Industry Education • Premium Networking • Great Times! 2025 MID-YEAR MEETING The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa • Point Clear, AL October 8 - 11, 2025
Point Clear is a charming beach town on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay in Baldwin County, Alabama, known for its Southern hospitality and rich cultural scene. Begin your visit with a romantic dining experience at the renowned Wash House, offering seafood and Southern-inspired dishes. Explore the artistic side of Point Clear at EverBlue Arts, a hub for local and regional art exhibitions and workshops. A must-see is the Punta Clara Candy Kitchen, an eatery situated in a beautiful Victorian home that’s famous for its handmade candies and sweet treats. For more dining options, attractions, and Alabama ambiance, you can hop over to nearby Fairhope, Point Clear’s close neighbor. Local Attractions Mullet Point Park in Fairhope is a beloved local treasure offering a quiet, waterfront escape on the shores of Mobile Bay. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the short fishing pier, scenic walking trails linked to the Eastern Shore Trail, and excellent bird watching with a chance of seeing local waterfowl like herons, ospreys, and pelicans. Everblue Arts, also in Fairhope, is a dynamic performing arts studio offering year-round performance workshops and training. More than just a studio, it’s also home to an emerging arts festival that’s quickly gaining recognition across the Greater Gulf Coast. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Miss Colleen’s House is a lovingly preserved Victorian home that now hosts the famous Punta Clara Candy Kitchen. Inside this historic 1897 residence, visitors stroll past “From the Attic” antiques displayed in the hallway before stepping into the working candy kitchen. There, master confectioners have crafted treats daily since 1952, hand-making small-batch pralines, fudge, coconut pecan dreams, preserves, and much more. Alligator Alley is a sanctuary and rescue park that brings you face-to-face with more than 600 rescued alligators. A self-guided elevated boardwalk provides safe, panoramic views of gators sunbathing and swimming in their lush cypress swamp habitat. After you finish your tour, join park employees at the air-conditioned gator station for a more “hands-on” experience, and take advantage of the opportunity to hold an alligator yourself! All aboard the mighty USS Alabama and submarine USS Drum at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, a powerful tribute to those who served in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. In addition to these historic vessels, the park features a Tanks & Artillery exhibit, showcasing an impressive collection of military ground vehicles, including a T‑55 Russian/Iraqi tank from Desert Storm. The Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion enhances the experience with aircraft from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and even the sleek A-12 Blackbird. It’s a must-see destination for anyone interested in American military history. The Wharf at Orange Beach is a vibrant waterfront entertainment complex packed with fun for all ages. Highlights include a 112-foot Ferris Wheel, Breakout Orange Beach Escape Room, Arcade, and Spectra Light Show where the main street becomes an immersive experience with a choreographed laser and LED display, synced to music, starting around sunset and repeating nightly. Voted the number-one zoo in Alabama two years in a row, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo spans 25 acres and is home to more than 300 animals, including lions, tigers, bears, giraffes, lemurs, reptiles, and rarer species like sloths and capybaras. Notably, the zoo was the first in America to undergo an emergency evacuation during Hurricane Ivan, which inspired the beloved Animal Planet series, “The Little Zoo That Could.” Picturesque Point Clear, Alabama
Nestled on the shores of Mobile Bay in the picturesque beach hamlet of Point Clear, the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa blends historic charm with modern luxury. This iconic destination, originally established in 1847, offers a serene coastal escape surrounded by moss-draped oaks, stunning waterfront views, and an unmatched reputation for Southern hospitality. The Grand Hotel, part of the Autograph Collection, offers guests opportunities for both relaxation and entertainment. Challenge yourself at one of two renowned golf courses at the Lakewood Club, or spend the day finding balance at the 20,000-square-foot Spa at the Grand. Take the kids to the stunning pool complex, and break a sweat at one of the 10 tennis courts, 2 championship croquet lawns, or 11 pickleball courts. And of course, you can explore the white sand beaches of Alabama’s famed Gulf Coast. You will also enjoy the array of dining opportunities on-site. Accommodations Accommodations are styled to suit both the history of the resort and the needs of today’s traveler. Rooms in the historic main building feature high ceilings, rich wood finishes, and a sense of timeless Southern elegance, while those in the Spa Building and Marina House offer a more contemporary, coastal-inspired design. Many rooms come with private balconies or patios that look out over Mobile Bay, the gardens, or the marina. Suites offer additional space, featuring separate living areas, pull-out sofas, and spacious bathrooms with soaking tubs and walk-in showers. Where to Dine The Grand Hotel features nine restaurants, each offering its own atmosphere and menu. Stop by the family-friendly Bayside Grill to enjoy pizza, sandwiches, and casual fare in a relaxed setting. For something more refined, Southern Roots serves up elevated