September 19-22, 2009
Grand Hyatt San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas
Come experience the vitality of the “Alamo City” as you network and learn about the latest in the gases and welding industry.
Business and Pleasure
GAWDA's 65th Annual Convention will be held in historic San Antonio, Texas. Don't miss this opportunity to reconnect with fellow distributors, learn from industry experts and gather information on how to grow your business—all while enjoying the sites and experiences of this vibrant and beautiful city. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.gawda.org.
Featured Speakers
Neal A. Boortz is a radio host, author and political commentator. His nationally syndicated talk show, The Neal Boortz Show, airs throughout the United States, with a weekly audience of more than four million. Show topics include politics, current events and social issues, which he discusses with callers, correspondents and guests. Boortz explores many controversial topics on his program, describing himself as an “equal opportunity offender.” He is the author of the bestseller, The Fair Tax Book.
Patrick F. Murphy joined AGA Gas in 1979 and became president/managing director of Linde's (formerly AGA and Holox) North American region in 1987. Following Linde's 2006 acquisition of BOC, he was named president of the the companies' combined business in North America. Murphy has also served as CGA chairman and IOMA president.
Rick Pitino began a new era in University of Louisville men's basketball when he was named head coach of the Cardinals in 2001. The only coach in NCAA history to take three different teams to the NCAA Final Four, Pitino quickly returned the Cardinals to national prominence with top 25 rankings over the last five years and a visit to the Final Four in 2005 for the first time in 19 years. Pitino is the author of several books, including Lead to Succeed and Success Is a Choice, which offer game plans for becoming successful in business and in life.
William J. Kroll is president, chairman and CEO of Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc. His industry experience spans more than 30 years and includes executive management in almost every area of business. Matheson Tri-Gas is a single source for industrial, medical, specialty and electronic gases, gas handling equipment, high performance purification systems, engineering and gas management services, and on-site gas generation with a mission to deliver innovative solutions for global customer requirements. Matheson Tri-Gas is the largest subsidiary of Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation, one of the largest suppliers of industrial, specialty and electronics gases in the world.
Hirosuke Matsueda is president of Japan-based Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation (TNSC), a global producer of industrial, medical, electronics and specialty gases. The company markets its products to the steel, chemical, electronics, automotive, construction, shipbuilding and food industries.
Contact Booth Program
A highlight of every convention is the GAWDA Contact Booth Program—a great opportunity for distributors and manufacturers to meet and do business. Don't miss this chance to network with hundreds of key industry professionals, all in one place, on Monday, September 21.
GAWDA Gives Back
WINGS (Women Involved in Nurturing, Giving, Sharing, Inc.) has been selected as the 2009 recipient of GAWDA Gives Back. The organization was founded in 1999 by two breast cancer survivors. It offers comprehensive breast cancer screening and treatment at no charge to patients through its network of 240 physicians, labs, and healthcare and related services. WINGS receives no government funding, relying solely on donations from foundations, corporations and individuals. The program is designed to fill the gap that exists between breast cancer detection and treatment. More than 90 percent of WINGS funding goes directly to patient treatment and care. Read more on page 71.
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Hotel Accommodations
With a dramatic design that exemplifies the uniqueness of its home city, The Grand Hyatt San Antonio, situated on the famous River Walk—home to some of the city's most popular restaurants, bars, galleries and entertainment venues—is an exciting blend of modernism and Latin culture. While the hotel's ultra-modern exterior is a sleek beacon of glass and light, thoughtful interior design details, such as original sculptures and artwork by local artists, make this San Antonio hotel a warm reflection of the city's modern and traditional influences. Its premier setting, outstanding amenities and unprecedented service levels will help make your Convention experience truly unforgettable.
Learn More Online
While you're in San Antonio for GAWDA's Convention, be sure to hit a few extra spots that aren't part of the program—there are many worth seeing. Visit www.WeldingAndGasesToday.org for a starter list. You'll find plenty more at the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site, www.visitsanantonio.com.
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