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Emily B

2021 Annual Convention

 

Online registration is closed, on-site registration will be available

 

2021 Annual Convention
Clearwater, Florida, November 2 – 4

NAFA’s annual convention is back! Join us for one of the highlights of our year when over 150 professionals in the air filtration industry meet to build connections, share best practices and learn from an outstanding lineup of speakers!

COVID-19

NAFA is committed to providing a healthy, safe, productive and welcoming environment for all and will be following the current guidelines recommended by the CDC.  If you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 you should follow the CDC’s Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People. People who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, should use prevention strategies, such as wearing masks, physical distancing, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette. Our decisions and preventive measures are guided by the requirements and recommendations by both the CDC and local health authorities in which NAFA will closely monitor changing conditions and decide if protocols will change. The responsibility for a safe and healthy event environment is shared among NAFA staff, venue, and every participant. As part of your duty of care responsibilities, you should NOT attend the Annual Convention if you: 

  • are experiencing, or within the 10 days prior have experienced signs and symptoms of COVID-19;
  • believe that you may have been exposed to a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19; and/or
  • have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are not yet cleared as non-contagious by the health care team responsible for your treatment.

Program Highlights

Opening Keynote
The Pandemic in Perspective

Bill Bahnfleth, Ph.D., P.E
Professor, Architectural Engineering
Pennsylvania State University

William Bahnfleth is a professor of architectural engineering at the Pennsylvania State University. He held previous positions as Senior Consultant for ZBA, Inc. in Cincinnati, OH and Principal Investigator at the U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory in Champaign, IL. He holds BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois and is a registered professional engineer. At Penn State, Dr. Bahnfleth teaches undergraduate courses in HVAC fundamentals and system design, and graduate courses in district cooling systems and indoor air quality. His research interests cover a wide variety of indoor environmental control topics including chilled water pumping systems, stratified thermal energy storage, protection of building occupants from indoor bioaerosol releases, and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation systems. He is the author or co-author of more than 170 technical papers and articles and 14 books and book chapters. Dr. Bahnfleth is a fellow of ASHRAE, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the International Society for Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ). He served as President of ASHRAE in 2013-2014 and currently chairs its Epidemic Task Force. His ASHRAE honors include the Louise and Bill Holladay Distinguished Fellow Award, E.K. Campbell Award, and F. Paul Anderson Award. He is also a recipient of the Penn State Engineering Alumni Society’s World-Class Engineering Faculty Award and a Penn State Exemplary Designation for Faculty Outreach.

The Pandemic in Perspective: As the COVID-19 pandemic approaches the end of its second year, a number of important lessons are coming into focus. Some are the result of successes and others the consequence of failures. If fully learned, they may help to shape a better future for humanity but the path to a different and better world is fraught with obstacles. This presentation is a personal view of the events of the past two years and their possible impact on the post-pandemic world. The primary focus is the role of indoor environments in transmission of COVID-19 and the part played by science and technology in shaping efforts to mitigate risk. However, the pandemic has social, economic, and political dimensions coupled with issues of science and technology, so these, too, are addressed. A new paradigm for indoor air quality is proposed that integrates sustainability goals for good health and well-being with protection of the environment and recognizes the need for indoor environments that are resilient in response to infectious disease outbreaks and natural disasters.


Your in-person registration includes:

  • Breakfast
  • Welcome Reception
  • Lunch
  • Awards Banquet
  • Opportunity to participate in CAFS and NCT exams (additional fee required)
  • Chance to tee off during the NAFA Foundation Golf Tournament (additional fee required)

Online registration is closed, on-site registration will be available


LOCATION

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
100 Coronado Drive
Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

Book your Hotel Guest Room online here. The cut-off date to receive our discounted Group rate is Monday, October 11, 2021.

Room Rates: 
Single/double: $219.00
Triple: $239.00
Quad: $259.00

NAFA discounted room rates are available for three nights prior and three days post event. Room rates are subject to the current 13% state and local tax.

Included in your rate:

  • 2 Beach Chairs and 1 Umbrella on the Beach
  • 4 Bottles of Water
  • 10% off retail in Pallavi Luxury Spa
  • Complimentary coffee in the lobby
  • In-room Keurig coffee maker with premium coffee and teas
  • WI-FI in guest rooms
  • Pool pampering, Activities and Entertainment

Reservation cut-off date: Monday, October 11, 2021
Check-in time: 4:00 pm; Check-out time: 11:00 am

Parking Fees:

Valet parking rate is discounted to $25.00 plus tax

A Note from the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

The health and safety of our guests and team members continue to be a priority for us. At this time, all team members- regardless of vaccination status are required to wear masks indoors at all times. We will continue to recommend that our guests also wear masks while indoors in common areas regardless of their vaccination status.  We do also have a pre-screening of all team members each day prior to a team member entering the building. As CDC guidelines continue to evolve, we will continue to provide updates regarding any changed recommendations or requirements.

For detailed information on the hotel’s Covid-19 related best practices, review the Clean Stay Health and Safety plan and check out this Health Guidelines Video to see the hotel team in action keeping events as safe as possible.


