Industry Education • Premium Networking • Great Times! 2024 ANNUAL CONVENTION Naples Grande Beach Resort • Naples, Florida April 5 - 10, 2024
Home to the 2024 APCA Convention, the Naples Grande Beach Resort is one of the most exciting resorts in Florida and a highly sought-after destination for all beachside escapes. The resort invites you to experience their unmatched level of genuine guest service and attention to every detail of your stay. Explore the warm beach property and indulge in an inclusive getaway full of leisure, activities, and incredible nearby sights. Set on 23 waterfront acres, the resort promises to be a sanctuary of beachfront sophistication complemented by spectacular ocean views and a portfolio of world-class amenities, including a luxurious spa, an 18-hole championship golf course, 15 tournament grade tennis courts as well as a beautiful beach and a vibrant swimming pool deck at the heart of the resort experience. Suites & Rooms. Naples Grande offers the most spacious, comfortable, and practical guest rooms and suites that are ideal for family travel. Beautiful views, comfy beds, private balconies, walk-in showers and soaking tubs, and more make your stay memorable and comfortable. Naples Beach. Escape to three miles of powdery, white-sand beach. Walk lazily along the sandy shore and take in the soothing breezes floating lightly off the stunning Gulf of Mexico. Stroll along the boardwalk or take an open-air tram ride through a 200-acre protected Mangrove Estuary to the resort’s secluded beach. You can enjoy an al fresco lunch and refreshing drinks at Rhodes End beach bar, relax in chaise lounges, umbrellas, and cabanas, and partake in water-sports activities available for rent, including kayaks and paddleboards. Three Pools of Aquatic Paradise. The relaxed sophistication of Naples Grande is reflected in poolside splendor complemented by luxurious services and features. • The Mangrove Pool ensures heightened thrills for the entire family with its spectacular twisting 100-feet waterslide that pushes 800 gallons per minute. The Mangrove Pool also offers a beach-style entry making it the ideal location for younger children. • The Palm Terrace Pool is exclusive for adults looking to escape to a private retreat. Surrounded by stunning bougainvillea and chic artwork, guests can relax in the whirlpool or cool off in the refreshing adult pool. • Hibiscus Hideaway provides a secluded experience for guests looking to enjoy water aerobics and lap swimming. Spa & Fitness Center. The Spa at Naples Grande is your place to refresh and renew, featuring 12 spacious treatment rooms, a serene Meditation Lounge, hair and nail salon, and other peaceful and serene amenities. The 8,000-square-foot fitness center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art workout equipment. Golf & Tennis. Designed by acclaimed golf architect Rees Jones, the par-72 course at Naples Grande Golf Club proves interesting, challenging, and beautiful. Golfweek Magazine rated it as one of North America’s Top 100 Resort Courses. The unrivaled tennis program offers 15 championship courts and expert instruction from first-class tennis professionals. Delicious Dining. Naples Grande offers a variety of delectable dining options. The Catch of the Pelican restaurant celebrates the vibrant flavor of the Gulf Coast in a relaxed-yetsophisticated setting. The beachfront Rhode’s End feels like an escape to a remote Greek island and is the ideal spot for lunch, evening appetizers, or a gorgeous sunset with a signature cocktail. Aura Restaurant offers breakfast daily in a truly cosmopolitan, cutting-edge atmosphere. The Gulfcoast Oasis pool bar offers a daily menu of Baja-inspired sandwiches, refreshing salads, and the Mantra lounge in the lobby offers lunch, dinner, and a variety of beverages. Discover Naples Grande Beach Resort A Special Place Inspired by Distinctive Heritage
