9:00am - 11:30am

What to Say to a Porcupine: Great Customer Service Connections
Presented By Richard Gallagher ISA CEU's 1.5

Learn the mechanics of managing customer transactions successfully – particularly in critical situations. Strong communications skills will change the dynamics of your most difficult customer situations and help you handle, diffuse and, most importantly, not let an incident escalate.

Retirement Plan and Investments with Edward Hickey, Jr.

Ed Hickey will discuss changes in retirement ­planning, plan design and various investment platform options. Also, he will discuss the commission based platform versus the fee based platform. Ed will be available Monday and Tuesday for one-on-one meetings. Please sign up at the WMC hospitality desk.

Breaking the Status Quo: Leadership Development
Presented By Wayne Rivers

Leadership is critical to the sustainability of a multi-generational business. But how does a leader walk the fine line between heavy handed authority and innovative conviction? Discover how to develop your leadership and also nurture the development of future leaders within your family business. Plus, discover what leadership development is NOT and avoid stagnation in your company.

Finding a Balance: Compensation and Incentives
Presented By Wayne Rivers

Family and closely held businesses are vastly different than large national corporations. So it’s clear that compensation and incentives must also be handled differently. Explore the differences between employment and ownership compensation and why compensation equals love in family businesses. Wayne will review best practice habits of successful family and closely held businesses and also share several case studies illustrating how to correctly calibrate family business compensation

10:15am - 12:00pm

Breakout Session: How to Valuate Your Business
Presented by John Davies

Trying to integrate your personal lifestyle and financial objectives with your long-term business plans can be tricky. But whether you’re a new business owner with ambitious plans to grow your business or a seasoned business owner who is in the early stages of developing an exit plan, it’s important to develop a structured approach to pursuing your personal and professional goals.  John will provide tips, advice, and methods to ensure that you achieve your objectives.

John will also be available for 30 minute one on one consultations starting at 1:00 pm.  Advance sign ups are required; please contact Diane Morgan at 1-800-733-2622.

9:15am - 10:15am

Safety as a Growth Tool
Presented By Robert Pater

When taken to higher levels, safety can provide a competitive edge in profitability, marketing, quality of service and employee engagement. But how do you rise above the same old safety meeting speeches and default reminders to “stay safe”? Explore how to boost your company’s stance on safety and keep employees healthy and happy, while also attaining solid business returns.

10:30am - 11:30am

Reducing Injuries with Dedication
Presented By Robert Pater

Too often people think of safety as boring, by-the-numbers, repetitive, just-rules. Go beyond the monotony with Robert Pater and learn to help prevent back injuries, slips/trips/falls and hand injuries with proven methods adapted from select martial arts and other disciplines. Plus - these methods can also boost your performance in golf and other favorite activities!

8:30am - 10:00am
&
10:15am - 11:45am

Coaching Your Team to Success (Two-Part Session)
Presented By Steve Beck

Steve's seminar is jam-packed with so much great information that we're devoting two sessions to his expertise. Coaching employees to achieve top performance has become just as important as supervising them. The goal of coaching is to guide, inspire and empower individuals to realize and develop their fullest potential. Effective coaching, therefore, provides for the fullest development of your employees' talents and skills and results in the highest possible level of organizational performance and productivity. During this training you will learn how to unlock employees excellence; increase productivity; create new possibilities; and more.

5:30pm - 9:00pm

Sunset Catamaran Cruise and BBQ Dinner on Hyatt Beach (Optional Add-on Activity)
Unwind and socialize during the two-hour cocktail cruise while enjoying open bar, light appetizers, and lively music. Indulge in a BBQ Dinner on Hyatt Beach and, if you wish, a stroll along the beach. The Sunset Cruise always sells out so reserve your spot early.

TOURS ARE FULL. PLEASE CALL 800-733-2622 TO BE PUT ON A WAIT LIST.

Sunset Catamaran Cruise (Optional Add-on Activity)
Celebrate the close of your first day at WMC 2012 with a two-hour cocktail cruise on a two-level sightseeing boat along Curaaço's scenic coastline. Enjoy an open bar, appetizers, and lively music against a backdrop of a picturesque sunset over the distinctive blue water. The Sunset Cruise always sells out so reserve your spot now!

