APCA Gathers in Florida for Annual Convention
The American Pipeline Contractors Association (APCA) held its annual convention, March 29-April 3, at the famed Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida.
More than 300 members, families, and friends made the trip for several days of networking, educational seminars, industry roundtables and, of course, good times and good food.
The convention started with an inspirational speech from twice-drafted Rocky Bleier. After being drafted in the NFL by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968, and playing only one professional season, Bleier received a different kind of draft notification, this time for the Vietnam War. Bleier shared his experiences in the NFL and the war, discussing his injuries in battle and his long road back to the NFL and four Super Bowls.
On Sunday, March 31, regular and associate members alike got down to business with roundtables on government and industry relations. Eben Wyman, Alex Schettine and the APCA Government & Industry Affairs Committee kicked things off with a detailed discussion on the state of the industry and Capitol Hill, issues affecting member’s businesses, current and upcoming tariffs and more.
After the APCA breakfast and exhibit Monday morning, PHMSA associate administrator Alan Mayberry discussed the current regulatory climate, proposed regulations and the importance of pipeline safety management systems. Another highlight of the day was the annual APCA golf tournament.
Tuesday consisted of APCA contractor member and associate member meetings. The convention ended with the final party Tuesday evening. APCA president William Schettine, Meridian Energy, delivered his “state of the industry speech,” followed by a night of live music and dancing.
The 2019 Mid-Year Meeting will take place Oct. 2-5, in Nashville, Tennessee. The next APCA Annual Convention will take place at the Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas, March 27-April 1, 2020.
Tags: APCA, May 2019 Print Issue
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