Where the Industry Meets

The Mason Contractors Association of America's (MCAA) Masonry Showcase will be held in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 22-24, 2007.

MCAA's Masonry Showcase is well known as the show "Where the Industry Meets." This year's event brings a whole new meaning to this statement. MCAA's expanded education seminars, event programming and exhibit floor will once again attract the best of the nation's mason contractors, like you, to join together and shape our industry's direction.

The biggest highlight of the Masonry Showcase 2007 is the concurrent annual show and convention of the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA). NCMA's members are your manufacturers and suppliers, and they will be gathered during the same period at the adjacent convention center featuring their exhibits at the MCPX show. Throughout the week, there will be many informal opportunities for you to get together with these important business partners and enjoy the attractions of Orlando.

Other highlights of the Masonry Showcase include:

• The Masonry Showcase exhibit hall, open Feb. 23-24, which will feature exhibits representing the masonry industry's top manufacturers and suppliers. New morning exhibit hours allow you to enjoy the rest of the day with your family at Orlando's famous attractions.
  
  
• The MAC PAC "On the FOREfront" Golf Tournament at Walt Disney World Resort's Palm Golf Course on Feb. 21. Join MCAA's Political Action Committee for a day of golf and camaraderie while experiencing the natural beauty of the Florida woodlands that makes this majestic course one of America's premier resort destinations.
  
  
• The International Excellence in Masonry Awards Reception at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort on Feb. 21. The nation's best examples of quality masonry construction, craftsmanship and design innovation are highlighted at this annual event. And this year, the MCAA's awards are accompanied by those of the NCMA.
  
  
• MCAA's Legislative Action Meeting on Feb. 22 provides an in-depth view of what MCAA is doing for you in Washington, D.C. Jessica Bennett, MCAA director of government affairs, will provide a year-end report on MCAA's legislative and regulatory accomplishments for 2006, and provide an in-depth overview of the political landscape for 2007, including the Association's legislative and regulatory priority issues.
  
  
• On Feb. 22, a special NASA Up-Close Tour will offer a two-hour, guided tour of Kennedy Space Center's industrial area, NASA's headquarters, and the closest possible view of the Space Shuttle launch pads.
  
  
• MCAA's Opening Session lunch on Feb. 22 features MCAA's President, Frank Campitelli, and keynote speaker, Billy Ripkin. Billy, an 11th round draft pick in 1982 by the Baltimore Orioles, played in the major leagues for twelve seasons with four different teams in which he stole 25 bases, scored 287 runs, and had 674 career hits in 2729 at bats. He played in 912 career games. Today, Bill is actively involved in Ripken Baseball Camps and Clinics, where he heads up the major league instructional staff at various youth baseball camps and adult coaches' clinics throughout the United States
  
  
• Chris Huckabee, AIA, presents his "Selling Masonry vs. Tilt-Up in the School Market" on Feb. 23. Attendees will leave with the facts and information to refute the false claims that are targeted at school officials by the tilt-up industry.
  
  
• MCAA's International Masonry Skills Challenge apprentice competition will draw crowds on the afternoon of Feb. 23
  
  
• The Sea World Show Express Tour will give you VIP access, with reserved seats at two animal shows, as well as a guided tour. Park admission and transportation are included in this three-hour tour.
  
  
• On Feb. 24, come cheer on the journeyman masons and their teams at the Fastest Trowel on the Block Competition.
  
  
• MCAA and NCMA's joint closing event will be held at Universal Studios on Feb. 24. The evening will begin at the Groove Lounge, with a private buffet dinner and full bar. After dinner, our party will move to the "Islands of Adventure," where participants will have private access to one of the park's most popular locations: Marvel Super Hero Island. Ride the Incredible Hulk coaster, the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and Doctor Doom's Fearfall as often as you like — without waiting in line!