TOURS ARE FULL. PLEASE CALL 800-733-2622 TO BE PUT ON A WAIT LIST.

Curacao Cooking Demonstration and Instruction (Guest Program)
Put on your cooking apron and invoke your inner Emeril for this Caribbean-style cooking class. You’ll learn how to make food that highlights unique Curacao ingredients and, at the end of the lesson, create one course for the delicious menu. Meals include: lemon juice & puff pastry straws with sesame seed, cucumber salsa, roasted tomato basil soup, parmesan croutons, pumpkin pancakes with Curacao liqueur sauce and vanilla ice cream, and more. Bon appétit! Please note: There is no age requirement, but the recommendation is 12+.

TOURS ARE FULL. PLEASE CALL 800-733-2622 TO BE PUT ON A WAIT LIST.

Beach Sports (Optional add-on activity)
More interested in playing sports than catching rays? Spend the afternoon on the beach and take advantage of all the sports equipment at your disposal like kayaks, Hobie Cats, paddleboats, catamarans, and snorkel gear. Tuckered out from all that fun? Retreat to a floating hammock and blissfully snooze away the afternoon. Hungry? Grab a bit to eat at one of the Hyatt’s poolside restaurants.

TOURS ARE FULL. PLEASE CALL 800-733-2622 TO BE PUT ON A WAIT LIST.

Robert Felix Memorial Golf Tournament
Pre-registration is required

The popular Robert Felix Memorial Golf Tournament is a great way to take part in an afternoon of golf guilt-free while supporting our industry.  Organized and hosted by TCIAF (Tree Care Industry Association Foundation), proceeds from this event are earmarked to benefit students of arboriculture. 

Join us on the Old Quarry golf course on the Hyatt Curacao grounds for an afternoon of outstanding golf and friendly competition.  The course gets its name from the historic quarries where famed Curacao marble is mined and weaves around a majestic outcropping which makes a stunning backdrop.  This par 72 Pete Dye designed course will challenge novice and experienced golfers while they enjoy the scenic vistas.  Your reservation of $325 includes unlimited use of the driving range prior to play, greens fees, golf cart, lunch, beverages, awards reception, and prizes.

This event requires a separate registration.  The form is also located in the Winter Management Brochure  Questions, please call Diane Morgan at 1-800-733-2622, ext. 106. 

Sponsorship opportunities, including hole sponsorships, lunch/beverage cart, golfer challenges, an awards reception and more are available.  Contact Deborah Johnson, TCIA Director of Development at 1-800-733-2622, ext. 123 for more information.

TOURS ARE FULL. PLEASE CALL 800-733-2622 TO BE PUT ON A WAIT LIST.

ATV Off-Road Adventure
Ready to get dusty? Discover the wild side of Curacao as you tear across the rugged north coastline. Check out island views that are accessible only by ATV and learn all about the Curacao landscape from your guide. Please note: ATVs are available for single or double-riders. This 2-3.5 hour tour includes helmet, goggles, two-way radio pre-tour instructions, and a pit stop for refreshments. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license. Children 6+ are welcome; tour will be modified for drivers accompanying younger riders. Transportation is arranged to and from the ATVs. Be sure to eat a hearty lunch before arriving for this exhilarating afternoon adventure!

TOURS ARE FULL. PLEASE CALL 800-733-2622 TO BE PUT ON A WAIT LIST.

Kayak Tour
Depart from the Hyatt Marina and enjoy a relaxing escapade through the waters of the beautiful Spanish Bay. Paddle by magnificent homes while enjoying a million dollar view. A limited number of single kayaks are available, so bring a friend or get paired with one and tour in double-kayaks!

TOURS ARE FULL. PLEASE CALL 800-733-2622 TO BE PUT ON A WAIT LIST.

12:00pm - 4:30pm

Aquarium Tour and Dolphin Encounter (Optional add-on activity)
Begin your afternoon with lunch at Hemingway, a fun casual restaurant on the water, before strolling down to the Curacao Sea-Aquarium for a spectacular look at tropical fish. Enjoy an encounter with the dolphins, where you’ll stand in waist-deep water and interact with them as they come to you. Please note: This package includes transfer to and from the hotel, lunch, informative guide, entrance fee, sea aquarium tour/shark feeding, plus the dolphin encounter. Accessible for all ages; children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

TOURS ARE FULL. PLEASE CALL 800-733-2622 TO BE PUT ON A WAIT LIST.

