Valve Manufacturers Association 80 th Annual Meeting 2018 September 25-27 The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe Truckee, CA
VMA chairman s letter Cindy and I extend our warmest welcome to all of you for VMA s 80 th Annual Meeting at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Once again, there is something planned for everyone. Educational, social, and sporting activities for members and their guests make for a full agenda. I once again encourage members to bring the up and coming professionals on their staff. Program Committee Chairman Bryan Burns (DeZURIK) and his Committee colleagues Bruce Johnson (Emerson), Dave Johnson (Metso), Stephane Meunier (Cowan), Matt Thiel (AUMA) and Jim Walther (Kitz), have come up with an outstanding program featuring excellent speakers. In addition to educational opportunities, we have a full program of social and sporting activities. The Spouse/Guest Program continues to provide an opportunity for the spouses and guests of VMA members to reacquaint themselves with old friends and meet new attendees. This year s Spouse/Guest Program will once again introduce attendees to the special attractions of the area. As in the past, our Annual Meeting serves as a special occasion to recognize those who have served the industry through VMA activities. We realize that time given to VMA is especially valuable in these busy times so we are pleased that you are joining in an important VMA tradition, recognizing those special contributors with the Person of the Year Award and the Service Awards. This year we will once again share the entire program with our colleagues from the VRC. I encourage your networking with their representatives during our meeting. Additionally, we will once again be visited by our European colleagues. I look forward to seeing you in Lake Tahoe. Mark Nahorski PBM Inc. VMA Chairman 80 th Annual Meeting 2
program chairman s letter 2017 saw slight improvement for the valve, actuator and control industry and the 2018 forecast is for continued but slow growth. The Annual Meeting Program Committee is aware that there are challenges facing our industry and has put together a program that we feel will provide you with tools to meet these challenges. This year, as in the past, you will hear from experts in their fields on topics that are relevant to our industry. Our program will begin on Tuesday afternoon with our annual domestic industry outlook, this year presented by Connor Lokar of ITR Economics. Keeping with the outlook theme we will next hear from Justin Leonard of Oxford Economics who will explain the workings of our new global forecast and provide the most recent data which is available to VMA members only. On Wednesday morning we will shift gears. We will have two presentations dealing with the workforce. Our first presentation will deal with Cybersecurity the second with Unconscious Bias in the Valve Industry. The presentations will be preceded by our Annual Association Business Meeting. Thursday s breakfast speaker will be Stephen Moore, Distinguished Visiting Fellow at The Heritage Foundation who will address the mid-term elections and the Trump presidency. Later Thursday morning we will conclude the educational portion of our program with a presentation on Combating Complacency. Join me in celebrating VMA s 80 th Annual Meeting and enjoy both the educational and social events at this special program. Bryan Burns DeZURIK Chairman, VMA Program Committee The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe 3
agenda tuesday, 9/25 1:00 2:30 pm GENERAL SESSION I Valve Industry Domestic Economic Outlook Ritz Carlton Ballroom, Salon III Connor Lokar, Program Economist, ITR Economics, Manchester, New Hampshire Connor will discuss ITR s latest forecast for the industrial valve industry as well as the end-user industries that are serviced by valve, actuator and control manufacturers. His economic insight and forecasting experience play a key role in ITR s 94.7% forecast accuracy. 2:00 4:00 pm SPOUSE/GUEST MEET & GREET Breath! The Tahoe Experience Pondarosa Room The VMA Spouse/Guest Committee invites to you to reconnect with old and meet new friends during the Meet and Greet Reception. Locally made wines will be featured along with light food. This reception will also feature an oxygen bar, that is proven to help reduce fatigue, lower stress levels and cure headaches sometimes associated with high altitude locations such as Lake Tahoe. Come mix and mingle and check out a new kind of bar! Event is complimentary to registered spouse/guests. 2:30 3:00 pm Coffee Break Ritz Carlton Ballroom Foyer 3:00 4:30 pm GENERAL SESSION II Valve Industry Global Economic Outlook Ritz Carlton Ballroom, Salon III Jeremy Leonard, Director of Industry Services, Oxford, Economics, London, England Jeremy will update the audience on VMA s newest membership benefit, the Oxford Economics Annual Global Forecast. He will explains the mechanics of the forecast as well as the latest results for 2018 and beyond. 4:30 pm Adjourn 6:00 8:00 pm WELCOME RECEPTION (Spouse/Guests invited) Fireside Terrace (in case of inclement weather, the reception will be held in the Ritz Carlton Ballroom Foyer) 4
