2012 ACPA Pipe School Swings for the Fences

Orlando, FL, February 01, 2012 --(PR.com)-- More than 250 pipe industry professionals from across North America will gather here next month for the 2012 ACPA Pipe School, arguably the most important training, education and networking event of the year. Held February 28 through March 2 prior to the 2012 Precast Show, this year’s Pipe School features several invaluable learning opportunities, including outstanding speakers, a DOT panel discussion, product demos, plant tours and a post-installation demonstration complete with a laser video profiler.

“Every year we strive to make our Pipe School the best ever, and I am very confident in saying that our members and staff have achieved that in spades this year,” said Matt Childs, president of the American Concrete Pipe Association. “Our agenda is packed with one great learning session after another, and we’re bringing in some of the best minds from our industry to impart their wisdom to our participants.”

This year’s theme, “Spring Training,” underscores the event’s focus on preparing participants for intense competition in the year ahead. Attendees will be schooled in the areas of production, quality, safety, sales and marketing, and engineering design.

Some highlights of this year’s event include --
· Tours of nearby Rinker and Hanson plants, featuring demos on proper RCP crack evaluation and post-installation inspection with laser video profiling;
· A panel discussion with DOT officials centered on key decision criteria such as quality, durability, cost and installation;
· Interactive sessions on continuous process improvement; and,
· A team-building reception at the World Bowling Center.

“Everyone attending this year’s event will gain new insights into the most important aspects of their job, from quality to employee safety, new selling techniques to the latest technological advances,” explained Childs. “Students will return to their employers armed with the latest information and cutting-edge tools they need to boost sales and improve operational performance.”

Attendees will also have the opportunity to become QCast accredited by attending the Quality School track and passing the exam at the end of the course.

The 2012 ACPA Pipe School will be held at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista. The event is made possible by several blue-chip companies and organizations, including Diamond Sponsor HawkeyePedershaab and Platinum Sponsors BESSER Company, Insteel Wire Products and Press-Seal Gasket Corporation/J-K Polysource.

Early-bird registration is open until February 4th. ACPA member fees are $625 ($725 after Feb. 4) and non-member rates are $1,075 ($1,175 after Feb. 4). For more information, including a complete schedule of activities, visit http://www.concrete-pipe.org/pages/pipe-school.html.

About the ACPA
Founded in 1907, the American Concrete Pipe Association is a nonprofit organization comprised of manufacturers of concrete pipe and box culverts, manufacturers of equipment and providers of products and services related to the concrete pipe industry. Member companies are located throughout the United States, Canada and in over 30 foreign countries. The ACPA serves as the voice for the concrete pipe industry. It provides members with a wide range of programs and services to promote and advance the use of concrete pipe including marketing, training, technical, manufacturing, quality, safety, government relations, and research.

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