June 2022 Issue 10
2022 INTERNATIONAL
CONVENTION
SUCCESS HAS ITS REWARDS Learn what to expect at the resort, and discover the attractions close by.
AUGUST 11-13
Letter from Andy Palframan
IT’S CONVENTION TIME ONCE AGAIN
I am excited to seeing everyone in Florida in August. It will be the perfect time to share our successes, celebrate our growth, and build towards an even better future. It’s been too long since we last got together, and almost hard to believe it was four years ago when we met in hot and steamy Las Vegas. That was a fantastic convention given the terrific venue, outstanding seminars, and a dynamic performance from
motivational guru Tony Robbins. We honored everyone on Awards Night and heard some heartfelt speeches; I think a few of us even spent some time in the casino on the property. The event set the stage for a truly remarkable year until March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic became a part of our lives. The last time we held the convention in Orlando was memorable. It was in April 1996, and our Feel The Magic theme made a huge impact. I was on a recent call with the Regional Directors and the memories reappeared like it was just yesterday.
So with every convention the challenge becomes, how do we top it this year? I can tell you we are working to make it another unforgettable event. We’re busy working and finalizing things and we will share more information as we get closer to the event. For now, it begins with the venue itself and all the precautions we are taking for everyone’s safety. Read all about this incredibly beautiful property. I think you’ll discover more reasons why you need to be in Orlando.
EVENT PROTOCOLS TO KEEP YOU SAFE We are working with Marriott hotel staff to take all the necessary precautions to make the 2022 International Convention as safe as possible for you and your family. Any requirements made by the state of Florida health authorities are subject to change and we will update you by email.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU PREPARE PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL. • The health and safety of guests is Marriott’s top priority, with a commitment to a clean facility. This includes enhanced cleaning protocols, social distancing measures in place, and contactless
HERE’S WHAT THE DESIGNATIONS MEAN AND WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: RED MEANS the individual wants no direct contact with others. Please respect their decision by remaining six feet apart during any conversation. There are no exceptions to this request.
YELLOW MEANS to be cautious. It’s okay to greet someone but they
prefer it to be done with elbows only. No handshakes or hugs allowed.
GREEN MEANS you have their approval to make contact. Handshakes and hi-fives are in order, but it is recommended that you follow up with frequent hand washing to help keep everyone safe.
experience options. Learn more at: whattoexpect.marriott.com/mcojb. • For the safety of everyone, please respect a color code policy that will be in place at this year’s International Convention. We will be placing stickers on all badges to inform everyone about contact preferences. It is similar to a highly acclaimed program that has earned tremendously positive feedback when used at large convention centers and hotel gatherings like ours. • Hotel management recommends guests arriving from outside the United States should review government travel guidance to confirm eligibility and requirements for travel. You may have to provide proof of vaccination prior to traveling. This info can be accessed at Travel.State.gov. • Due to the fluidity of the situation, some locations may require you to wear a mask.
A RARE GEM IN THE MIDDLE OF FLORIDA T
he JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa promotes itself as having brought modern luxury to Central Florida. Based on hotel reviews written by travelers from around the world, the hype is true. The 516-room, 16-story hotel opened in late summer 2020, so by industry standards it’s a relatively new property. Situated on 70 acres and conveniently located off Interstate 4 at Epcot Center Drive, it’s just minutes from all of the Walt Disney World Resort attractions. The Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando are a short 15-20 minute drive up Interstate 4.
The 6th floor Activity Deck is a mecca for kids. It features an outdoor playground, an outside 9-hole miniature golf course, and a Rock Climbing wall.
HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE AND EXPERIENCE WHEN YOU ARRIVE: The Fitness Center is open 24 hours a day. It has all of the equipment you need to stay in shape, just in case you have some energy to burn after all of the walking you do at the theme parks. Keep in mind COVID protocols may be in place in order to workout. Warm inviting spaces and room to relax in style. The rooftop terrace is the place to be if you want to view the different fireworks shows that take place nightly at the theme parks. The Spa by JW is located on the 3rd floor and offers a world of treatments to help you de-stress, unwind and recover. Open seven days a week, hours vary between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
The resort has several specialty restaurants, a Conservatory Lounge, two outdoor pools, a hot tub and a children’s splash pad. The pool deck has ample seating, as well as private cabanas.
The hotel offers a free shuttle to the Walt Disney World theme and water parks. Check with the concierge about schedule times. It’s a great way to experience a great venue and all of what the Orlando area has to offer, so make your reservations now. You’ll be glad you did.
THE PLACE FOR NETWORKING, RELAXATION, AND FUN!