Naples Grande is conveniently located for APCA members looking to explore the charming city of Naples, the pristine natural areas nearby, and a multitude of available activities. Besides the white sand Gulf of Mexico beaches, Florida’s Paradise Coast features world-renowned arts and culture, fantastic golf and fishing, sophisticated shopping and dining, Marco Island’s tropical island charm, and the natural wonders and outdoor adventures like kayaking, canoeing, birding, hiking, fishing, and more available in Florida’s Gulf Coast Everglades. Naples is the gateway to the Everglades, one of America’s largest and most pristine wilderness areas and two of its most beautiful National Parks: Big Cypress National Preserve (www.nps.gov/bicy) and Everglades National Park (www.nps.gov/ever). These parks provide important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther. An abundance of clubs and courses make Naples a golf lover’s paradise. With more than 90 golf courses in the area, there are plenty of great places to play. Besides the outstanding course at Naples Grande, locals recommend the Rookery and Hammock Bay at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, the Tiburon Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, and TPC Treviso Bay. Naples is home to some of the finest shopping anywhere, all conveniently accessible from Naples Grande, some within walking distance. Look for the Waterside Shops at Pelican Bay (just steps from the resort and home to over 60 luxury retailers and restaurants), Fifth Avenue South (heart of downtown Naples, a palm-lined street with over 20 restaurants and a variety of boutique stores), and Third Street South (another downtown collection of independent fashion boutiques and restaurants). With Naples’ natural beauty as inspiration for artists throughout the ages, it’s no surprise that the area is a haven for the arts. Numerous fine art galleries are located in the Third Street South shopping and dining district, featuring a variety of work from realist to abstract paintings. You’ll find more on Fifth Avenue South and at Crayton Cove near the Naples City Dock. The Collier County Museum in Naples is a must-see for ancient Florida history with prehistoric visions of the coast and those who once inhabited it. Learn about the Calusa, the area’s early settlers, little-known wars in South Florida, and the Seminole Tribe. If you’re bringing the kids, check out the Children’s Museum of Naples, a brainbuilding powerhouse and Southwest Florida’s first museum devoted for children and families to learn through play, and the Naples Zoo. Don’t hesitate to ask any member of Naples Grande Beach Resort for some additional things to see and do and places to eat near the hotel. Here’s what they say: “Many of us have been here for years and are always happy to share our local favorites so you can have the most memorable and fulfilling vacation.” Naples, Florida Can’t-miss Attractions and Experiences
Preliminary Schedule Friday, April 5 Registration Open 4 - 6 pm Board of Directors Sponsor Reception 6 - 7:30 pm Open to APCA Board members, 2024 Convention sponsors, and their spouse/guest by invitation. Dinner on your own Saturday, April 6 Board of Directors Meeting 8 - 11:45 am Includes breakfast and refreshments. Open to APCA Board of Directors only. NEW APCA Leadership Development Program with Andy Patron: Leadership Overview 8 am - 4 pm This is the first of seven leadership development modules that include Leadership Overview, Executive Communication, Financial Management, Contract Negotiation, Client Relationships, The Power of Effective Teams, and Strategic Planning and Organizational Change. This session will focus on the following: Industry Overview and Trends • Discuss the health of the industry. • Expand the market awareness of the class. Exercise: The GRID • Introduce Leadership vs Management. Leading and Getting Out of the Way • What’s the difference? Learn to distinguish between leadership and management skills. • Some days require you to focus on the planning, organizing and controlling skills of an efficient manager. • but don’t forget to plan for the future by setting direction, aligning people and motivating and inspiring. Why We Do What We Do • Evaluate your own management and lifestyles using the Personal Profile System. • Gain direct feedback on your self-perception, your response as expected by others, and your inherent response under pressure. • Learn how individual styles effect your communication and leadership with others. Exercise: ProScan Assessment Time Management is Self-Management—Personal Productivity • See how a few minutes every day can translate into big dollars. • Analyze which activities impact your time the most. Do they provide a payoff? • Understand the Importance vs. Urgency dilemma. • Discover ways to deal with the number one culprit: other people. Case Study: Time Management Case Study Effective Delegation • Increase your available time through proper delegation. • Delegate responsibility and authority with accountability. • How delegation can be your most effective training tool. • Learn to delegate and improve, but not lose control. Making the Personal Commitment: Your Action Plan $500 per person includes all educational materials, professional instructor, and breakfast and lunch on Saturday. APCA Welcome Reception 6:30 - 7:30 pm Come enjoy a cocktail with fellow APCA members. Dinner and Opening Session with Captain Mark Nutsch - 12 Strong 7:30 - 9:30 pm Mark Nutsch, who was portrayed by actor Chris Hemsworth in the major motion picture 12 Strong, shares the now-declassified true-life story of helping lead what is considered the most successful unconventional warfare campaign in modern history. In October 2001 following the attacks of 9/11, Nutsch led a heroic 12-man Green Beret team of U.S. Special Forces on a covert mission to Afghanistan, where they would ride to war on horses to fight the enemy, capture the strategic city of Mazar-i-Sharif within a matter of weeks, and successfully overthrow the Taliban. Now he’s here to tell APCA his behind-the-scenes account of how this almost unbelievable victory played out and the lessons he learned on leadership, teamwork, and perseverance. Sunday, April 7 Member & Spouse Breakfast 8 - 9 am Everyone is invited to this tasty breakfast buffet. Government & Industry Relations Panel 9 - 10:30 am Led by Jaime Steve, Zack Perconti, and the APCA Government & Industry Affairs Committee, this session details the committee’s recent initiatives, maps out its upcoming activities, and asks members about the issues that are
affecting their businesses. Representatives from government and industry will provide brief reports on issues relevant to the pipeline construction industry. All APCA members are encouraged to attend and to participate in the discussion. We want to hear from you! Transformation…Let Me Count the Ways! with Mark Bridgers 10:45 am - 12 pm Covid 19 is a demarcation point that we will forever use as a before and after date. What the transformation wrought, while it feels extreme already, is only just beginning. In this session, Mark looks forward 1-2 years economically, politically, and marketwise and then discusses a 10-year future depiction of what the decade ahead will hold. Hang on tight as we explore the next decade and speak to the U.S. role in the world, global economic conditions, the push toward full electrification, ascendency or collapse of China and India, Middle East & Africa influences, accelerating pressure on fossil fuels, the application and use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, among other topics. All of these transformations will shape the North American pipeline market, and Mark will provide insights into where the markets are headed to assist attendees as they shape their firm’s strategy over the next business cycle. Pool Day 12:30 - 4 pm Join fellow members at the Mangrove Pool for this annual informal gathering of APCA members. Full beverage and food service will be available to purchase at the Gulf Coast Oasis Pool Bar. Naples Trolley Tour 1:30 - 3:30 pm Sit back and enjoy the ride on a signature trolley, as our guides combine humorous stories and historical facts into a fun-filled tour that’s both entertaining and educational. These expert guides show you the sights from historical landmarks to world-class shopping areas, local attractions, beautiful beaches, waterways, and much more. $70 per person includes transportation, 2-hour narrated tour, taxes, and gratuities. Guided Kayak Tour 1:30 - 4 pm On this 2-hour guided kayak tour, guides share local knowledge as they explain the Florida vegetation, wildlife, and real estate in the surrounding area. You will travel through the mangrove islands that are inhabited by an abundance of wildlife, including dolphins, ospreys, egrets, and bald eagles. $150 per person includes transportation, 2-hour guided tour, kayak, paddles, life jacket, taxes, and gratuities. APCA Silent Auction Reception 6 - 7 pm The APCA Silent Auction and Reception will be filled with cocktails, snacks, good times with friends, and some low-key bidding for about 50 minutes. Then, as the deadline nears, things will get a little crazy and it’s everyone for themselves! 