2009 MCAA Convention: A Mix of Learning and Fun

Words: Dan Kamys
/Public/News/20081121090000-1.jpg" width="300" height="200" border="0" alt="Photo courtesy of Jersey Boys - Las Vegas Production, Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino, Las Vegas, NV. Pictured (L-R): Erich Bergen (Bob Gaudio), Rich Faugno (Frankie Valli), Jeremy Kushnier (Tommy DeVito), Jeff Leibow (Nick Massi). Las Vegas PR Contact: Kirvin Doak Communications; 702-737-3100. Photo © Joan Marcus, 2008.">
Photo courtesy of Jersey Boys - Las Vegas Production, Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino, Las Vegas, NV. Pictured (L-R): Erich Bergen (Bob Gaudio), Rich Faugno (Frankie Valli), Jeremy Kushnier (Tommy DeVito), Jeff Leibow (Nick Massi). Las Vegas PR Contact: Kirvin Doak Communications; 702-737-3100. Photo © Joan Marcus, 2008.
Attending trade shows can be hard on the feet and the mind, with so much to take in so few days. This year, the MCAA is making learning fun and interesting through innovative, informative sessions, new "action stations," and The Jersey Boys. The convention will be held at the World of Concrete/World of Masonry in Las Vegas, Feb. 2-6, 2009, and is designed specifically for the mason contractor and allied organizations. You'll want to add the following events and activities to your trip agenda.

Opening Session

The Opening Session is Tues., Feb. 3, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Level 2, Room S231. MCAA President Tom Daniel will officially welcome attendees to the annual convention and introduce special guest and keynote speaker, Alan Thicke.

American audiences will most likely remember Alan Thicke best for portraying psychiatrist and father Jason Seaver on ABC's Growing Pains, which is now syndicated in over 65 countries. In addition to a long list of acting and producing credentials, he is a prolific composer, having written more than 45 television theme songs. As a headliner and speaker, Thicke's distinctive charm and humor have established him as one of America's all-purpose entertainers. He has played the main Las Vegas showrooms of the Hilton, Desert Inn and Sands, as well as Atlantic City's Resorts International, numerous cruise ships, and corporate events for many of the world's biggest companies and associations.

Action Stations

Join the MCAA in this year's newest addition to World of Masonry, Masonry Action Stations. You'll enjoy live, "how to" education action stations that will take place on the show floor during World of Masonry. Every one-hour program will be free and approved for MCAA certification credit. Be sure to visit booth 12719 on Level 1 in the South Hall for these non-traditional educational opportunities. Check out the MCAA website, convention.masoncontractors.org, this month for a full schedule of courses.

Closing Reception

The Closing Reception is Thurs., Feb. 5, 5:30 - 11 p.m. at the Palazzo Hotel. Before attendees say goodbye to Las Vegas, they can enjoy dinner followed by an evening with the Jersey Boys. Jersey Boys, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical of 2006, takes you up the charts, across the country and behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Note: Jersey Boys contains strong authentic Jersey language and is not appropriate for all ages.

Other MCAA events to attend

  • Masonry Foreman Development, Feb. 2 and 3, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Convention Center, S233

  • Masonry Quality Institute, Feb. 2 and 3, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Convention Center, S230

  • International Masonry Skills Challenge, Feb. 3, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Convention Center, Gold Lot

  • MAC PAC Reception, Tues., Feb. 3, 5 – 6 p.m., Venetian Hotel

  • Understanding Codes & Standards, Feb. 4, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Convention Center, S232

  • Expert's Pairing Advice, Wed., Feb. 4, 1 – 3 p.m., Venetian Hotel

  • Contractor Appreciation Party, Wed., Feb. 4, 7 – 10 p.m., Venetian Hotel

  • Basic Masonry Estimating, Feb. 5, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Convention Center, S230

  • Fastest Trowel on the Block, Feb. 5, 12 – 1:30 p.m., Convention Center, Gold Lot

Hotel and Registration info

The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino is the largest property in the country to receive AAA's Five Diamond Award and Mobil Four-Star. As one of the world's most luxurious resort and convention destinations, the 36-story Venetian is located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip and recreates Venice's legendary landmarks. Guests will enjoy the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, world-class gaming, exquisite restaurants, the Guggenheim-Hermitage Museum, and a wide variety of entertainment such as Phantom-The Las Vegas Spectacular, Blue Man Group, Gordie Brown and Wayne Brady on its premises. The Grand Canal Shoppes offers dining and shopping, a stroll along a cobblestone walkway, or a relaxing ride in an authentic Italian gondola.

Visit convention.masoncontractors.org for more information and to register. Attendees must register through the website.
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