Widely known as the Education Association, the Mechanical Contractors of America Association (MCAA) will convene in San Diego, March 5-9, for its annual convention. The focus this year is on the education sessions, and there are many that you’ll want to take note of. 

You’ll find a variety of educational offerings that are designed to advance your knowledge about new industry trends, technologies and practices. Whether you need to develop or hone your leadership abilities, learn new business growth strategies, explore new building technology applications, discover ways to attract new talent or take a step back and take stock, MCAA 2017 will provide the stage for speakers on these topics and much more. You’ll find more details on page 20 where the MCAA Education feature starts.

In addition to the educational offerings, the convention will provide a great opportunity to network, catch up, get involved and have fun. Beginning with Sunday, March 5, registered attendees can participate in: 

• Annual Fun Run/Walk: Join in for an early morning run/walk at the Embarcadero Marine Park. Register at www.anvilfunrun.com or on-site at MCAA’s Sports Desk on Saturday afternoon. 
• Annual Golf Tournament: Register directly with MCAA for this event at Maderas Golf Club, Poway & Steele Canyon Golf Club. 
• Annual Tennis Round-Robin: Enjoy a light power breakfast before hitting the courts. There will be tournaments for adults and a Junior Clinic and games for younger players. Register online at www.nibco.com/MCAA2017 or on-site at MCAA’s Sports Desk on Saturday afternoon. 

Starting on Monday morning, the convention gets underway with a combination of educational sessions, roundtable luncheons, special sessions and meetings.

On Monday, March 6, former Speaker of the House John Boehner will provide insights and perspectives on the Washington political scene, the 2016 elections and changing world events at the Opening General Session. You don’t want to miss this event. 

Join in for A Morning with Goldie Hawn at the Partner’s Breakfast on Tuesday, March 7. 

On Wednesday, March 8, join NFL Hall-of-Famer Emmitt Smith at the Awards of Excellence Breakfast where he will share insider revelations on football, dancing, business, family and the power of giving back.

And on Thursday, March 9, don’t miss the Closing Session featuring UA General President Mark McManus and astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly. The Kellys will top off a memorable evening with stories and insights about their amazing and sometimes arduous journey to space. 

What’s new? 

It’s not just about learning from great speakers and educational sessions. Plan to rise early on Tuesday, March 7 (7-10 a.m.) to see the latest products and services offered by MCAA’s supplier partners at the Annual Manufacturer/Supplier Council Exhibit. This will be your chance to see how the products and services you’ve come to rely on are responding to change with new technologies, innovations and improvements. Check out the new products that will address the challenges ahead, and talk to the experts about questions or experiences you may have about the products.  

An exhibit of more than 25 MCAA student chapters from colleges and universities around the U.S. and Canada will be located in the same area as the Annual Manufacturer/Supplier Council Exhibit. Students from top schools of construction management, mechanical engineering and other disciplines related to the industry will be available to meet and discuss openings within your organization. Take advantage of the opportunity.  

You’ll also want to make it a point to check out the 2016-2017 Student Chapter Competition on Tuesday, March 7 (1:30 – 3 p.m.) where the best and the brightest of MCAA’s student chapter members face off. Four teams of men and women will demonstrate their knowledge of mechanical systems, the details of an actual project bid proposal and the pressures on a contracting business while coping with the stresses of making a letter-perfect presentation before an audience of hundreds and answering questions from a panel of seasoned experts. 

For full details of all the events, sessions and speakers at MCAA 2017, visit mcaaconvention.org.