2nd Annual APCA Live Auction and Associate Member Sponsored Dinner 7 - 10 pm The APCA Auction is the liveliest night on the APCA calendar. APCA revelers bid on a variety of fabulous trips, ballgames, tools, equipment, jewelry, and much, much more. All proceeds go directly to supporting Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future and to building programs and services for APCA members, so everyone is encouraged to bid early, bid often, and have a great time. Monday, April 8 Annual Associates Exhibit & Breakfast 8 - 10:30 am APCA’s manufacturer and supplier members host the 7th Annual Associates Exhibit & Breakfast. Contractor members will meet with vendors, discuss jobsite issues, and learn about the industry’s latest products and services in a very relaxed atmosphere while enjoying a delicious breakfast. Exhibit Teardown 10:30 am - 8 pm Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future Update with Susan Waller 10:45 - 11:45 am Natural Allies is a coalition of interested stakeholders that recognize the vital role natural gas and its infrastructure must play in the energy mix. Natural gas partnered with renewable energy can accelerate our transition to a clean energy future while ensuring affordability and reliability and reducing carbon emissions domestically and internationally. Susan Waller is the Executive Director of Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future. She served as vice president of stakeholder engagement and enterprise-wide public awareness program for Enbridge. In that role she directed public and community engagement related to the company’s U.S. energy projects and led Enbridge’s North American public awareness program initiative. Prior to joining Enbridge in 2008, Waller served as vice president for AMEC, Earth Environmental, managing the company’s oil and gas sector. Before that, she served as vice president for the Shaw Group, Inc., and for Regulatory Compliance Partners, Inc. She also served in numerous leadership positions at El Paso Corporation, including director for government and project affairs. Waller earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Houston. She is a member of Women in Energy, the Society of Gas Lighters, the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, the Southern Gas Association, and the Northeast Gas Association.
APCA Golf Tournament 12:30 - 6:30 pm APCA golfers will tee it up at the private Naples Grande Golf Club, designed by the renowned Rees Jones. The par72 championship course is demanding and exhilarating with extraordinary elevations and unique water features expertly incorporating the indigenous Florida foliage. The course was voted one of the “10 Best New Golf Courses in Florida” by Travel & Leisure Golf. The recently rebuilt clubhouse has a great restaurant, a patio with stunning views, and a pro shop with everything you’ll need on the links. $400 includes round-trip transportation, cart, box lunch, prizes, and taxes. Rental clubs: $75 Free Night 6:30 pm Be sure to make reservations early at one of Naples fabulous restaurants. Dining in Naples presents the pleasant dilemma of choosing among virtually unlimited restaurants for dinner. There is something for everyone in Naples. From dry aged steaks at Andre’s Steak House or T-Michaels Steak & Lobster to seafood at The Bay House or USS Nemo. From Mediterranean at Mediterrano to authentic Peruvian fare at Lima Restaurant and Pisco Bar. From the casual atmosphere at Bar Tulia to the upscale Italian vibe at Campiello, dining is a highlight in Naples. You’ll always find a spot to satisfy your appetite and match your mood, and when you prefer to dine in privacy, the Naples Grande catering team is eager to provide service to your room for an everyday meal or special occasion. Tuesday, April 9 Breakfast 8 - 9 am Start your day with fellow Contractor and Associate members over a full breakfast and steaming cups of coffee. APCA Associate Member Meeting 8:45 - 9:15 am APCA’s Associate members hold a roundtable discussion on topics that affect manufacturers and suppliers in the pipeline construction industry. Spouse Breakfast 9 - 10:30 am Join fellow spouses on the Sunset Veranda overlooking the pool. The culinary team will prepare a beautiful breakfast buffet complete with bloody marys and mimosas for you to enjoy while you chat with friends and share some laughs. Preliminary Schedule Any Day Activity: Shopping at Tin City or 5th Avenue South Tin City: Locally Owned Stores, Restaurants & Adventure for