The Synthetic Turf Council will be holding its Spring Membership Meeting in Pittsburgh at the historic Omni William Penn Hotel. The includes a robust educational program with keynote speakers economist Brian Beaulieu and legendary Pittsburgh Steeler Rocky Bleier. Before the meeting, the STC will be hosting the first in a series of pre-conference “whistle-stop” seminar(s) March 11 from 1 to 4:00 pm at the Omni William Penn Hotel. This first seminar will feature panelists that will focus on the following topics: the funding of a field; maintenance and performance guidelines and realistic expectations, and is open to both members and non-STC members.
Register now to receive the early bird rates! Meeting registration fees include access to the evening reception on Monday, all educational sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, and admission to the Lunch & Exhibitor Showcase on Tuesday afternoon. Registered attendees will also receive access to all available session handouts, including attendee and exhibitor lists. Click on this link to register for the meeting Registration for 2013 Spring Meeting Pittsburgh.
The Synthetic Turf Council’s Annual Membership Meeting and 10th Anniversary Celebration will be in Orlando, Florida on October 7th to the 9th. Visit the Synthetic Turf Council’s website www.syntheticturfcouncil.org for more information.
2013 Spring Membership Meeting
Monday, March 11, 2013 – Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Featuring Keynote Speakers Economist Brian Beaulieu & Legendary Pittsburgh Steeler Rocky Bleier
The meeting will attract over 200 industry leaders, feature a renowned Economic Forecaster and Rocky Bleier, provide unmatched networking, and a tabletop Exhibitor Showcase.
Meet Our Keynote Speakers
Economist Brian Beaulieu, Institute for Trend Research
At the 2010 Annual Membership Meeting in New Orleans, Alan Beaulieu from the Institute for Trend Research (ITR Economics™) gave an entertaining and reliably accurate economic forecast. This spring, Economist Brian Beaulieu, Alan’s twin and the CEO of ITR Economics™ will be presenting the economic outlook for our industry and for the global economy with the clarity that business leaders have come to expect from ITR Economics™. You will have no doubt as to the duration of the recovery. You will learn how long the good news will last, the dangers from coming inflationary pressures, what to expect from interest rate movement, the impact of the Super Committee, and what strategies and tactics should be undertaken now if businesses are to maximize their profit potential in the years to come. This is a must meeting for leaders looking to prepare for the changes that are coming over the next few years.
Rocky Bleier – From Wounded Soldier to NFL Hero
Wounded in Vietnam and told he would never walk again, Rocky Bleier became a NFL star running back with the Pittsburgh Steelers team that won four Super Bowls. Bleier uses the lessons learned on the playing field, in combat, and on the long road to recovery to illustrate how to keep a competitive edge, pull together as a team, and uncover hidden personal strengths.
Whistle-stop Seminar NEW!
The STC will host the first in a series of pre-conference “Whistle-stop Seminars” on Monday, March 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Omni William Penn Hotel. We envision a seminar for buyers, end-users and specifiers in the synthetic turf industry including athletic directors, parks and recreation officials and architects and engineers, to leverage the talent and expertise we bring to the host cities of our meetings.
This first seminar will feature panelists/speakers that will focus on the following topics:
· Funding of a Field
· Maintenance & Performance Guidelines
· Realistic Expectations
Each topic will last about one hour-40 minutes for the presentation and 20 minutes for Q&A. We are still confirming all of our panelists for this informative first time event, so check back here often for updates. A separate small fee will apply. Attendees will be invited to the Exhibitor Showcase on Tuesday, March 12 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact: Terrie Ward, STC Marketing & Education Director, terrie@syntheticturfcouncil.org.
Meeting Registration & Fees
Register now to receive the Early Bird rates! Meeting registration fees include access to the evening reception on Monday, all educational sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, and admission to the Lunch & Exhibitor Showcase on Tuesday afternoon. Registered attendees will also receive access to all available session handouts, including attendee and exhibitor lists. Meals included are: good eats and open bar at the Welcome Reception on Monday evening and lunch during the Exhibitor Showcase on Tuesday.
Early Bird
(by Feb. 14)
Regular
(Feb. 15 – onsite)
STC Member
$250
$275
STC Affiliate Member
$100
$125
STC Affiliate Member (student)
No charge
No charge
Non-member/Guest
$350
$375
Spouse (non-employed)
$50
$75
ASBA Field Builder Exam
Because STC is a sponsor and contributor to the synthetic turf test module, members can become an ASBA Certified Field Builder for natural turf, synthetic turf, or both at ASBA member rates.
The ASBA Field Builder Exam will be held on Wednesday, March 13 at 1:00 p.m. at the Omni William Penn Hotel (room location TBD). The exam generally takes about 4-5 hours. To register and order study materials, contact Cynthia Jordan, ASBA, P: 410-730-9595, 866-501-2722; cjordan@sportsbuilders.org.
Hotel Information & Reservations
Situated in the heart of the downtown business district, the renowned Omni William Penn Hotel is an elegantly renovated historic landmark located in downtown Pittsburgh. The hotel offers complimentary in-room (wired) internet and 24-hour executive fitness center. Join the Omni Select Guest free loyalty program and be rewarded on your very first stay. Members enjoy in-room Wi-Fi, pressings, shoe shine, morning beverage delivery and so much more. You must join before registering to receive these valuable benefits.
The special room rate of $155 at the Omni William Penn Hotel is available for all STC guests from March 10 through March 13.
Make a reservation online or call central reservations at (800) 843-6664 and refer to the Synthetic Turf Council room block at the Omni William Penn Hotel. Reservations received after Wednesday, February 27 will be honored on a ‘space available’ basis at the STC room rate.
Transportation
Omni William Penn Hotel is located 17 miles from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). For transfer via shuttle, SuperShuttle Pittsburgh offers $26 one-way/$50 round-trip service per person. To make a reservation in advance, please call (800) 258-3826. Taxi service is available from $38-42.
Deadlines & Cancellations
Register before February 14 to lock in the best registration rates!
You should book your room early but no later than February 27. Reservations received after this date will be honored on a ‘space available’ basis at the STC room rate. You must cancel your room reservation by 11:59 p.m. local time 72 hours prior to arrival.
Substitutions may be made at any time. If you are unable to attend but someone else from your company can come in your place, please notify us in writing via email at office@syntheticturfcouncil.org.
Refunds for meeting registrations will be granted if written notice is received by March 4. After this date, refunds will be given for medical and family emergencies only. It is your responsibility to cancel your hotel reservations.
Experience Pittsburgh
The Omni William Penn Hotel’s onsite restaurant, The Terrace Room, offers upscale cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Check out all of the great attractions, dining, shopping and other entertainment the city has to offer:
· www.visitpittsburgh.com/visitors-guide/thank-you/
· www.visitpittsburgh.com/dine