Aquarium Tour and Dolphin Swim (Optional add-on activity)
Begin your afternoon with lunch at Hemingway, a fun casual restaurant on the water, before strolling down to the Curacao Sea-Aquarium for a spectacular look at tropical fish. Finally, go for a dip with the dolphins in their lagoon and even enjoy a dorsal fin ride. Please note: This package includes transfer to and from the hotel, lunch, informative guide, entrance fee, sea aquarium tour/shark feeding, plus the dolphin swim. Accessible for all ages; children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

TOURS ARE FULL. PLEASE CALL 800-733-2622 TO BE PUT ON A WAIT LIST.

Snorkel Catamaran Tour (Optional add-on activity)
Check out the underwater world of Curaco with a snorkeling trip. Cruise the Spanish Waters taking in the million-dollar view then dive in the sparkling water to check out a sunken tugboat that is home to Blue Parrot Fish, Yellow Tail Snappers and a variety of reef fish. Don’t worry about bringing equipment or lunch, this trip will provide both on the catamaran.

TOURS ARE FULL. PLEASE CALL 800-733-2622 TO BE PUT ON A WAIT LIST.

Tasting Dushi Curacao and City Tour (Optional add-on activity)
Make your way through the island’s beautiful city on a culinary adventure, combining intriguing island history with fresh Curacao food. Enjoy a lunch of Keshi Yuna (traditional Caribbean meat dish) at the Avila hotel, a tour of the Chobolobo liqueur factory (with tastings, of course!), and tour the Gallery Alma Blau while enjoying a small wine tasting. Take in Curacao using all your senses! Please note: This 4-4.5 hour bus tour (with guide) will transfer you to and from the hotel. There is no age requirement, but the recommendation is 14+.

TOURS ARE FULL. PLEASE CALL 800-733-2622 TO BE PUT ON A WAIT LIST.

Ostrich Farm and Hato Caves Tour (Optional add-on activity)
Check out two of Curacao’s most interesting attractions in one day! At the Ostrich Farm, you’ll enjoy a restaurant lunch followed by a visit with the ostriches from the comfort of a truck tour. After the farm, you’ll head to Hato Caves. Wander the caves and check out stalactites, fresh water pools, furious alcoves, and more. Please note: This tour includes air-conditioned bus ride with guides, all entrance fees, two-course lunch. All ages welcome.

TOURS ARE FULL. PLEASE CALL 800-733-2622 TO BE PUT ON A WAIT LIST.

Voice for Trees Political Action Committee Gala and Auction (Separate Ticketed Event)
The highlight of every WMC, this event offers an exciting and often times hilarious way to raise needed dollars to advance your interests in Washington. And this year's Voice for Trees Political Action Committee cocktail reception, dinner and auction will take place at The Papagayo Restaurant an ocean view restaurant on Jan Thiel Beach. Join us for a night of entertainment and festivity, where lucky bidders can find great deals on hunting trips, unique jewelry, vacations and equipment rentals! Cocktail attire requested.

Please contact Deborah Johnson at 603-314-5380 or Johnson@tcia.org for more details and assistance with reservations. Please see this form for information on donations.

TOURS ARE FULL. PLEASE CALL 800-733-2622 TO BE PUT ON A WAIT LIST.

12:00pm - 5:00 pm

Deep Sea Fishing (Optional add-on activity)
With a combination of luck and skill, fishermen are pleased with the beautiful waters around Curacao, where warm waters present favorable fishing year round.  We’ve taken care of everything but the fish -- tour includes captain, crew, bait, equipment, lunch, beer & soda.

TOURS ARE FULL. PLEASE CALL 800-733-2622 TO BE PUT ON A WAIT LIST.

