DCA 2015 Annual Convention - Distribution Contractors Association

DCA 2015 Annual Convention
New Orleans, Louisiana
Saturday, February 7 - Thursday, February 12
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is one of those cities with a fierce sense of identity. The mixing of French, Spanish, African and American
cultures has created a refreshingly bohemian environment,
blending the genteel elegance of the colonial Creoles, the
music and cuisine of the peasant Cajuns, a touch of voodoo
and a big dollop of Dixieland jazz.
The heart of New Orleans lies between the Mississippi river
and Lake Pontchartrain. The river’s shape, as it curves around
the central district, gave rise to the city’s nickname, ‘Crescent
City’.
August 2005 was a pivotal moment for the city. Hurricane
Katrina blew in with merciless force, overwhelming the city’s
failing levees and causing one of the worst man-made disasters of recent times. Many neighborhoods have now recovered, the historic French Quarter and the beautiful Garden
District included. Some of the worst-hit places (most notably
the Ninth Ward) are still subject to a slow healing process.
This very traditional city has taken the opportunity to rebuild and innovate with gusto alongside the old institutions.
The backdrop is timeless though, with the clattering streetcars
and the sounds of jazz pouring onto the streets.
DCA will take its annual convention to the Crescent City
in February just days before Mardi Gras. Few events generate the glamour and extravagance of Mardi Gras. Over the
decades, The Roosevelt Hotel has played a key role in the
festivities and will be the host venue for the 2015 Annual Convention. The New Orleans luxury hotel offers an unparalleled combination of Southern hospitality, world-class service
and historic surroundings within walking distance to the city’s
most vibrant attractions and entertainment, including Jackson
Square, Bourbon Street and the arts & museums.
The Annual convention brings together several hundred
contractor and associate members in a relaxed yet businessoriented environment. The convention is not only the major
governance meeting of the year it includes the full spectrum
of committee meetings that will meet to plan the future direction of DCA and discuss new programs. It is also the time
when DCA - Dale Michels and Curtis Allen Scholarships are
presented along with the Arthur T. Everham Safety Awards.
This year, two long standing members will be inducted as
Honorary Members – Jack Gabrielse and Ken Gabrielse.
We will also have an outstanding list of speakers who will
inform, educate and inspire.
When the day’s work is done, there will be many opportunities to explore the city, chat with business colleagues and
create new friendships.
So as the locals say: “Laissez les bons temps rouler” or “Let
the good times roll”. Register Today at www.dcaweb.org!
REGISTRATION AND HOUSING INFORMATION
Register and arrange housing on the DCA web site at www.dcaweb.org.
Registration Fee: $2200 (single or couple). After December 19, 2014 registration fee $2600
Roosevelt Hotel - Waldorf Astoria, 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70119
Single/Double
$279
King Suites
Hotel accommodation rates:
$379
Luxury Suites $479
Contact Hotel for other suite categories
Plus applicable taxes of 13% per room per night and $2.00 per room per night occupancy tax. Rates subject to change without notice. Hotel reservation
to be made by December 19, 2014. Reservations after this date will be accepted on a space available basis. Group room rates extended to 3 days prior
and post the convention dates.
Please use this link or visit www.dcaweb.org:
https://resweb.passkey.com/go/DCA2015
Phone 1-800-WALDORF (925-3673)
Convention Speakers
HDD COMMITTEE MEETING - Sunday, February 8, 2015
4:15 pm - 5:15 pm
Kelvin Self
Kelvin Self has worked at Ditch Witch for more than 25 years, during which time he has designed and managed such areas as New
Product Development, Research and Development and Intellectual Property; he is currently an R&D Project Manager. Much of that time
focusing on various aspects of HDD. Kelvin received a PH.D. from Oklahoma State University in Agricultural Engineering. Contributed
to over 33 patents and has over 20 referred journal articles and technical papers.
OPENING KEYNOTE BREAKFAST - Monday, February 9, 2015
8:00 am - 10:45 am
Rob O’Neill
Robert O’Neill is one of the most highly-decorated combat veterans of our time. He was deployed more than a dozen
times, and he held combat leadership roles in more than 400 combat missions in four different theaters of war. A highlytrained Navy SEAL, he led the military’s most elite and was involved in our nation’s most important campaigns.