THE 2022 RAINSOFT INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION August 11-13 — JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
We are in the midst of final planning for another spectacular RainSoft International Convention. It will be held at the beautiful JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa, August 11-13. Keep informed of the latest updates by using the RainSoft app. Here is what we have planned: THURSDAY, AUGUST 11 This is the official check-in day unless you arrived earlier to spend some time at the theme parks. All of the information you need for a great Convention will be available. We also have scheduled a Dealer meeting that is open to all Dealer principals who want to attend, and our can’t-miss opening night party. FRIDAY, AUGUST 12 Keeping in mind we are in the Fun Capital of the world, Opening Day will feature business in the morning and pleasure in the afternoon. The Convention opens with the General Session and our “State of the State”
address that includes a special keynote speaker who is a professional sales motivator. Afterwards, you have some options. You can enjoy the hotel pool, visit Disney Springs or enjoy the theme parks. Transportation to Disney Springs and Epcot is complimentary. SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 The final day is loaded with activities. The highly informative Seminar program follows, providing you with opportunities to enhance your Sales, Marketing and Service skills and learn from the best. At the end of the day, join us for the evening Cocktail Reception prior to the International Black Tie Night of Champions Awards Banquet. Keeping in line with our tradition, we promise you a night of fantastic entertainment!
With all of those activities to look forward to, sign up now if you haven’t already done so. You’re going to have a great time!
FUNDAY AUGUST FRIDAY, 12TH
ALL OF THE MAJOR PARKS ARE WITHIN A 15-MILE RADIUS.
H
ere’s a handy guide of things to do when you’re not attending Convention meetings or seminars. To make the most of your trip, check out the visitorlando.com website. It’s especially helpful with the latest information and offers to save money on discount tickets to the theme parks and major attractions.
CLOSEST THEME PARKS
CLOSEST THEME PARKS
The Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando are in the International Drive resort area, about a 15-20 minute drive north on Interstate 4. All of the parks are open seven days a week, but hours vary daily so check their websites: universalorlando.com, seaworld.com.
The Walt Disney World Resort is in Lake Buena Vista and closest to the Marriott Resort. They are celebrating their 50th Anniversary so all of the parks have special events planned on specific dates. disneyworld.disney.go.com
EPCOT
MAGIC KINGDOM
You can visit the world and enjoy some fantastic rides here. More than twice the size of the Magic Kingdom, this iconic theme park features 11 pavilions representing countries on different continents.
This was the first of the four parks to open in 1971. It’s truly a magical place for all ages, with roller coaster rides and popular favorites like the Jungle Cruise and Haunted Mansion. There are plenty of rides for the little ones too, and you won’t go hungry with the many different dining options.
The timing couldn’t be better as Epcot will be hosting its International Food & Wine Festival. The highly acclaimed Taste Tour gives you the opportunity to experience a wide selection of fantastic food and drink options.
DISNEY SPRINGS
WATER PARKS: DISNEY
WATER PARKS: UNIVERSAL, AQUATICA
This is the perfect place to unwind after you’ve experienced any of the Disney theme parks. Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes to visit the more than 100 shops, 65 dining spots for every imaginable taste sensation, and the 25 attractions, shows and events. Options include luxury bowling, riding a vintage Amphicar, or taking flight on a tethered hot air balloon ride.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is literally right down the street from the resort. Their surf pool is the largest wave pool in North America. They also have a variety of fun-filled raft rides, and Ketchakiddee Creek is the perfect area for young children.
About 20 minutes to the north, there’s Universal’s Volcano Bay and Aquatica Orlando. Like the theme parks, you want to get there early before the crowds do and their hours vary each day. Visit their websites at aquatica.com and universalorlando.com.
RAINSOFT HALL OF FAME TO WELCOME NEW MEMBER
T
he RainSoft Hall of Fame is a prestigious honor with a long history. It reflects on an individual’s career with the company and the magnificent accomplishments they have achieved that made them truly special. It also requires a unique individual to reach this pinnacle. Richard Brouse was the most recent inductee at the last Convention four years ago. A member of the RainSoft family for 44 years, he joined RainSoft in 1978 as a sales representative. He later served as a general manager before opening Sweetwater Filtration Systems in Texas 1987. Now called Sweetwater Home Services, Richard has amazing energy to run his business. Besides locations in San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley, he also recently built a new office in Austin, the state’s bustling capital city. All three offices, including sales managers and representatives, installers and service people, are usually among those recognized annually with Central Region top performance awards. When he was honored in Las Vegas four years ago, members of Richard’s family and many current and former employees were in attendance that night. Please join us at this year’s Convention when we announce our new inductee.