Although many major league baseball teams who’ve played their home openers in the cold and snow may disagree, spring is officially here! For those who have access to ski resorts, it’s that unique time of the year where one can ski a half day in the morning, only to drive back to a nice day on the links during the afternoon. “Unique” also seems to be an appropriate word to describe how most of us portray this year so far, especially as we so quickly and abruptly rush into the spring season. The combination of a bullish market where many businesses struggle to find qualified labor as well as the roller coaster of a ride we are enduring with the steel market, the year is proving to move even faster than those behind us.

With all this being said, I am getting excited for our Annual Meeting coming up in New Orleans. I am honored to be acting as president for the first time. It seems to be a smooth transition because those before me have done such fantastic jobs in keeping SPIDA growing as well as enhancing the meetings, making us all better individually and as companies. In addition, I’m excited to hear from the speakers we have lined up, as well as the great interactive conversations with fellow SPIDA members, who continue to give us all ideas to take back to our respective companies.

 

I’d like to take a moment once again to thank all our sponsors who have gone above and beyond to help this organization. It’s with this support that we are able to bring in more well-known, engaging speakers, help with different research/technical projects, help with entertainment, and miscellaneous other areas that are needed throughout the year. Thank you so much!



I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in New Orleans. Outings such as a swamp tour or a couple libations at Pat O’Briens have allowed me to get to know everyone better, and has made me realize the talent and quality of people that are among us. Even further, I look forward to hopefully meet some of your spouses, as they are the true rock stars in our families. Cheers to a good 2018, and I’ll see everyone in New Orleans.

John Newland

SPIDA President

Colorado Regional Sales Manager, Hercules Industries

The SPIDA spring meeting is quickly approaching. Do not miss this opportunities to meet with fellow spiral duct manufacturers and suppliers in New Orleans and learn from the leading professionals in the industry. 

 

Full Agenda and Registration are on-line at: https://www.spida.org/nola

 

Thursday, April 19th

6:30 pm

Dinner and drinks while cruising the Mississippi River on the Creole Queen. Previous dinner cruises have proven to be popular and well attended. RSVP and details are in the registration form.

Friday, April 20th

8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Meetings will be held at the International House hotel ideally located a block from the French Quarter with easy access to the Garden District. Educational programs include presentations on steel tariffs, thermal and acoustical insulation, and anti-microbial coatings for duct. The meetings conclude with roundtable discussions - join industry leaders and share ideas on labor savings, manufacturing, and more!

Friday, April 20

6:00 pm

Welcome reception and vendor displays.

 

Saturday, April 21

8:45 am or 10:45 am

For those not faint of heart, SPIDA has arranged for Airboat Swamp tours. RSVP in the on-line registration form.

 

Saturday, April 21

9:00 pm

Join SPIDA on Bourbon Street at Pat O'Brien's for a Hurricane to wrap up a great weekend.

SPIDA encourages its members to contribute or submit any news that is either related to their own business or the industry in general.

Some examples of topics to submit are:



Please submit to [email protected] .