In his line of work, instant, critical decision-making is an absolute necessity for success. Having trained more than 800 special operations and tactical operators, O’Neill brings this unique expertise to organizations on how to become the ‘best of the best.’
Carrying out his duties with the Navy SEALS and confronting Somali pirates and Afghan insurgents may seem a far cry from cross bores
or laying miles of pipeline but O’Neill will lay out the four principles that apply to all occupations: (1) be prepared, (2) perform under
pressure, (3) trust people you work with and (4) never quit.
BUSINESS SESSION - Monday, February 9, 2015
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
William “Rusty” Burroughs
Rusty Burroughs recently retired as Vice President of Entergy Gas Distribution where he led Entergy’s development of an
energy-efficiency strategy for utility operations and of programs designed to deliver effective demand-side management
services. His responsibilities also included managing Entergy’s Gas Distribution and Transmission Business where he over
saw operations from city gate to end-use customer in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge service areas.
For the eight months following Hurricane Katrina, Rusty was assigned overall responsibility for storm restoration in the aftermath, a
position affectionately referred to as “Gas Storm Boss.” He was responsible for getting 844 miles of the gas system restored.
Mr. Burroughs is Co-owner of LA. Natural Gas Services (LNGS), a utility contractor based out of New Orleans, Louisiana.
KEYNOTE BREAKFAST - Tuesday, February 10, 2015
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Lt. General Russel L. Honoré
Lt. General Russel L. Honoré, US Army (Ret), was widely hailed by the media as the “Category 5 General” who led recovery efforts in the aftermath of the devastating hurricanes that struck the Gulf Coast in the summer of 2005.
Prior to his command of Joint Task Force-Katrina, General Honoré served as Vice Director for Operations with a focus
on Defense Support to Civil Authorities and Homeland Defense.
General Honoré is chairman of the Louisiana Bicentennial Commission, a board member with the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation and a member of the National Academy of Public Administration. He is the author of Survival: How a Culture of Preparedness
Can Save You and Your Family from Disasters and the new book Leadership in the New Normal.
Lt. General Honoré retired on February 29, 2008, following 37 years of active service with the United States Army. He is a native of
Lakeland, Louisiana and continues to speak and consult nationally on Building a Culture of Preparedness.
CLOSING KEYNOTE BREAKFAST - Wednesday, February 11, 2015
8:00 am - 10:30 am
Joby Ogwyn
Joby Ogwyn has a passion to explore, a passion that has led him from his home in the flat lands of Louisiana to the highest places on earth. He is world renowned for his prowess as an alpinist, wing-suit pilot and BASE jumper. With more than
30 global expeditions completed, the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Patagonia are Joby’s playgrounds.
In the summer of 2007 Joby teamed up with National Geographic to make a new kind of extreme action television series - “Adventure
Wanted.”
Joby’s other passion is human flight. In 2009, Joby made the first ever wing-suit flight next to the north face of the Matterhorn Then
in 2010 he became the first human ever to fly a wing-suit next to Mt. Everest, landing at over 17,000ft, a world record.
Optional Activities
• 3 course dinner at Lüke Restaurant
• Seat in Gallier Hall Parade Viewing Stands
Cost Per Person: $155.00
Habitat for Humanity Project
Saturday, February 7
7:30 am – 4:00 pm
New Orleans continues to recover in the aftermath of Hurricane
Katrina and floods that devastated the community. The recovery
has been led by scores of volunteers and organizations from
throughout the country.
Habitat for Humanity has been key to the recovery, whose
mission is to rebuild communities one house at a time.
DCA members can help with this endeavor and spend the
day working shoulder to shoulder with other volunteers making a
difference. Pick up a hammer or rake to help families transform
their lives.
Cost Per Person: $85.00
Garden District with Private Homes Tour
Sunday, February 8
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Learn about the fascinating history and splendor of the Garden
District of New Orleans with a narrated walking tour of this
famed neighborhood.
