For instance, keynote speaker Gary Heil gave an energetic discussion regarding the importance of service in the 21st century. Meanwhile, guest speaker Jack Kemp, Bob Dole’s vice presidential choice four years ago, expressed his various political views, including his disgust for the death tax. And, at the same time, the specialty forums offered at the three-day convention were, for the most part, informative. (See related articles.)
Yet despite all of these pluses, it was clear that the majority of the record-number 1,500 SMACNA members in attendance did not necessarily come to the Big Island of Hawaii to be, as one contractor put it, “cooped up inside.” And not with a spouse and/or family members along for the ride; not with pleasant 80üF weather, perfect for poolside enjoyment; and certainly not with a convention site, the luxurious Hilton Waikoloa Village Hotel, that had everything from a dolphin learning center to an on-grounds lagoon (fit for snorkeling) to a multitude of restaurants, to …