the Whole Family Built in the early 1900s on the Gordon River, Tin City became the hub of Naples’ fishing industry as a boatyard and clam and oyster cannery. The area boomed in the 1920s with the building of the Seaboard Airline Railroad. Today, Tin City is a family-friendly waterfront boardwalk boasting dozens of eclectic local shops, restaurants, an ice cream parlor, and other unique attractions. No chain stores. You’ll find a variety of interesting wares, from local crafts and crystals to fine jewelry, home accessories, fashions for the whole family, and much more. A Tin City directory is at www.tincityofnaples.com/copy-of-directory. Tin City is about 6 miles south of the resort (around a 15-minute drive), down the Tamiami Trail and east on 5th Avenue South. 5th Avenue South: The Heart of Downtown Naples Since the 1920s, 5th Avenue South has been Naples’ unofficial Main Street. A palm-lined street with more than 20 restaurants and a variety of boutique stores for one-of-a-kind gifts and clothing, 5th Avenue South is a wonderful place to explore. While 5th Avenue South is Naples’ hottest shopping spot, it still maintains an Old Florida charm. Most of the businesses on the avenue are locally owned and operated and have been there for decades. Whether you’re looking for a great swimsuit or a one-of-a-kind gift crafted by local artists, 5th Avenue South has it all! Visit www.fifthavenuesouth.com/shop. 5th Avenue South caters to whatever cuisine that your belly and your mind decide on, from fancy to not-at-all fancy, from early morning coffee to late night treats. You’ll find traditional Italian, all-American burgers, the freshest seafood in town, and lots more. Come hungry! Visit www.fifthavenuesouth.com/dine. Fifth Avenue South is about 6 miles south of the resort (around a 15-minute drive), down the Tamiami Trail and east on 5th Avenue South.
Recent Developments in Employment Law 9:30 - 11 am Greg Guidry, a labor attorney with years of experience representing employers in the pipeline construction industry will update members on all of the significant labor and employment law developments of interest to employers that have occurred in recent months. Included will be federal legislation, federal regulatory and other federal labor agency actions, important court decisions, and other developments that impact the workplace. The discussion will also include practical tips for dealing with these developments, where appropriate. APCA Regular Member Meeting 11:15 - 11:45 am Open to APCA Regular (Contractor) members only. The meeting will be a fast-paced and frank discussion that touches on the various segments of the industry and promotes the sharing of insights and opinions from contractors working in different market sectors all over North America. Sweet Liberty Catamaran Cruise 12:15 - 4:15 pm Welcome aboard! Kick off your shoes, forget your worries, and enjoy the cruise as the crew plots the course to relaxation. Soak up some rays as you sip a chilled beverage and take in the sights on the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Visit the unspoiled Keewaydin Island beaches where you may explore, swim, and collect shells. Naples beaches have been voted among the top-10 beaches in the U.S. by National Geographic Traveler and the Travel Channel. $120 per person includes transportation, beer and soft drinks, dry snacks, taxes, and gratuities. Everglades Airboat Tour 1 - 5 pm Get closer to Florida wildlife as you skim across the water of the Florida Everglades on this airboat adventure. There is no place quite like these well-known wetlands where you can catch a glimpse of exotic wildlife, like endangered or rare birds and alligators. Guided by an experienced captain, no two Everglades adventures are ever the same as you experience this impressive eco-system. Keep your eyes peeled as you cruise through the unbridled wild beauty of this world treasure and view nature at its finest! $200 includes transportation, 45-minute private airboat tour, alligator show, animal sanctuary, taxes, and gratuities. APCA Final Party and 2nd Annual APCA Hall of Fame Awards 7 - 10 pm Join the group in the Royal Palm Ballroom for a fabulous buffet, the 2024 Hall of Fame presentations, and music and dancing featuring the Ben Allen Band. Ben Allen was a member of Team Blake on season 19 of NBC’s The Voice. Ben debuted on the voice in October 2019 and had three of the four judges