Gracious old oaks canopy the renowned St. Charles Avenue,
leading the way to the Garden District. This picturesque area
features exquisite homes constructed prior to the Civil War in Greek
Revival-style architecture. During the 19th century, this area of
town was known as the “American Sector,” where English, rather
than French, was the primary language. A professional guide
will escort you and recall stories of how the wealthy American
Planters, snubbed by Creole Society, spared no expense to build
palatial mansions.
Tour a mid-19th century residence and explore one of the
city’s oldest cemeteries. As we continue exploring the residential
streets shaded by live oaks, magnolias, and palm trees, and see
the Victorian turrets, cupolas and gingerbread rising from wide
lawns, you will appreciate how the district earned its name.
Cost Per Person: $90.00
Dinner at Lüke Restaurant & Parade with Mardi Gras
Grandstand Seating
Saturday, February 7
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Renowned New Orleans chef, John Besh, welcomes you to Lüke,
his homage to the grand old Franco-German brasseries that once
reigned in New Orleans. Lüke is applauded for its disarmingly
home-spun culinary touches and broad-shouldered dishes that
satisfy something more than just an appetite.”
Just steps out the door, experience the fun, color, and
pageantry of the Mardi Gras parades – Sparta & Pygmalion. See
all the floats, marching clubs, bands, dance groups, and maskers
right in front of you - from the comfort and ease of reserved area
bleacher seating at Gallier Hall.
You’ll catch beads, trinkets and doubloons right off the floats,
as the parades roll just a few feet in front of you. There is no
better way to enjoy Mardi Gras in comfort and convenience –
right on St. Charles Avenue!
Included:
Antiquing for Trinkets & Treasures
Sunday, February 8
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Let’s go antiquing through the Vieux Carré with Macon Riddle,
who turned her passion for history and antiques into an exciting
consulting business.
New Orleans was the wealthiest city in the country prior to the
Civil War. This has left the city with an abundance of fabulous
treasures. Macon will lead the group on a walking tour down Royal
Street in the French Quarter. Pay close attention as Macon shares
her secrets on where to find hidden treasures in the Crescent
City. Some shops carry original antique items while others sell
excellent reproduction pieces. Visit some of the most exclusive
antique shops, such as M.S. Rau Antiques, often frequented by
celebrity customers.
points in the levee system. The Port of New Orleans will also be
featured on the tour. With knowledge from multiple local experts
along with sights and sounds that are not experienced every day,
you will be sure to find this tour a fascinating “Lagniappe” to your
trip to New Orleans!
Includes boxed lunch
Cost Per Person: $120.00
Cost Per Person: $90.00
Braving the Bayou Swamp Tour
Monday, February 9
1:30 pm – 5:30 pm
French Quarter Walking Tour with Highlights on Jackson
Square
Sunday, February 8 and Tuesday, February 10
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Vieux Carré tour introduces you to the historic beginnings of
the city. Discover the folklore, customs and distinctive architecture
of this European corner of America. Walk past romantic courtyards
and enchanting antique and specialty shops – all symbolic of the
lingering charm of the Old World, that remnants of a bygone
culture which is the unique life of the French Quarter.
Next we will be take a pause in Jackson Square to highlight St.
Louis Cathedral, the Presbytere and the Cabildo. You will get to
go inside of these buildings and tour the countless years of history
and artifacts.
Cost Per Person: $65.00
Forget about the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter and
experience another kind of wildlife. Enter the land of swamps and
marshes, home to hundreds of species of unique and interesting
animals and discover the land that gave birth to Cajun culture
and cuisine.
Boarding a specially designed pontoon boat, this excursion
starts on a bayou… local parlance for small rivulet or stream.
Gnarled and twisted cypress stumps and branches lushly draped
with Spanish moss line the banks of this waterway. On this
meandering cruise, the captain, a native of the region, provides
an interesting and entertaining narrative of the history of this
massive swampland. Catch a glimpse of any number of animals
that inhabit the area: bald eagles, alligators, blue herons,
snappin’ turtles and water snakes – the list goes on. You will even
get a peek at an authentic Cajun “trapper’s shack” nestled in this
beautiful swampland.
