The following preliminary schedule is designed to provide a general overview of this year’s convention events. Upon arrival at the convention, be sure to use the detailed schedule located in the pocket agenda for accurate times, locations, listings and other helpful information.
NRA committee meetings are open to all attendees. Industry policies and issues are addressed at these meetings with members exchanging ideas and viewpoints. The committees make recommendations to the NRA Board of Directors on policy and future direction of the organization.
1:00pm - 4:00pm
FPRF Research Committee Meeting
4:00pm
FPRF Executive Committee Meeting
9:00am - 10:30am
FPRF Membership/Board of Directors Meeting
10:30am - 12:00pm
NRA APPI Committee Meeting
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Canadian Renderers Association Meeting
2:00pm - 4:30pm
FPRF Emerging Issues Seminar
4:00pm - 5:30pm
NRA Executive Committee Meeting
4:30pm - 5:00pm
WRO Research Committee Meeting
7:00pm - 8:00pm
As the official kick-off to this year’s convention, the NRA Welcome Reception is the perfect place to meet up with old friends and colleagues and forge the relationships that will take our industry forward.
7:30am - 8:30am
8:30am - 9:00am
NRA Communications Committee Meeting
9:00am - 9:45am
NRA Environmental Committee Meeting
9:45am - 10:30am
NRA Biofuels Committee Meeting
10:30am - 11:00am
TSE Committee Meeting
11:00am - 11:45am
NRA Legislative Action Committee
9:00am
Spouse/Guest Event - Minerals & Mimosas Jewelry-Making Class
12:00pm - 1:45pm
Featuring Guest Speaker Scott O’Grady, former USAF Captain and United States Air Force fighter pilot. Spouses and guests welcome.
2:00pm - 4:00pm
As the first of the business sessions, the Opening General Session features reports on the State of the Rendering Industry, FPRF and the World Renderers Organization. Mark Pearson will present our Keynote Address, titled, “What’s Ahead with the Economy and Agriculture?”
4:15pm - 5:30pm
IMDC Business Meeting
6:30pm - 7:30pm
This relaxing event offers you the perfect opportunity to unwind and discuss the day’s activities with fellow attendees.
7:30am - 8:30am
8:30am - 11:30am
This year’s Industry Issues Forum will feature presentations by:
9:00am
Spouse/Guest Event - Delectable Desert Designs
12:00pm
Be sure to pick up a delectable box lunch before heading out for your Thursday afternoon activities. Spouses and guests are encouraged to pick up a box lunch as well.
12:00pm
NRA Annual Golf Tournament
12:00pm - 5:00pm
Optional Tour - Cattle Drive
12:30pm - 4:30pm
Optional Tour - DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
7:00pm - 9:00pm
The Tabletop Reception is the perfect pairing of business and pleasure! Learn about our industry’s advances in a casual atmosphere and enjoy the exceptional food and bar entertainment provided by our sponsors.
7:30am - 9:00am
Breakfast
8:15am - 9:00am
NRA Audit and Budget Committee Meeting
8:30am - 10:30am
Learn what’s happening in the world of rendering as you hear from experts from North America, South America, Asia, Europe and Australia.
10:30am - 12:00pm
World Renderers Organization Interim Meeting
11:00am - 11:30am
NRA Convention Planning Committee Meeting
12:00pm - 2:00pm
NRA Board of Directors Luncheon Meeting
1:00pm - 3:00pm
This fun, team-oriented activity is much like the hit television show, The Amazing Race, as well as the infamous 2010 NRA Naples Beach Party! Be sure to get your company involved asap. Learn more here.
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Jenkins Centrifuge Company (Diamond)
If you’re planning on participating in the Scavenger Hunt…OR if you simply don’t have any plans on Friday afternoon, please join us for the Pool Party.
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Get ready for an unforgettable night, certain to entertain and delight as local “Treasures of Tucson” demonstrate their art and show what makes the “Old Pueblo” so unique! No matter the medium…painting, ceramics, beadwork, dance, music or food, all will enjoy interacting with these exceptionally talented individuals. Stations around the perimeter of the room will feature artists such as Diana Madaras, Catherine Orrantia and Katie Reynolds, where they will showcase their artwork and have pieces available for purchase.
During the event, music will be provided by the incomparable Domingo DeGrazia Band. Son of local legendary artist, the late Ted DeGrazia, the band features a blend of Spanish guitar passion with the flair of Flamenco music, coupling dynamic rhythms with vibrant Latin, salsa and rock drum beats.
As an added treat and definite “treasure,” you will be entertained by Derrick Suwaima Davis, a Native Arizonan from the Hopi and Choctaw nations. Suwaima, who began participating in pow wows at the age of 3, is a five time world champion hoop dancer and champion fancy dancer.
After dinner, you’ll venture outdoors and enjoy sumptuous “Desserts Under the Stars.” Guided by an astronomer, you’ll marvel at the brilliance of the desert night sky, which is particuarly beautiful in Tucson.
Suggested Dress: Arizona is known for its casual lifestyle. Please wear your best denim and diamonds or cocktail attire for this special evening.