, Government Relations Advisory Committee and Board of Directors meetings are limited to the designated committee members. Please refer to the preliminary program for dates and times.
Business Meetings
Active and Associate Member Business Meetings, an important component of the Annual Meeting, are the venue of the official business of the Association. These meetings will take place Wednesday morning. The Active Member Business Meeting will include the election of Officers and Directors, a financial report, and the discussion of any business or policy issues that require attention. What projects will AWPA members undertake to work cooperatively in the coming year to tackle the issues the industry is facing? Your company has a stake in what AWPA decides to do.
AWPA Suppliers and Active members are reminded it is the policy of the AWPA that commercial meetings and private social events may not be scheduled during the general sessions and evening events on the Annual Meeting Schedule of Events.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Opening Cocktail Reception – Sponsored by the Associate Members
Monday, February 22 – 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
The first official gathering of all the members is the opening cocktail reception on Monday evening. This is your opportunity to seek out information about what your colleagues, competitors, and suppliers are doing. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served, before you head off to dinner with customers, colleagues and friends. Dress is evening resort casual. Weather permitting, this event will be held outdoors, so you may want to bring a light sweater or jacket.
Cocktail Reception
Tuesday, February 25 – 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
The second reception, on Tuesday evening, gives attendees the chance to discuss the topics of the day and congratulate those who have won the sports tournaments. Dress is evening resort casual.
OPTIONAL EVENTS
Golf Tournament - Tuesday, February 23 – 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm
This year’s AWPA golf tournament will take place at the Vinoy Golf Club, one of the area’s most scenic courses. The tournament fee is $235 per person. The fee includes green fees, cart, driving range, practice balls, box lunch, transportation to the course, and a world-class golf experience. The format is a shotgun, scramble tournament so that golfers of all skill levels will enjoy the event. A dress code of appropriate golf attire will be strictly enforced – collared shirts are required and no denim is allowed. Women must wear a shirt with sleeves or a collar. Metal spikes are not allowed. When you register, please indicate handicaps for you and your spouse/guest, if s/he will be participating in the tournament. Foursomes will be arranged based on your handicap and include both wire producers and suppliers. All rentals must be paid in advance through the AWPA – club rentals will not be available on the day of play. Please select right or left-handed clubs during registration, if rentals are needed. The club rental fee is $55. Prizes will be awarded to the winning foursomes and at designated holes for longest drive and closest to the pin.
NEW Fishing Tournament - Tuesday, February 23 – 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Head out for an afternoon of fishing on St. Petersburg’s beautiful waters. Everything necessary for a great afternoon of fishing will be provided, including a boxed lunch, and prizes will be awarded for largest fish, smallest fish, and most fish! The tournament fee is $235 per person.
NEW Spouse/Guest Brunch - Tuesday, February 23 – 9:30 am to 11:30 am
This year the spouse/guest hospitality event will be held on Tuesday morning. All spouses and guests are welcome to attend brunch, to meet and mingle with other attendees. A representative from the St. Petersburg Visitors Bureau will discuss the area, local attractions, and be available to answer questions. It’s a great opportunity to find out about St. Pete, and then make plans to head out to explore the town for the afternoon! There is no additional fee to participate in this event.