Transportation

The St. Petersburg/Clearwater area is conveniently served by two international airports, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Tampa International Airport (TIA).  Each airport has increased precautionary steps in response to the spread of COVID-19 by expanding procedures and safety measures.  Please see their websites below for additional information.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)  (located approximately 12 miles from Wyndham Grand Hotel)

Airlines that serve PIE include Allegiant Air, Sunwing Airlines and SunCountry Airlines. The on-site rental car companies are Alamo, National, Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Hertz.

Tampa International Airport (TIA) (located approximately 21 miles from Wyndham Grand Hotel)

Airlines that serve TPA include Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Cayman Airways, Contour Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Edelweiss Air, Frontier, Jet Blue, Lufthansa, Norwegian Air, Silver Airways, Southern Airways Express, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Coast Airlines (seasonal), Swift Air, Swoop, United and WestJet.

Car rentals include Advantage Rent a Car, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Executive Car Rental, Hertz, National, Thrifty.

Rideshare services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Cab fare from Tampa International Airport is estimated around $60.00 one way and $25.00 from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport.


2021 Golf Tournament at Clearwater Country Club

525 N. Betty Lane
Clearwater, FL 33755
727-446-9501
www.clearwatercountryclub.com

Located just minutes from the beach, the conveniently situated Clearwater County Club sprawls across a coastal landscape of Spanish moss-draped trees and towering, mature oaks. Stevenson Creek meanders through the golf course, coming into play on 6 holes. The layout has a traditional design that is challenging but fair. The rolling fairways are well manicured and greens play at medium speed which are exceptionally well maintained.


Full Convention Schedule

 Monday, November 1

NAFA Executive Officers Meeting

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

 Tuesday, November 2

Registration

7:30 am – 12:00 pm


 

Breakfast

8:00 am – 8:45 am


Welcome & Opening Remarks

8:30 am – 8:45 am

Nathan Wittman, CAFS, NCT, NAFA President
Filter Technology Company, Inc.

Patrick Rosenthal, CAFS, NAFA Secretary
TEX-AIR Filters/Air Relief Technologies


Spouse Program – Yoga on the Beach

A one-hour yoga session with a certified instructor designed for participants at various fitness level. Recharge and regenerate on the pristine shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Attendees will enjoy the opportunity to join friends in welcoming in the new day and setting intentions for peace and harmony. Yoga mat and box lunch are provided. Gather on the beach in front of the Wyndham Grand Hotel for a light snack at 10:00 am.

10:00 am – 12:00 pm


Opening Keynote Speaker
The Pandemic in Perspective

8:45 am – 9:45 am

Bill Bahnfleth, Ph.D., P.E
Professor, Architectural Engineering
Pennsylvania State University

As the COVID-19 pandemic approaches the end of its second year, a number of important lessons are coming into focus. Some are the result of successes and others the consequence of failures. If fully learned, they may help to shape a better future for humanity but the path to a different and better world is fraught with obstacles. This presentation is a personal view of the events of the past two years and their possible impact on the post-pandemic world. The primary focus is the role of indoor environments in transmission of COVID-19 and the part played by science and technology in shaping efforts to mitigate risk. However, the pandemic has social, economic, and political dimensions coupled with issues of science and technology, so these, too, are addressed. A new paradigm for indoor air quality is proposed that integrates sustainability goals for good health and well-being with protection of the environment and recognizes the need for indoor environments that are resilient in response to infectious disease outbreaks and natural disasters.


Navigating the New Normal: Tackling Key Employment Issues During a Pandemic

9:45 am – 10:45 am

Caren Skversky Marlowe
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.

Last year, employers had to get creative while navigating a world where employees could not come to work, suppliers and customers were closing down, and laws were changing on a daily basis. The pandemic has created a plethora of issues for employers that require a multifaceted approach. Attendees will learn how to prepare for a return of the workforce and how to tackle key legal issues including employer liability, vaccines, remote work, accommodations and more.


Break

10:45 am – 11:00 am


Air quality Monitoring – Sensor Technologies for a Data Driven Future

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Zach Konway, Chemist
Kaiterra

Join Zach Konway as he explores air pollutants and the sensor technologies available to measure pollutants. Gain insight into the advantages and disadvantages of various sensor technologies. Tackle industry myths and facts as they pertain to air quality monitoring. Learn the advantages of continuous air quality monitoring and how air quality data may be leveraged with purification and ventilation for a healthier building environment.