turn their chairs and fight to coach him through season 19. Ben Allen was raised in church and first started singing in the choir. He continued singing in the school chorus but didn’t seriously pursue music after high school. It wasn’t until he was 31 that he performed at an open mic on a whim and loved every second of it. He formed a duo and later his own five-piece band, the Ben Allen Band, which is now one of the biggest bands in Southwest Florida Wednesday, April 10 Departures all day Additional Details Transportation Airport: The closest airport to the Naples Grande Beach Resort is Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), which is a 35-minute, 29-mile drive. For those flying private, Naples Airport is just 8 miles from the resort. For details go to www.flynaples. com or call (239) 643-0733. Taxi: Taxi service is available at the airport as well as at the hotel lobby. You can ask one of the bellmen to assist. Rental Cars: Rental cars are available onsite at RSW. Uber/Lift: Uber and Lift are readily available throughout the Naples area. Weather Early April is a great time to visit Naples, as there is very little rain with warm days and cooler nights. Average temperatures in early April are 81 degrees during the day and 63 degrees at night. What to Wear We have received a few questions about the dress code for the APCA Convention, and while there are no actual rules, here are a few suggestions: APCA meetings are largely business casual. For men that includes slacks or khakis, dress shirt or polo, and loafers or dress shoes. For women, that includes dress, skirt or slacks, and a blouse or nice top. At the evening events— Wednesday’s Opening General Session and Saturday’s Final Dinner—people get a little dressier. Many men wear sport coats. Pre- and Post-Convention Rates The Naples Grande Beach Resort will honor the discounted APCA room rate for three days before and three days after the convention, based on availability.
Office Use Only Date In_ _________________ Amount In_ ______________ Confirm__________________ 2024 Convention Registration April 5 - April 10, 2024 Naples Grande Beach Resort Naples, Florida Registrant Information Register no more than one couple per page 1. Registrant’s Name Badge Name 2. Spouse/Guest Name Badge Name 3. Youth 1 Name Age Badge Name 4. Youth 2 Name Age Badge Name Company Title Street Address City State ZIP Phone Cell Email Registration Info • Email this registration form to registration@ americanpipeline.org OR • Mail this registration form with payment to: PO Box 638 Churchton, MD 20733 Registration Fees All attendees must be registered Cancellation Policy There is no charge for cancellations received before 1/31/24. After 1/31/24 and before 3/1/24 there will be a 50% cancellation charge. There will be no refunds after 3/1/24 Questions? Call us at (703) 212-7745 Room Type p King Guest Room $399 | p Queen/Queen Room $399 p Villa Suite $449 | p Gulf View King Suite $599 Room rates are subject to taxes and service charge. Early departures will result in an early departure fee equal to 1 night’s room rate. Hotel Registration Credit card is required to reserve rooms. This is a separately charged item. Card Type: p MasterCard p VISA p AMEX Credit Card Number Expiration V-code Cardholder Name Signature Check-in Date Check-out Date Exhibit p Yes, I Want a Tabletop at the 7th Annual Associates Exhibit APCA Payment must accompany this registration in the form of a check or credit card. Payment must be received by January 31, 2024, for early discount. p Check Please make payable to APCA p MasterCard p VISA p AMEX Credit Card Number Expiration V-code Cardholder Name Signature Credit Card Billing Address p I’m a First-time Convention Attendee Registration Category By 1/31/24 After 1/31/24 Subtotal Owner/Employee Member $1,295 $1,595 Spouse/Guest $795 $895 Youth under 4 - 10 $345 $445 Youth 11-18 $595 $695 Optional Activities Please enter registrant’s number (1-4) from above Fees Registrant # APCA Leadership Development Program $500 Naples Trolly Tour (Sun, 1:30 - 3:30 pm) $70 Guided Kayak Tour (Sun, 1:30 - 4 pm) $150 APCA Golf Tournament (Mon, 12:30 - 6:30 pm) $400 Golf Club Rental (Mon) p Mens p Womens | p Right p Left $75 Spouse Breakfast (Tues, 9 - 10:30 am) included Catamaran Cruise (Tues, 12:15 - 4:15 pm) $120 Everglades Boat Tour (Tues, 1 - 5 pm) $200 Total Fees
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