wednesday, 9/26 7:30 am Continental Breakfast (Spouse/Guests invited) Ritz-Carlton Ballroom Foyer 8:15 9:15 am GENERAL SESSION III VMA Annual Association Business Meeting Ritz-Carlton Ballroom, Salon III VMA Chairman, Mark Nahorski, PBM, Presiding There will be a presentation by VMA Legal Counsel, Skip Hartquist on the most recent tariff and trade legislation. 8:15 9:15 am VRC Annual Association Business Meeting Ritz-Carlton Ballroom, Salon II VRC Chairman, Kim Beise, Dowco Valve, Presiding 8:30 am Noon SPOUSE/GUEST ACTIVITY (offsite) A Historical Tour of Lake Tahoe The VMA Spouse/Guest Committee invites you to participate in a historical tour of Lake Tahoe. A knowledgeable guide will provide participants with a historical background of the lake and it s history that will include information on the Squaw Valley 1960 Olympics, as well as, information on geological formations, like Lake Tahoe itself, and other interesting stories involving local sites such as Thunderbird Lodge. There will be plenty of picture taking opportunities along the way of the beautiful local scenery. Time permitting, the tour will stop at the quaint and artsy town of Truckee on the way back to the resort, where attendees can check out unique galleries featuring local artists, and pick up some coffee and handmade candies from Sweets Chocolate shop! Please meet in the hotel lobby at 8:30 am. Bus will leave promptly at 8:45 am. Tour is complimentary to registered spouse/guests. 9:15 9:45 am Coffee Break 9:45 10:45 am GENERAL SESSION IV Managing Unconscious Bias Ritz-Carlton Ballroom, Salon III Michelle Burgess, Emerson Automation Solutions, Marshalltown, IA We all have unconscious biases that help us make sense of the world around us. These biases often get in the way and we make inaccurate judgements about colleagues and clients. Michelle will discuss strategies you can apply right away to counter the unintended consequences of unconscious bias. 5
10:45 11:45 am GENERAL SESSION V Cybersecurity s Role in the Manufacturing Sector Ritz-Carlton Ballroom, Salon III Maurice Uenuma, Strategic Engagements, Tripwire, Portland, OR Mr. Uenuma will discuss: A brief overview of cybersecurity trends in manufacturing Security best practice frameworks Applying best practices in industrial environments Bridging Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (SCADA systems, etc.) What non-technical senior executives can do 11:45 am Adjourn OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES Pre-registration and ticket purchase required for all optional activities. Noon 6:00 pm VMA Golf Tournament - $140 An annual meeting tradition, the golf tournament will be off-site this year at the Tahoe Mountain Golf Club s Old Greenwood Course. Nestled among 600 acres of towering pines in the mountains touted as 18 holes of perfection designed courtesy of Jack Nicklaus. Rental clubs are available. Please pick-up your boxed lunch (pre-order required) outside the general session. Bus leaves promptly at 12:15 pm from the hotel lobby. 1:00-4:00 pm Horseback Riding at Piping Rock - $225 From beginner to experts, there is no better way to enjoy the scenery of the Tahoe forests and meadows then on horseback. Your guide will point out flowers and trees only native to the Tahoe area while you let your trail horse lead the way and just relax. With the sun on your back and the wind in your face, this private guided ride will be an experience not to miss. Please meet in the hotel lobby at 1:00 pm. Bus leaves promptly at 1:15 pm. Yoga pants or jeans with tennis shoes are recommended. 2:00 4:00 pm The Art of Mixology Lake Tahoe Style! - $80 Fireside Terrace Join the Ritz Carlton Mixologists for an entertaining and educational experience. Using fresh cut herbs and classic ingredients such as bitters and infused liquors learn to create unique cocktails paired with appetizers. Come enjoy this event at the Fireside Terrace where the smell of the pine trees and fresh mountain air will only enhance the experience. 6:30 8:30 pm INFORMAL RECEPTIONAND DINNER (Spouse/Guests Invited) The Meadows (in case of inclement weather, the reception and dinner event will take place in Salon III, of the Ritz-Carlton Ballroom). Reception is from 6:30-7:30pm/dinner from 7:30-8:30pm. Evenings at this elevation can be chilly. Please bring a sweater, light jacket or wrap. 6
