2019 RI Conference – Everything You Need to Know

We will keep this post updated regularly as new information becomes available. 

UPDATES will be dated and in BOLD RED INK.

AGENDA:  

UPDATE 2/14:  ONLINE AGENDA CLICK HERE

• THEME: ‘2019 EXPLORING NEW OPPORTUNITIES CONFERENCE’
  • Here are a few samples of New Opportunities that will be presented:
    • Grimco:  New Reflective Sign Regulations
    • Grimco:  Why Windows, Walls, & Floors?
    • Solar Gard:  A New Tint Opportunity
    • and more…
• TRAINING will be a key feature of this conference – there will be:
  • PPF – Basic, Intermediate, & Advanced
  • Vehicle Wraps – Basic, Intermediate, & Advanced
  • Tint – Heat Shrinking a Back Glass
  • Tint – A New Opportunity in Tint!!
  • Seat Heaters
  • 12 Volt
  • and more…
• VENDORS scheduled to attend:
  • Grimco 
  • Sharpline
  • Solar Gard
  • Access Covers
  • ICI
  • Restylers Choice (AAC)
  • Accele Electronics
  • and more…

UPDATE 1/10:  REGISTRATION:

To help us with meals, shuttle, events, etc, PLEASE REGISTER by clicking REGISTER (there are only 5 questions, so it should only take a minute).

LOCATION:

• Grimco’s Long Beach showroom at 2386 East Artesia Blvd which is about 15 minutes from the hotel.
• If you don’t have a car, no worries!  RI will provide a shuttle service from the hotel to the conference each day.
• UPDATE 1/3: 
  • 2/15 & 16 – CONFERENCE SHUTTLE – Shuttle from Hotel to Grimco will run on Friday and Saturday leaving at 8:15am from the Hotel to Grimco, and leaving at 5pm from Grimco to the Hotel.  Additional runs will be made throughout the day on an ‘as needed’ basis.
  • 2/17 – CATALINA EXPRESS SHUTTLE – Shuttle will run from Hotel to the Catalina Express dock on Sunday morning and return late Sunday afternoon – times to be determined at the conference.

DATES: 

• Thursday– Feb 14 – Fishing Outing (see details under ‘Agenda’ below)
• Friday & Saturday – Feb 15 & 16 – Conference and Training’s at Grimco’s facilities in Long Beach, California
• Sunday – Feb 17 – Trip to Catalina for a relaxing day on the island

HOTEL:

• UPDATE 12/5:  Cutoff date for Hotel reservations is January 15 – so don’t forget to book your room soon!!
• Long Beach Marriott (next to Long Beach Airport – LGB)
• 4700 Airport Plaza Drive, Long Beach, CA 90815
• Rate:  $149 per night Thursday-Sunday ($169 per night before or after the show dates)
• Reservation link:  Marriott Reservation Link
  • (NOTE:  if you plan to arrive / depart more than a day earlier / later, call 562-627-8023 and ask for Shannon)
• Hotel amenities:
  • Free shuttle from Long Beach Airport (not from LAX or John Wayne)
  • Free shuttle to restaurants & shopping within a 3 mile radius
  • Pool, restaurant, bar, free internet, etc
  • Free parking
• Hotel link – Long Beach Marriott
• Tim’s Comments:  This is a very nice hotel.
  • They have a restaurant, plus a genuine bar that also serves food (not the typical hotel bar)
  • Their pool area is one of the nicest I have seen, so if you enjoy sitting by the pool, this is the place!
  • They are right next to the Long Beach Airport, so if possible, fly into Long Beach rather than LAX or John Wayne and they will pick you up with their free shuttle.

GETTING THERE BY AIR:

• Long Beach Airport (LGB)
  • Advantages:  this is your most convenient option – it is right next to the hotel.  If you fly into LGB, you really won’t need a car (unless you just want one).
  • Disadvantages:  fewer flights – fewer cheap flights – so book early!!
  • Airlines that fly into LGB:  Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, United
• John Wayne Airport (SNA) – about 30 minutes southeast – a good option.
  • Advantages:  smaller and easier than LAX
  • Disadvantages:  fewer flights – fewer cheap flights – 30 minute drive.
  • Airlines that fly into SNA:  Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, United, WestJet
• LAX – 30 minutes northwest under ideal conditions, but up to an hour in LA traffic.
  • Advantages:  cheapest flights – most flights available.
  • Disadvantages:  huge airport – 30 minutes away, in good traffic.
  • Airlines that fly into LAX:  pretty much all of them

UPDATE 1/11:  THURSDAY FISHING TRIP

• If you would like to go on a Fishing Trip out of Long Beach, please contact Frank Perales at 318-207-1254 or fperales1@juno.com
• Frank has already chartered a small boat – but since there are more that are interested, please contact Frank ASAP if you would like to go!!

Stay Tuned:

Stay tuned for more as we work out the details!!