16th NPC Conference biggest yet

Pool & Spa News, Feb 14, 2005 by Bob Dumas

When the National Plasterers Council holds its annual conference later this month, organizers predict a 33 percent increase in attendance over the record-breaking 2004 event.

The 16th annual conference will be held Feb. 24-26 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New Orleans. Last year's conference in San Antonio drew approximately 400 attendees, shattering previous attendance figures, which had averaged around 200 people in the past.

"We are looking to draw over 600 attendees, and it's possible to break the 700 mark this year," said Mitch Brooks, CEO for the NPC.

One of the 2005 Conference's keynote speakers will be former U.S. Navy submarine officer Nader Elguindi. He overcame a tragic motorcycle accident that severed both his legs. Though they were reattached, gangrene claimed his right foot and lower leg. Elguindi went on to become the first nuclear submariner to complete qualifications with a prosthesis and finish his tour of duty.

Today, he is president and CEO of his own technology company, Cydecor Inc. in Charlotte, N.C., and is servicing the Navy Department as a federal contractor.

"We were looking to find a good motivational speaker," Brooks said. "We, as an organization, have had our ups and downs and struggled to overcome obstacles. [Elguindi] fits right in--he's had major obstacles in his life, stuff we wouldn't want to go through. He's a major success story."

The other keynote speakers will be Dr. Damian Kachlakev and Dr. Nirupam Pal, director and associate director, respectively, of the NPC-funded National Pool Industry Research Center at Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

"They'll talk about two major things: an overview of the new research center and then a preliminary report on the second protocol we're doing,/which centers on] startup procedures, different types of sanitizers and [various] levels of calcium in relation to etching deterioration," Brooks said.

The conference kicks off Thursday, Feb. 24, with an reception at 7 p.m. on the Natchez steamboat, an historic vessel docked along the Mississippi River. The boat will embark on a two-hour cruise while attendees enjoy hors d'oeuvres and live music.

The conference also will feature a tabletop show on the second day, as well as a selection of seminars. Topics will range from "Plaster Surface Problems and Solutions" to "Anti-Entrapment and Safety, Warranties, and Protecting Yourself."

Also, there will be some classes focusing on pool-building issues. "One of the things we're trying to do is to bring the builder and plasterer together to understand the problems and issues that each deal with," Brooks said. "The idea is for them to work together to help each other."

For information about the conference, phone NPC at (941) 766-0634; or visit its Web site at www.npconline.com for registration and hotel details.