One month until 2015 MCAA Midyear Meeting
Join the MCAA in Key West, Fla.
Make your plans now to attend the 2015 MCAA Midyear Meeting in Key West, Fla., September 28-30, 2015. Don't miss out - register now before it's too late!
The 2015 Midyear Meeting will kick off with the Opening Dinner with Catamaran Sunset Cruise Dessert Reception on Monday, September 28, 2015. Enjoy dinner on the hotel dock and beach before boarding the Marquesa. The Marquesa, a fast 69’ catamaran with over 2,300 feet of deck space, will give you the best view of the world renowned sunsets and will be host to our dessert reception. The two hour sail is the best way to experience the world famous sunsets Key West is known for. Raise a drink in toast to the sinking sun in the painted sky. Quench your thirst with complimentary champagne, wine, frosty margaritas, icy cold beers, sangria and soft drinks.
Tuesday morning will begin with breakfast and Speed Dating. Speed Dating is a rapid series of short and concise business-to-business meetings between mason contractors and manufacturer/suppliers to openly discuss business needs as well as the latest product and equipment innovations advancing the masonry industry.
As a contractor, you'll meet with nine companies set up in an intimate setting, where they'll present to you their latest products and services. Once that meeting is over, you'll move on to the next appointment to learn how that company will improve your organization's business and increase profitability. Prizes will be raffled away during the event.
Several great optional events are planned for Tuesday afternoon and evening including:
Fishing Tournament
Anglers can test their skills in the waters of Key West with an unforgettable offshore fishing excursion. Boats will depart from the Hyatt Dock. There will be no more than five people per boat to maximize fishing time. Drinks are included. Prizes will be awarded. The fishing in the Keys experience doesn’t end with the boat. Anything you catch can be cooked for you in the hotel water front restaurant, SHOR American Seafood Grill!Snorkeling
Reserve your spot on a snorkeling trip aboard an unhurried, unhassled and uncrowded sailboat from the Hyatt. The Key West coral reefs are part of the world’ third largest reef system and are located in shallow water – about 30 feet. The seas at the reef are typically calm, crystal clear, and warm. The snorkeling trip is three hours and includes snorkel gear and complimentary sodas, water, beer and wine. If you haven’t snorkeled before, instruction will be provided.Walking Pub Crawl
Come along and do the “Duval Crawl”. Key West is famous for its bars and the pubs are always rocking on this little island. On this walking pub crawl, you will experience some of the most famous and entertaining establishments in the Florida Keys. This 2.5 hour event begins downtown, visits the historic seaport and then returns to Duval Street. Enjoy your choice of a domestic beer or mixed drink at each bar. You will also receive a souvenir t-shirt to commemorate the event.Wednesday morning, all MCAA members are invited to the MCAA Board Meeting. The meeting is structured to allow interaction and participation from members. Members of the MCAA are asked to attend and take an active role in shaping the future of the association and the masonry industry.
Following the meeting, the MCAA will host its popular Networking Round Table Discussions. Networking Round Table Discussions will engage different positions within a masonry company The group will address and discuss issues of relevance to the duties they perform. The session will have an appointed leader from within the segment. That person will initiate conversation and coordinate the time for the group. Attendees should be prepared to participate in conversation about the issues at hand and should be willing to share best practices.
This is a great opportunity to openly discuss topics with other peers from around the country in a non-competitive atmosphere and for your company to walk away with a host of new best practices to implement in your company.
Additional optional events are available Wednesday afternoon including:
Inshore Fishing
Key West is a sportsman’s paradise. With vast channels and flats in the backc ountry, hundreds of untouched mangrove islands to fish, and hidden channels inhabited by a huge variety of fish, it’s no wonder our Key West back country fishing charters are among the most popular trips offered. For calmer waters and almost unlimited territory to fish, the back country, or Gulf side of Key West offers anglers an exciting day of fishing that everyone will enjoy.Key West back country fishing charters can target any number of species, and you can target large fighting fish or smaller eating fish. The back country is diverse, and our guides know what to fish at any given time of the year and in any conditions. This knowledge comes from lots of experience and a love of the sport, which you will immediately feel when you hop on board and fish with the best guides in Key West.
Jet Ski Island Tour
The most popular island adventure at the Key West Resort and Spa is the jet ski island tour. Experience Key West from the sea as you travel along with our professional guides through tropical waters. The 27 mile island tour will take you through the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, stopping throughout the tour to view the Southern Most Point of the United States, the submarine pits, swim at a sandbar and see wildlife.The 2015 MCAA Midyear Meeting will conclude Wednesday evening with dinner at Bagatelle, a seafood-focused American eatery set in an 1884 house with wraparound balconies. A visit to the house is a unique way to relax and enjoy life’s simple pleasures as well as treasures from the sea.
The word Bagatelle comes from the French and means “a trifle or a little nothing”, often referring to a light, fun, yet not too serious spring time romance. The French brought their history of fine cuisine and their love of wine to the Caribbean Islands. It is in this tradition that Bagatelle has combined with French heritage, southern hospitality and the indigenous tastes of the Florida Keys into the meals prepared today. The chefs blend the best of locally caught fresh seafood, fresh produce and delicious tropical fruits for tropical seafood dishes.
Accommodations are at the Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa. Stay in an Oceanside retreat at our enticing Key West hotel located on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. This luxurious haven is the standard against which all other Key West hotels is viewed.
For more information and to register for the 2015 MCAA Midyear Meeting in Key West, Fla., visit www.masoncontractors.org/midyear.
About the Author
The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is the national trade association representing mason contractors. The MCAA is committed to preserving and promoting the masonry industry by providing continuing education, advocating fair codes and standards, fostering a safe work environment, recruiting future manpower, and marketing the benefits of masonry materials.