thursday, 9/27 7:30 am BREAKFAST SPEAKER (Spouses/Guests Invited) The Political Outlook for Mid-Term Elections Ritz Carlton Ballroom, Salon I Stephen Moore, Distinguished Visiting Fellow, Project for Economic Growth, The Heritage Foundation, Washington, DC Mr. Moore will preview the interim elections and discuss the current state of politics in the U.S. He will discuss his experiences with the Trump Administration. 9:30 11:00 am GENERAL SESSION VI Motivating Your Employee s Attitudes & Behaviors Ritz Carlton Ballroom, Salon III Danielle Zaft, Propulo Consulting, Chicago, IL Not all cultures are created equal; and while creating an engaged, committed workforce that drives business success can be amongst the toughest challenges leaders face, it can only be done if they possess a keen understanding of their cultures maturity level. Knowing the right levers to pull to strengthen your culture is integral in cultivating a team with a shared purpose and an investment in the customer s experience. Ultimately, if you can learn how to motivate your employees attitudes and behaviors, your business will thrive. 11:00 am Adjourn Session V OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES Pre-registration and ticket purchase required for all optional activities. 11:30 am 5:30 pm Twellman Skins Golf Game - $140 This more informal gathering of golf enthusiasts will take place off-site at the Tahoe Mountain Club and will be played on the Gray s Crossing course. Gray s Crossing is a Peter Jacobsen designed championship golf course tucked away on a beautiful mountain meadow in the shadow of Mt. Rose. Rental clubs are available. Please pick-up your boxed lunch (pre-order required) outside the general session. Bus leaves promptly at 11:30 am from the hotel lobby. 12:15 4:30 pm Donner Party Historical Tour - $110 + tax This tour centers around the arduous adventure of the Donner Party endured in 1846 along the Emigrant trail. Attendees will visit the Donner Memorial Park Museum, as well as other points of interest. Guides will also talk about geology, and interesting facts about Lake Tahoe. Please meet in the hotel lobby at 12:15 pm. Bus leaves promptly at 12:30 pm. 12:30 3:30 pm Hiking in the High Sierras - $130 (includes boxed lunch) The Sawmill Lake hiking trail is moderate 2.3-mile round trip hike. The trail meanders through the forest towards Sawmill Lake. Sawmill Lake is a secluded 10 acre reserve surround by a high country ponderosa forest. Please meet at the firepit outside the hotel. You will eat your lunch first in the patio picnic area, before you began your hike. Tennis shoes or hikers are recommended. Water will be provided. 6:30 pm VMA Closing Dinner Reception and Gala (Spouse/Guests Invited) Ritz-Carlton Ballroom, Salon II & III 7
registration All regular registration fees include all General Sessions, Welcome Reception, Continental Breakfasts, Breaks, Informal Reception and Dinner, and Thursday, morning Breakfast Speaker and Closing Dinner Reception and Gala. Registration is open to VMA and VRC members. Golf, and other optional activities will be in addition to your registration fees. Early bird discount is valid until August 17, 2018. Your VMA registration DOES NOT include your hotel reservations. Spouse Guest Registration Spouse/Guest registration fees include the Spouse/Guest Meet and Greet, Continental Breakfasts, Coffee Breaks, Welcome Reception, Spouse/Guest offsite tour, Informal Reception and Dinner, Thursday Breakfast Speaker, and Closing Dinner Reception and Gala. A guest is defined as a spouse or significant other who is accompanying you to the meeting. A guest is not an additional colleague from your company who wishes to attend the meeting. Spouse/Guests are welcome at all of the activities listed in the paragraph above. You must be a member of VMA/VRC to attend. If you have any questions regarding whether or not your company is a member, or you cannot recall your username and password for your individual member account, please call Simone Roper at 202-331-8105 ext. 307. FEES All registration for this meeting is done online at www.vma.org. Registration is open to VMA and VRC members only. On or Before August 17, 2018 After August 17, 2018 VMA/VRC Members $875 $925 Spouse/Guest $575 $625 Optional Activities Registration Optional activities this year must be pre-paid in advance. Tickets for Optional Events can be purchased when you register. Cancellations less than a week before the meeting will not be refunded. Substitutions for optional events, including golf will be taken until day of event. Activities may be canceled due to participation minimums not met. Changes to Registrations All changes, additions, or optional event activity substitutions or additional ticket purchases must be made by VMA staff. Please send requests for changes to mmaloneblevins@vma.org. Changes that require a credit card will not be made until payment is secured. Registration & Optional Events Cancellation Policies Cancellations received up to 30 days before the event are refundable minus a 5% registration service charge. Cancellations received between 15 and 29 days are 75% refundable. Due to hotel and other event guarantees cancellations of registrations with or without optional activities received between 0-14 days prior to the event are not refundable. All cancellations and changes must be in writing and sent mmaloneblevins@vma.org. If optional activity cancels due to participation minimums not met, monies will be refunded. 8