ATV Off-Road Adventure (Optional add-on activity)
Ready to get dusty? Discover the wild side of Curacao as you tear across the rugged north coastline. Check out island views that are accessible only by ATV and learn all about the Curacao landscape from your guide. Please note: ATVs are available for single or double-riders. This 2-3.5 hour tour includes helmet, goggles, two-way radio pre-tour instructions, and a pit stop for refreshments. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license. Children 6+ are welcome; tour will be modified for drivers accompanying younger riders. Transportation is arranged to and from the ATVs. Be sure to eat a hearty lunch before arriving for this exhilarating afternoon adventure!

TOURS ARE FULL. PLEASE CALL 800-733-2622 TO BE PUT ON A WAIT LIST.

Kayak Tour
Depart from the Hyatt Marina and enjoy a relaxing escapade through the waters of the beautiful Spanish Bay. Paddle by magnificent homes while enjoying a million dollar view. A limited number of single kayaks are available, so bring a friend or get paired with one and tour in double-kayaks!

TOURS ARE FULL. PLEASE CALL 800-733-2622 TO BE PUT ON A WAIT LIST.

5:00pm - 6:00pm

WMC Newcomers Meet and Greet
All WMC newcomers are strongly encouraged to attend this exclusive Meet & Greet! Network with other newcomers, TCIA staff and TCIA Board Members. Plus, speak with past newcomers who can help you learn the ropes!

Welcome and Awards Presentation Breakfast

Families in Business Breakfast and Roundtable Discussion
(Optional add-on activity) Pre-registration required, included at no charge for Full Guest Program.
Back by popular demand and better than ever! This roundtable at WMC is an informal opportunity for family members who work full or "part-time" in the tree care business to share and exchange ideas on such topics as time management, succession planning, managing the balance between business and family and the challenges of working side by side every day with family members. It's also a great event for those who don't work "officially" in the business, as business oftentimes works itself into the family. This great event is free for all full guest program attendees, but preregistration is required.

Connect with other families planning to attend this Roundtable with our Families in Business Facebook Group! Request to join here. If you have any questions about TCIA's Families in Business Facebook Group, please contact Amy Tetreault, TCIA's Marketing & PR Coordinator, at 603-314-5380 or tetreault@tcia.org.

Young Business Leaders Forum
This newly formed group is for young and talented tree care professionals (40 years old and under) interested in networking, building friendships and working together to advance tree care businesses. This group, officially launched at TCI EXPO will provide additional social and professional opportunities for today’s young owners and managers at WMC. Industry experts will offer a unique perspective for today’s young owners and managers. Also connect with other young professionals who are planning to attend WMC with our Young Business Leaders Facebook Group! Click here to join.

Poolside Forum: Industry Topics
Discuss industry topics with TCIA Board Members

Breakfast Buffet with TCIA Board

4:00pm - 5:00pm

Poolside Forum: Mentoring and Coaching

Breakfast Buffet

4:00pm - 5:00 pm

Poolside Forum: Safety Discussion

Voice for Trees Political Action Committee Gala and Auction (Separate Ticketed Event)
The highlight of every WMC, this event offers an exciting and often times hilarious way to raise needed dollars to advance your interests in Washington. And this year's Voice for Trees Political Action Committee cocktail reception, dinner and auction will take place at The Papagayo Restaurant an ocean view restaurant on Jan Thiel Beach. Join us for a night of entertainment and festivity, where lucky bidders can find great deals on hunting trips, unique jewelry, vacations and equipment rentals! Cocktail attire requested.

Please contact Deborah Johnson at 603-314-5380 or Johnson@tcia.org for more details and assistance with reservations. Please see this form for information on donations.

Breakfast Buffet

7:30am - 8:30am

Accredited Member Breakfast Forum
Discuss the latest developments in the Accreditation program with Accreditation Council members and TCIA staff. Open to all employees from accredited companies as well as any TCIA member who would like to learn more about Accreditation, this open forum requires preregistration since seating is limited.

4:00pm - 5:00pm

Poolside Forum: Leadership Roles

Farewell to Curaçao Party
Come help us celebrate another successful WMC! Enjoy a delicious meal as you listen to Caribbean and contemporary music. Perhaps take one last stroll on the beach before you head back to old man winter. You are sure to return refreshed and reinvigorated to tackle the year ahead! Dress is resort casual.