Transport time to Bayou: 45 minutes each way
Includes boxed lunch
Cost Per Person: $105.00
Sewerage & Water Board with Levee Tour
Monday, February 9
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
New Orleans is a city surrounded by water, the Mississippi river
on one side and Lake Pontchartrain on the other. Poised to
celebrate its three hundredth birthday in 2017, the Big Easy is
a vital port city to the rest of the country. The city is also in the
midst of a major overhaul of all its sewerage and water systems,
with new pipes being laid to replace the ones spanning over 100
years of use.
This tour will take you to not only the sites of the operations, but
include the S & WB plant tour as well as an in depth trip to major
Hands on Culinary Class - Southern Style
Monday, February 9 and Wednesday, February 11
1:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Do more than just watch and eat… chop, dice, steam and
cook a variety of traditional dishes including Gumbo, Andouille
Optional Activities
Jambalaya and Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce at the New
Orleans School of Cooking.
The chef will regale you with interesting patter about life in
New Orleans as you learn the secrets behind preparing Creole
delicacies - the world famous cuisine that combines the finest
elements of French and Spanish cooking with rich indigenous
seafood, spices and produce.
Cost Per Person: $190.00
Magazine Street: New Orleans’ Shopping Mecca
Tuesday, February 10
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Enjoy an afternoon of shopping, sightseeing and innovation
in fashion and design along the famous Magazine Street which
features some of the best antique stores, art galleries and craft shops
as well as boutiques and jewelers. For many generations, Magazine
Street has attracted bohemians and the well-heeled alike.
We will also visit the studio of the most unique and sought after
jeweler in the city, Mignon Faget.
Cost Per Person: $95.00
Ghostly Spirits and Scandalous Tales Tour
Tuesday, February 10
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
New Orleans has a dark and juicy past that is delicious to discover.
This port city took up the roguish and sensual customs of both
the Spanish and the French and then added on incredible local
legends. The unforgettable cast of characters includes eccentric
outlaws, pirates, saints, sinners and famous Voodoo Queens.
The authentic history is replete with stories: Pirate Jean Lafitte
becomes the warrior hero who helps defeat the British in the
Battle of Orleans; Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau is a regular at
the Catholic Mass and is an advisor to the genteel Creole power
crowd.
Seeing these scandal-filled special spots gives all an added
appreciation of this city of a thousand stories of nights that never
witness sleep.
Cost per person $75.00
Treasures of the Vieux Carre Architectural Tour
Wednesday, February 11
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Enjoy an enlightening tour with a focus on the lifestyles of the
early inhabitants of New Orleans over 200 years ago and how
eventually, the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, brought changes
to this uniquely distinctive city. Visit a private home opened
exclusively for DCA along with a stop at St. Louis #1 Cemetery,
New Orleans first above ground burial site, known as the “cities
of the dead” with rows of crypts like little houses, many of which
were designed by architects.
During the 18th century as the city developed, houses in the
French Quarter were built as raised cottage homes on stilts with
wooden walls and thatched roofs. After two devastating fires in
the late 1700’s, the majority of the French Quarter was rebuilt
during Spanish colonial occupation. However, much of the
French culture and style was retained with the addition of notable
Spanish influences such as courtyards and wrought iron. As
Americans began to migrate to New Orleans, they found these
cottages to be small for American taste and began to import their
New England style townhouses which were typically three stories
and featured inside stairwells, double parlors, and hallways.
Cost Per Person: $75.00
Happier Learning Hour: “History in a Glass” & Cocktail
Tour
Wednesday, February 11
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Elizabeth Pierce recounts the delicious and racy history of one
of America’s most fascinating cities by way of its iconic drinks.
While the Hurricane may be New Orleans’ most famous drink,
the Sazerac is full of history and is arguably one of the country’s
oldest cocktails. Café Brulot, an intoxicating combination of
coffee, brandy, spices and citrus, which is then flambéed. John
Ringling once remarked, “What better than to taste the pleasures
of heaven while beholding the fires of hell?”
Elizabeth will demonstrate how to make each of these drinks,
using their ingredients and the history of their creation to tell the
story of the music, cuisine and architecture of New Orleans while
sampling the iconic drinks of the city.
