This past week, NASF members and non-members gathered in Washington, DC for our annual Washington Forum. This year, we were lucky to host the event in our backyard at the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel. The 200-year-old hotel was the perfect backdrop to our discussions on pertinent policy and regulations, labor and workplace trends in the surface finishing industry, election outlooks, and more.
On Monday evening, after our joint NASF and Foundation board meetings, attendees began to arrive. We greeted them with a reception in the Willard courtyard. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks flowed until NASF’s Executive Director, Rosario Palmieri, took to the podium to welcome the guests. After a brief greeting, Palmieri, alongside the NASF and Foundation Presidents, Waasy Boddison and Vince Noonan, respectively, honored Frank Altmeyer for his years of service as an NASF Foundation instructor. Peter Gallerani and Adam Blakeley also said a few kind words before we all raised a glass to celebrate Altmeyer’s 50 spectacular years in the industry. The reception wound down so attendees could prepare for a full Tuesday of presentations and briefings.
Washington Forum’s second day began bright and early. Boddison, Palmieri, and Rick Delawder gave opening remarks, followed by Christian Richter’s Public Policy Update. We heard from several industry experts from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, EPA, Office of the Secretary of Defense, and more. Our keynote speaker, Charlie Cook of The Cook Report, lauded as “the Picasso of election prediction,” spoke on the United States election outlook. After a long day of presentations, we convened in the Peacock Lounge for our final reception.
On Wednesday morning, the remaining attendees met for breakfast and a final briefing from Christian Richter and Jeff Hannapel of The Policy Group. A group of members took the short walk to Capitol Hill for congressional visits to end the Forum.
Next year, we will hold the Washington Forum at the Willard InterContinental again. We look forward to seeing you there!