farm-to-table cuisine with seasonal Gulf Coast ingredients and a rich Southern flair. The Grand Hall is ideal for breakfast with its sweeping bay views and elegant buffet. After sunset, unwind in Bucky’s Lounge, a stylish piano bar with a deep selection of whiskies, fine wines, and southern small plates, perfect for a nightcap with character. Lakewood Golf Club Just minutes from the main resort, the Lakewood Golf Club offers two 18-hole courses set along Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail: Dogwood and Azalea. After your round, the Lakewood Clubhouse Restaurant is the perfect spot to refuel with a casual meal and a cold drink, all with a view of the course. Pools & Spa The Grand Hotel’s outdoor pool is a family favorite, complete with a splash pad and a 20-foot waterslide, perfect for kids or the young at heart. The Jubilee Poolside Bar and Grill serves refreshing drinks and snacks, so you can lounge all day without missing a beat. For a quieter escape, head to the indoor heated pool located inside The Spa at the Grand Hotel, which offers full-service pampering, from massages to skin care, all in a serene, waterfront setting. Relaxation & Recreation Guests can unwind around cozy outdoor fire pits or reserve private cabanas for a secluded, shaded retreat. Take a leisurely cruise around the property on one of the resort’s complimentary bikes, ideal for exploring scenic trails and the beautiful waterfront. For a touch of classic leisure, try a game of croquet on the manicured lawn overlooking the bay. Around every corner, the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa balances elegance and activity with plenty of ways to relax or play. Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa Details Getting There: All major airlines fly into either Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) which is about 38 miles from the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa or Pensacola International Airport (PNS), which is 60 mile from the resort. Hotel shuttle service is available from either airport for $115 one-way, $230 round trip. Weather: The average high temperature for Point Clear in early October is around 79 degrees, and the average low is 65. What to Wear: 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 Welcome Reception & Dinner and Friday’s Farewell Dinner—people get a little dressier. Some men wear sport coats.
Wednesday, October 8 8 am - 4 pm Leadership Development Program: Contract Administration/Negotiating Skills We like to call ourselves builders. The industry calls us contractors. So, it is important that we understand some basic contracting terms and clauses to manage project risk more effectively. We will explore how to improve our ability to negotiate better terms and solutions. Because change orders are a normal part of the construction business, we will discuss how to manage them more proactively. Finally, we will examine conflict and learn some skills to resolve it in a positive way. $500 per person includes all educational materials, professional instructor, and breakfast and lunch on Wednesday. 12:30 - 5 pm Board of Directors Meeting Includes lunch. Open to APCA Board of Directors only. 6:30 - 7:30 pm APCA Welcome Reception Join us on the Grand Ballroom Patio for a beverage with fellow APCA members. 7:30 - 9:30 pm Welcome Dinner APCA President Kevin LaBauve welcomes fellow APCA members to Point Clear and the 2025 APCA Mid-Year Meeting at this casual dinner. Catch up with friends and colleagues, old and new, while enjoying delicious food and cool beverages. Thursday, October 9 8 - 9 am Member & Spouse Breakfast Everyone is invited to this tasty breakfast. 9 - 10:15 am Opening General Session: Creating a Limitless Culture with Ben Whiting This high-impact, high-amazement keynote inspires you to create a culture where the impossible is possible and human connection has no limits. Ben Whiting crafts a jaw-dropping experience that will transform your organization and equip your employees with the skills and mindset to unleash their full potential. You will leave with: • Concrete techniques for communicating more effectively and engagingly at work and at home, • Actionable insights on creating an authentic connection with every interaction, • Tools for sustaining a mindset that empowers you to thrive through change, innovate courageously, and find fulfillment in your work, • An unbelievably fun experience with lessons you will never forget! Ben Whiting achieved international success as an awardwinning magician and mind-reader. Recognizing his passion for helping others in their careers and day-to-day lives, Ben began focusing on keynote speaking and leadership development in 2014. Shortly after delivering his first TEDx talk, he was hired by an international leadership development firm to create and deliver content around the globe. Today, Ben combines his backgrounds in leadership development and corporate entertainment to help organizations create cultures that can achieve the impossible (while having A LOT of fun). He’s been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, the New York Times, and his clients include Apple, Google, American Express, and Amazon. 10:30 am - Noon Government & Industry Relations Panel Led by the APCA Government Affairs team Ben Brubeck and Jaime Steve 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! 1 - 6 pm APCA Golf Tournament The Lakewood Club, a sparkling resort member of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, had its beginnings in 1944 when Perry Maxwell, the designer of the Tulsa Southern Hills Country Club and site of the 2001 U.S. Open, brought his extraordinary skills to Lakewood. Rolling fairways and tight greens, springfed lakes, meandering streams, and stands of mature trees make the course both beautiful and challenging. You’ll feel the rich history of Lakewood as you play beneath 100-yearold oaks down a carpet of green, past crystal-clear lakes and streams. Host of the PCCA Tournament, the Azalea Course measures 6,066 yards from the white tees and features rolling fairways and impeccably groomed greens, the very definition of destination golf. $200 includes greens fees and box lunch. $70 extra for rental clubs (comes with 2 sleeves of balls). Schedule of Events