hotel & reservations Hotel Information The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe is located at 13031 Ritz Carlton Highlands Ct. Truckee, CA. Magnificent scenery and a mountainside location capture the attention and creativity of meeting attendees at this Lake Tahoe resort. Year-round, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe offers both beauty and adventure both inside and outside the resort. Hotel Reservations The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe only has a few rooms left at the discounted rate of $259 on the nights of September 25-27, 2018. It is anticipated that the room block will be sold out well before the cut-off date of August 31, 2018. To check and see what might be available, call 530-562-3000. The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe 13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Ct. Truckee, CA 96161 530-562-3000 The closest accommodations to the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, is Tahoe Mountain Lodging located in NorthStar Village just 10 minutes (4 miles) from the Ritz. Tahoe Mountain Lodging has 1 King bedroom condos available for $199 per night, and one-bedroom studios at $189 per night. These accommodations are highly rated on Trip Advisor and are recommended by the resort. VMA does not have a dedicated block, but Tahoe Mountain Lodging has plenty of availability at these price points. If you wish to make reservations at Tahoe Mountain Lodging please call 1-800-466-6784. While there is a gondola that connects the Ritz-Carlton and Northstar properties, it is only operational on the weekends in September. If you are staying at Northstar Village, The Northstar guest shuttle will run from 9am-10pm during the dates of the conference. There is also a downloadable app for the shuttle Northstar Transportation. There is no self-park at the Ritz Carlton, and valet charges are $10 per day for Ritz-Carlton guests and those who are staying at Northstar Village. In and out privileges are being extended to those driving to the Ritz for VMA events from Northstar Village so you should only be charged $10 per day, and not each time you come and go. Tahoe Mountain Lodging 4001 Northstar Drive Truckee, CA 96161 Hotel Cancellation Policy To cancel hotel reservations, please call the hotel directly at 530-562-3000. Cancellations must be received by the hotel 72 hours in advance or first night deposit will be forfeited. VMA does not cancel hotel reservations if meeting registration is cancelled. 1-800-466-6784 9
details Travel Information Attendees who fly into Reno Tahoe International Airport have about a 45-50 minute drive to the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe resort. RENTAL CARS There are nine different rental car agencies in the Reno/Tahoe Airport. Rental counters are located in Baggage Claim, and include AVIS, Budget, Enterprise, National, and Hertz, as well as other budget car rental agencies. The Ritz-Carlton has a Hertz rental car counter in the hotel if you d like to have your car delivered to the hotel once your arrive. Please call them at 530-200-8038. Their hours of operation are from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday Sunday PST. PARKING Parking at the Ritz is valet only. There is no self-park. Ritz guests will be charged $32 a night for overnight parking. NORTH LAKE TAHOE EXPRESS There is a shuttle that leaves from the Reno/Tahoe Airport that will take you to the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe. This service works like a Super Shuttle with multiple stops. Please book in advance at www.northlaketahoeexpress.com. PRIVATE CAR SERVICE If you wish to arrive at the hotel from the airport by private car, please call Reno-Tahoe Limousine service at 800-660-4546. They are a Ritz-Carlton preferred vendor. Please call 1-800-660-4546 for vehicle arrangement and pricing. TRANSPORTATION FROM NORTHSTAR VILLAGE If you are staying at Northstar Village, there is a guest shuttle that will run from 9am-10pm during the dates of the conference. There is also a downloadable app for the shuttle Northstar Transportation. Be sure to inquire when you check into Tahoe Mountain Lodge as to the shuttle and where to catch it. If you decide to drive to the Ritz-Carlton from Northstar, there is no self-park at the Ritz-Carlton, and valet charges are $10 per day for Northstar guests and $32 for overnight. In and out privileges are being extended to those driving to the Ritz for VMA events from Northstar Village so you should only be charged $10 per day, and not each time you come and go. Dress Code & Weather September highs during the day average in the mid 60 s to the upper 70 s but can get quite cool at night, averaging in the mid to low 40 s. Packing a sweater and/or jacket is recommended. All the events at the VMA Annual Meeting are business/resort wear casual with exception of the Closing Dinner Gala on September 27, 2018. Cocktail attire for women, jacket and tie for men are recommended. Appropriate golf attire is also required. See activities description for any special footwear or clothing recommendations for off-site events. Questions? Malena Malone-Blevins at 202-331-8105, ext. 310 or email mmaloneblevins@vma.org. 10
1625 K Street N.W. Suite 325 Washington, DC 20006 phone: 202.331.8105 www.vma.org