Cost Per Person $120.00
DCA Golf Tournament – TPC Louisiana
Music Legends of New Orleans Tour
Wednesday, February 11
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
New Orleans, known throughout the world as the birthplace of
jazz, provides the ideal setting for a look at the history of music.
A most knowledgeable guide spins the narrative tale of music
and it’s evolution through New Orleans, visiting sites such as
Congo Square, Treme and Frenchman Street which still today
fills us with cultural music experiences. You will be treated to a
performance by an active Mardi Gras Indian Tribe as well as
another impromptu musical performance while you dine on
samples of New Orleans creole delicacies at Sweet Lorraine’s
Jazz Club.
Enjoy several “hole-in-the-wall” music clubs where many of
the best got their start.
This is a “must do” for music lovers.
Cost Per Person: $135.00
Tuesday February 10
12:30 pm
TPC Louisiana is an award-winning championship golf course. It is home to the PGA TOUR’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
TPC Louisiana was named “the #4 best upscale public golf course” by Golf Digest.
The golf course, which is part of the Audubon Golf Trail, stretches over 250 acres of wetlands across along the Mississippi
river delta. True to Pete Dye’s style, the golf course features over 100 bunkers. TPC Louisiana boasts a series of short and compelling par-4 holes to balance.
Inclusive Price: $275 per person Club Rental: $80
Includes:
• Round trip transport to course
• Green Fees & Cart
• Boxed Lunch
• Refreshments during play
Social Events
Sunday, February 8
Welcome Reception
Mardi Gras World & Den
Mardi Gras World is where Mardi Gras is made.
It is the largest float creation facility in the world. Here more
than 80 percent of the floats that journey down New Orleans’
streets during the Carnival season are designed and built.
Walk through the den to see the production crew putting the
final touches on this year’s floats. We will be there just hours
before many of these floats roll out to become part of the world’s
largest party. We will see and feel the energy as the final hours
to Mardi Gras tick down.
Monday, February 9
DCA Annual Reception & Auction
The Roosevelt
Live and silent auction items will be on display while you enjoy
your beverage of choice and buffet style dinner. As in years
past, this year’s auction will be fun and fast paced. Members
and guests vie for highly sought-after items. Funds raised go to
scholarships and other DCA activities.
Attire: City Casual
Attire: City Casual
Tuesday, February 10
Open Evening
New Orleans is one of the best cities in world to enjoy an evening
out. From traditional New Orleans dishes to celebrity chefs, you’ll
find it all here.
Restaurant information is available on the DCA web site.
Reservations are highly recommend as New Orleans is entering
into the carnival season and restaurants book up quickly. Also
take note that some of the more popular restaurants still require
a jacket (and some a tie).
For those playing golf, it is suggested that dinner reservation
not be made earlier than 8:30 pm.
Wednesday, February 11
Mardi Gras Masked Ball
Post Convention
The formal end of New Orleans Mardi Gras arrives with “the
Meeting of the Courts”, a term describing the ceremony at which
Rex, the King and Queen of Carnival, meet with Comus and his
Queen at the ball of the mystic Krewe of Comus.
The evening will be filled with the powers of the mystique,
merriment and revelry thus ending the 2015 DCA Annual
Convention with its own version of the traditional meeting of the
courts.
Mardi Gras officially starts the weekend following the DCA
convention. Plan on extending your stay for a day or more as
this year’s Mardi Gras kicks into high gear. The biggest and most
famous parades of the year are held on this weekend – Hermes,
Endymion and Bacchus just to name a few.
The DCA convention room rates are extended through the
weekend.
Attire: Black Tie Mardi Gras Style (Tux rental information available
on the DCA website) Get creative with your tie, vest and mask.
Carnival Masks
Mardi Gras masks are as much a part of the festival as the beads, parades, scepters and goblets.
Masks add an element of mystery and intrigue ranging from simple to elaborate.
New Orleans Maskarde is located in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter, just steps from Jackson
Square. They carry a large selection of masks from some of the best local and national artists whose
fabulous creations are done in a variety of mediums. If you don’t see something you like here, one
of their artists can create a custom piece just for you.
There are many web sites to choose from such as www.themaskstore.com.