1:15 - 4:30 pm Taste of Fairhope Tour This tour will introduce you to the hidden gems and beloved favorites located in downtown Fairhope, showcasing the best of the town’s culinary scene. Enjoy the signature dishes of the town along with stories about Fairhope’s unique founding and thriving culture enjoyed today. This three-hour walking food tour highlights some of the best local restaurants and flavors in town! $150 per person includes, transportation, guide, 6 tastings, 3 signature cocktails, taxes, and gratuities. 6:30 pm Free Night The Grand Hotel is home to the Bayside Grill, offering mouthwatering local fare including sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas, and Southern Roots, featuring estate grown farm-to-table fare in a chic but casual atmosphere. The Fairhope area is home to several great restaurants from Italian to seafood to Asian/Mexican Fusion to steaks, including Gambino’s Italian Grill, Kingfisher Seafood, Dragonfly Food Bar, Char 32, and the Wash House Restaurant. Friday, October 10 7:30 - 8:30 am Breakfast Open to all attendees. 8:30 - 9 am APCA Associate Member Meeting APCA’s Associate members hold a panel discussion on topics that affect manufacturers and suppliers in the pipeline construction industry. 9 - 10 am Using the APCA Market Penetration Study to Win New Business A wise man once said, “The secret of change is to focus all your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” As we look forward to a potential new wave of pipeline and station infrastructure construction, who will build it? In this session, Continuum Capital shares the results of the APCA Market Penetration research and discusses how you can share the results with your customers to reinforce the value, safety, and performance success that APCA members can deliver. The study results demonstrate that since 2010, merit shop contractors have grown more and faster than their union competitors in each wave of activity. The capabilities of merit shop contractors in scale, workforce access, equipment availability, and safety performance are now well established. You can get in front of potential growth in construction activity, demonstrate the value of APCA membership, and utilize the research results to position your firm and your customers for success. Use this session to focus your energy on building the new! 10:15 - 11:15 am Recent Developments in Employment Law 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. 11:15 am - Noon APCA Regular Member Meeting 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. 1:15 - 5 pm Delta Explorer Cruise Nobody knows the waters of the scenic and historic Mobile-Tensaw Delta better than the licensed captains of Historic Blakeley State Park’s Delta Explorer. The park is the lower delta’s longest-running boat tour operator and offers regular excursions into what many people call one of America’s natural wonders. Journey by boat through these tranquil waterways and discover this incredibly diverse ecosystem. Here you will find a variety of wetland habitats that are home to the state’s largest population of alligators, black bears, the rare red-bellied turtle, ospreys, bald eagles, and numerous species of fish. $100 per person includes transportation, guide, 2-hour boat tour, taxes, and gratuities. 7:30 - 10 pm APCA Farewell Dinner Join the group in the Magnolia Ballroom Foyer for cocktails followed by a sumptuous dinner in the Magnolia Ballroom. APCA President Kevin LaBauve, WHC Energy Services, will deliver his state of the association/industry address. The evening will conclude with live music & dancing. To register, complete the form on the back page and email to: registration@americanpipeline.org
Office Use Only Date In_ _________________ Amount In_ ______________ Confirm__________________ 2025 Mid-Year Meeting Registration October 8 - 11, 2025 Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa One Grand Boulevard Point Clear, AL 36564 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: APCA PO Box 638 Churchton, MD 20733 Registration Fees All attendees must be registered Questions? (703) 212-7745 Room Type p Deluxe Resort View $309 | Spa Bldg. Resort View $329 | p Bayside View $359 p Spa Bldg. Marina View $379 | p Lodge Suite $484 | p Hospitality Suite $509 p Queen Spa Suite $529 | p Executive Suite $559 | p Honeymoon Suite $559 Room rates are subject to taxes and resort fees. Early departures will result in an early departure fee. 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 APCA Payment must accompany this registration in the form of a check or credit card. Payment must be received by August 31, 2025, 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 8/31/25 After 8/31/25 Subtotal Owner/Employee Member $750 $900 Spouse/Guest $500 $650 Youth under 10 $0 $0 Youth 10 -18 $350 $450 Optional Activities Please enter registrant’s number (1-4) from above Fees Registrant # Leadership Development Program (Wed., 8 am - 4 pm) $500 APCA Golf Tournament (Thurs., 1 - 6 pm) $200 Golf Club Rental (Thurs., 1 - 6 pm) p Mens p Womens | p Right p Left $70 Taste of Fairhope Tour (Thurs., 1:15 - 4:30 pm) $150 Delta Explorer Cruise (Fri., 1:15 - 5 pm) $100 Total Fees
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