NPCA will host its 59th Annual Convention in Tucson, Ariz., at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr PASS Resort & Spa on Sept. 26-28.
The gathering will recognize our collective achievements during the past year and herald the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
Join us in celebrating the industry and making connections within the community.
Each convention is a unique as its incredible location. Here are seven things you should know about or do at the 59th Annual Convention:
1. Tucson, Ariz., is Hot, Hot, Hot!
Known for its enchanting cactus forests, rugged mountains, native petroglyphs and captivating creatures, the Sonoran Desert surrounding Tucson is the hottest desert in both Mexico and the United States. Highs in September average in the low to mid-90s, with lows in the upper 60s. The city also is blessed with 350 days of sunshine. So, pack appropriately for hot weather.
But we aren’t just talking about the temperatures …
Known as the Old Pueblo, Arizona’s second-largest city is known for its rich culture and top-class dining, earning a distinction as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, the first in the United States. With America’s best Mexican food and plenty of attractions, Tucson is an exciting destination to explore, go on an adventure or just unplug and soak in the soul of the Southwest.
2. Relax at a Desert Oasis
JW Marriott Tucson Star Pass Pass Resort & Spa offers luxury and relaxation where your comfort is never in doubt. The daily resort fee includes a plethora of activities, such as morning hikes, e-bike rentals, driving range access, rental clubs, a nightly tequila toast and more. The hotel also features amenities like an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, spa, pool and on-site restaurants. Check-in begins at 4 p.m., with check-out at 11 a.m.
3. ‘Job Doctor’ is in the House
This year’s speaker at the convention’s Keynote luncheon is nationally renowned speaker, Tessa White. White, also known as “The Job Doctor,” will share her expertise on how to navigate the complicated relationship between individuals and the workplace. She was listed as one of the top entrepreneurs to watch in 2022 by USA Today and has more than a million followers and podcast listeners.
4. Business As Usual
The Annual Business Meeting Breakfast features the election of new NPCA Board Members, honors committee chairs and outgoing board members for NPCA and NPCA Foundation, including the official gavel pass to the newly elected Chair. And the Leadership Awards Luncheon will include the presentation of NPCA’s highest award: the Robert E. Yoakum Award.
5. Hit the Links, Build the Future
The NPCA Foundation is trying to embrace, engage and empower the next generation of industry leaders. It’s easy for you to help … just grab your clubs, hit the links and compete against your precast peers.
The NPCA Foundation’s annual golf fundraiser, on Friday, Sept. 27, will be hosted on the Coyote and Palmer courses at The Club at Starr Pass, an Arnold-Palmer designed, 27-hole championship golf course that is a true desert experience. This event includes golf, a boxed breakfast and lunch and on-course beverages and prizes. It is a shotgun start promptly at 8 a.m., so be sure to arrive at the golf course by 7:30 a.m. Foursome requests are accepted on registration but not guaranteed.
6. Take a Tour of Jensen
The ever-popular Annual Convention plant tour will travel to Jensen Precast’s Tucson facility, which opened in 2004. The 13-acre facility employs 38 people and manufactures reinforced concrete pipe, manholes, utility vaults, box culverts, retaining walls and transformer pads. Product equipment includes a 2-yard Skako mixer and a 100,000-capacity Mi-Jack. The plant’s project highlights include the Sand Dune Express and data centers.
7. Explore the Desert
No Annual Convention experience would be complete without some exciting optional tours where you can explore the culture and setting of our host city. This year’s tours include:
- Mission Garden Tour: Mission Garden is a living agricultural museum of Sonoran Desert-adapted heritage fruit trees, traditional local heirloom crops and edible native plants.
- Arizona Sonora Desert Museum: The Desert Museum is ranked in the Top 10 museums in the country and as the No. 1 Tucson attraction. Unlike most museums, 85% of the experience is outdoors.
- Buckle Up Jeep Tour: Guests will be picked up in Jeeps and head off through the beautiful Tortolita Mountains with expansive views.
- Saddle Up Horseback Riding Adventure: Saddle up and experience the lush desert flora and fauna of Tucson. Guests will be on the trail for a 90-minute guided experience.
- Afternoon Mixer: Paint & Sip: There is no better way to capture the beauty of the desert than to paint it yourself.
- Discover Tucson Food & History Walking Tour: Learn all about the trendy and vibrant downtown area as you sample the best food in Tucson at six locations.