Al Broekema
The Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada will meet in Ontario’s spectacular Niagara Region this spring for its annual convention and Al Broekema is looking forward to showing off some of the great things Ontario has to offer.
A director with AWMAC’s Ontario Chapter said members started to plan for the big event a long time ago and everything is falling into place nicely.
This year’s convention will be held at White Oaks Resort and Convention Centre in Niagara-on-the- Lake in Ontario's beautiful Niagara Region from May 31- June 2.
“We wanted to offer a convention in a unique location in keeping with AWMAC tradition for something special, something high end,” he says. “Something like a mini vacation with a good variety of things to do, but also something that provides good networking opportunities. We think the Niagara Region offers all of that and is a perfect fit. “
Broekema said they had considered a number of locations – including Toronto and Muskoka – but Niagara won out. It has a lot to offer and ranks as a prime tourist area with all the activities and services that go along with that.
“The area has a lot of appeal and offers everything we were looking for,” he says.
The conference will start Thursday, May 31 with a golf tournament at Thundering Waters Gold Club, John Daly’s first signature golf course in Canada. The course combines the parkland tranquility of Augusta National and the wind-swept dunes of Heathlands British Open Championship golf.
In the evening there is the official welcome reception with refreshments and hors d’oeuvres followed by a hospitality suite. Friday morning will see seminars and a trade show as well as a visit to the Butterfly Conservatory or Bodisense Spa as alternate activities. A grape and wine tour or a visit to the Niagara Wine School visit will be offered in the afternoon. The evening will feature Dinner at the Falls, at the Edgewater Restaurant situated in a beautiful park setting with panoramic views of the America and Horseshoe Falls.
Saturday will start with the AGM from 9 a.m. to noon and the afternoon will feature Niagara Falls adventure tours including a journey behind the falls for anyone interested, or a ride on the Maid of the Mist. The President’s Ball is scheduled for the evening from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The event winds down Sunday after breakfast.
Use of White Oaks’ world-class Fitness Centre is included with the hotel stay. The 115,000 square-feet facility features six heated indoor tennis courts, eight squash courts, two racquetball courts, an endurance lab (for cardio training), an energy lab (for strength training) a movement studio (group exercises) as well as a power cycle and yoga studio, indoor pool and whirlpool, private sauna, tanning and steam rooms as well as a multi-purpose gymnasium.
“This facility has a lot to offer and I think people will really enjoy their stay there,” Broekema says.
As part of the educational component, AWMAC will offer seminars and a number of guest speakers. Although the program has not been finalized, Broekema says they will likely include a presentation dealing with AWMAC’s SAW program (Sustainable Architectural Woodwork Certification Program), an initiative undertaken jointly with the Woodwork Institute (WI).
“And of course there will be the trade show for members and associate members which will give people a chance to check out the latest in products,” he says.
The general meeting will have committee and financial reports and he expects between 70 and 80 representatives to attend.
“In total we expect around 200 participants at the convention,” Broekema says and added the Ontario Chapter is looking forward to welcoming Canada, showing off Ontario and having a good time.
For more go to: www.awmac.com