NAFA Foundation Golf Tournament @ Clearwater Country Club

12:30 pm  – 5:30 pm

Transportation Provided


NAFA Welcome Reception

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

 Wednesday, November 3

Registration

7:30 am – 12:00 pm


Breakfast

7:30 am – 9:00 am


Technical & Certification Committee Meeting

7:30 am – 9:00 am

Marketing & Membership Committee Meeting

7:30 am – 9:00 am


Spouse Program – Tropical Buffet Cruise

Tropical Fun on the Water aboard the Calypso Queen. See the beautiful sights of Clearwater Harbor on this smooth inland water cruise with captain’s live sightseeing narration. Pelicans, Great Blue Herons and Snowy Egrets are a common sight nestled in the mangroves of a protected bird sanctuary. Includes a lunch buffet, beer, wine, rum punch and soft drinks. Departs .3 miles from Wyndham Grand hotel at 25 Causeway Blvd, Slip # 18.
Board at 12:00 pm; Depart at 12:30 pm; Return at 2:00 pm

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm


Understanding the State of North American Nonwoven’s Market, a Market Gone Mad and the Future for Nonwoven Media Buyers

9:00 am – 10:00 am

Brad Kalil, Director of Market Intelligence and Economic Insights
INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Brad will discuss the market changes in demand and supply as the nonwovens industry responded, and still responds, to the COVID-19 crisis. Specifically, the presentation will present a pre-pandemic view of the nonwovens markets, the Great Pivot during the pandemic, and a look into the future, from a nonwoven media purchaser perspective. The future outlook incorporates both demand possibilities and supply reactions, particularly, given the recent significant amount of announced investments. The presentation will highlight key findings based on market intelligence from INDA’s annual North American Nonwoven Supply Report and from Brad’s recently published North American Nonwovens Industry Outlook, 2019–2024. Attend to understand what the changing nonwoven market and competitive landscape means for your company’s business over the next five years and beyond.


Exploring the Changes between ASHRAE Standards 170-2017 and 170-2021

10:00 am – 11:00 am

Dr. Jenny Berens, Filtration Engineering Manager NA / Industrial Division
Freudenberg Filtration Technologies

In this session Dr. Berens will briefly review the ASHRAE Standards Change Process, including the involved organizations, with focus on ASHRAE 170 Standard Ventilation of Health Care Facilities. She will discuss all the changes that were made to the ASHRAE Standard 170-2017 in order to generate the updated standard 170-2021 and then do a deeper dive into the changes that specifically affects the filtration. Finally, we will wrap up the discussion with a short speculation in what the future may bring.


Break

11:00 am – 11:15 am


Market Trends: Filtration 2021
A Panel Discussion

11:15 am – 12:30 pm

Moderator

Patrick Rosenthal, CAFS, Central Texas Regional Manager
TEX-AIR Filters/Air Relief Technologies

Panelists

Kevin Delahunt, CAFS, Senior Technical Advisor
BGE Indoor Air Quality Solutions Ltd.

Hunter Most, CAFS, Foremarket Sales & Technical Support Manager
AAF Flanders

Steve Peege, CAFS, Regional Sales Manager,
Columbus Industries, Inc.

Nathan Wittman, CAFS, NCT, Vice President | Sales and Marketing
Filter Technology Company, Inc.

Industry leaders discuss the effect of Covid-19 on filtration in their areas of expertise. Topics will include medical facilities, commercial buildings, schools, government facilities, retirement communities, and more. Representatives from manufacturers and distributors will be on the panel.


NAFA Business Meeting Lunch

12:30 pm – 1:45 pm


CAFS Q&A

1:45 pm – 3:45 pm

Jim Rosenthal, CAFS, CEO
TEX-AIR Filters/Air Relief Technologies


NAFA Awards Reception and Banquet

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Reception

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Banquet

9:00 pm After Party

Thursday, November 4

Registration

7:30 am – 12:00 pm


Breakfast

7:30 am – 9:00 am


Guidelines Committee Meeting

7:30 am – 9:00 am

Education & Training Committee Meeting

7:30 am – 9:00 am


HEPA Filtration, Face Masks, Particle Measurements or
“Hidden’ Parts of Filter Testing and Standards – Audience Choice

9:00 am – 10:00 am

Vijayakumar, Consultant in Chief
AERFIL

Our presenter, Vijay, will be prepared to speak on the following four topics of interest in the industry today. The topic for this presentation will be chosen on-site by you, the attendees. You’ll choose from:

  1. HEPA filtration
  2. Face Masks
  3. Particle measurements
  4. The “hidden” parts of filter testing and standards

Come prepared to make your selection!


Attracting Tomorrow’s Talent with Today’s Leaders

10:00 am – 11:00 am

Steve Bench
Generational Consulting

This keynote session focuses on talent attraction and workforce retention by building understanding of who we are, how we were raised, and how each generation views “work” as a part of their identity. Learn talent attraction and retention strategies to overcome generational differences and attract Millennial and Gen Z employees and keep them from leaving! Adulthood has changed, and depending on my life stage, I might prioritize my lifestyle over my career… So how do you manage and motivate someone who may not be as committed to their job as previous generations? This session will give you the answers!


CAFS & NCT Testing

10:00 am – 12:00 pm


Conference adjournment

11:00 am


NAFA Board of Directors Meeting

11:00 am – 2:00 pm


THANK YOU TO OUR 2021 SPONSORS!

To discuss sponsorship and reserve an opportunity, please contact Terry Driscoll at nafa@nafahq.org, or call 608-310-7542. See a complete list of opportunities here.

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