Annual Meeting | Laboratory Products Association

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LPA Annual Meeting
November 10-12, 2024
J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
Scottsdale, Arizona

Register Here or download the PDF

Join us for the 2024 LPA Annual Meeting at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa from November 10-12. Enjoy great speakers and ample opportunity for business networking, along with a day and a half of professional development, education, and inspiration. The LPA provides also provides optional outings to enhance the time spent in Scottsdale!

Sunday morning, look forward to an optional early-morning wellness walk/run meet-up & optional golf tournament at Camelback Golf Club, with another optional event- a Foodie Tour in Old Town Scottsdale from 11am-2pm. A post-meeting excursion, eBike & Hike ending at 5pm on Tuesday, Nov 12th is also planned. Guests and spouses are always welcome to attend all optional events!

SCHEDULE
Sunday, November 10
6:00-8:00 AM LPA Women's Forum sponsored Morning Meet-Up
8:00 AM-2:00 PM    Golf Tournament, Camelback Golf Club (optional, off-site)
11:00 AM-2:00 PM Old Town Scottsdale Taste It! Foodie Tour (optional, off-site)
6:00-9:00 PM Opening Reception & Dinner

Monday, November 11
7:30-9:00 AM Open Networking Breakfast
9:00-9:15 AM Welcome and self-introductions by attendees
9:15 AM-10:45 AM     Connor Lokar, ITR Economics, Domestic & Global Economic Outlook
10:45 AM-11:15 AM    Break
11:15 AM-12:15 PM TBD
12:15-1:30 PM Networking Lunch
1:30-2:30 PM   Josh Waldman, PhD, MBA, Cleveland Research, Life Sciences Update
2:30-2:45 PM Break
2:45-3:45 PM Roundtable/Executive Forum Session
3:45-4:00 PM Annual Business Meeting
5:00-6:00 PM Open time
6:00-9:00 PM Reception & Dinner

Tuesday, November 12
7:30-8:30 AM     Open Networking Breakfast
8:30-10:00 AM   Rob Smith/Tony Hobbs, Regulatory & Legislative Insights
10:00-10:15 AM    Break
10:15-11:15 AM Closing Keynote TBD
11:30 AM Meeting Adjourns
1:00-5:00 PM       eBike & Hike (optional, off-site)

About the Hotel
J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
5402 E Lincoln Dr
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Reserve your room here
LPA Member rate is $316 per night.
Resort fee reduced to $20 per night.
Cutoff date is September 12
Please call Reservations at 1-480-948-1700 and mention the "LPA Annual Meeting"

Discover JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, an award-winning resort near Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley, AZ. The luxury resort welcomes LPA Members with attentive service, deluxe amenities, heated outdoor pools, garden terraces and desert trails in the Sonoran Desert outside Scottsdale.

Take their free shuttle to the 18-hole championship golf courses or treat yourself to a refreshing massage in the tranquil day spa. Savor gourmet dining experiences or relax in privacy in the resort's large casitas and suites with views of nearby Camelback Mountain.

The pueblo-style, pet-friendly accommodations feature kitchenettes and an array of deluxe amenities, with a select few featuring private pools.

Optional Outings
Sunday, November 10, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
LPA Annual Meeting Golf Tournament
Camelback Golf Club
$295 (includes boxed lunch and golf cart)

The Padre Course at Camelback Golf Club, located in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona, is an ideal venue for a golf tournament. Designed by the renowned Arthur Hills, this 18-hole, par-72 course spans 6,903 yards and offers a perfect blend of beauty and challenge that can accommodate golfers of all skill levels.

For golf club rentals at the Padre Course at Camelback Golf Club, you should contact the golf shop directly. When calling, it’s helpful to provide details about your rental needs, such as the number of sets required, preferred brands, and any specific requirements.
Phone: (480) 596-7050

Course Features and Layout
Fairways and Greens: The course features lush, meticulously maintained fairways and fast, undulating greens that demand precision and skill.
Bunkering and Hazards: Strategic bunkering and water features come into play on several holes, requiring thoughtful shot planning and execution. Notable holes include the 9th, with its island green, and the 18th, which features a challenging water hazard along the left side.
Varied Terrain: The layout incorporates a variety of terrain, including elevated tees, rolling fairways, and dramatic desert landscapes, providing a visually stunning and engaging golfing experience.
Signature Holes: The signature 7th hole, a par-3, is particularly memorable, with a picturesque setting and a well-protected green that tests both accuracy and nerve.

Amenities and Services
Clubhouse: The elegant clubhouse offers a full range of amenities, including a pro shop stocked with the latest golf apparel and equipment, locker rooms, and luxurious dining facilities.

Tournament Experience
Hosting our golf tournament at the Padre Course ensures a memorable experience for all LPA Members. The combination of a beautifully designed course, top-notch amenities, and the stunning backdrop of the Scottsdale desert creates an unparalleled setting for competition and camaraderie.

Sunday, November 10, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Old Town Scottsdale Taste It! Foodie Tour (optional, off-site)
$160 (includes transportation, 3 restaurants, 2-3 cocktails, and 1 dessert)

Embark on the "Taste It Foodie Tour" of Old Town Scottsdale for an unforgettable culinary adventure. This guided tour offers an immersive experience through some of the area's best eateries, from trendy restaurants and charming bistros to hidden gems. Each stop features handcrafted dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, alongside perfectly paired beverages like craft cocktails, fine wines, and local brews. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who provide fascinating insights into the history and culture of Old Town Scottsdale, enhancing your appreciation for both the food and the surroundings. The "Taste It Foodie Tour" offers a flexible and convenient way to explore Scottsdale's vibrant culinary landscape, leaving you with lasting memories of exceptional food and culture.

This is a walking food tour. Please be prepared for a moderate amount (1-1.5 miles) of walking, spread out between food stops.

Mild-to-moderate walking; some stairs included; often sat at high-top tables. What to bring: Appetite, Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen

Tuesday, November 12, 1:00-5:00 PM
eBike & Hike Camelback (Optional, off-site)
$175 (includes an transportation, an intro to eBikes, tour through the Scottsdale area, and a hike up the Cholla Trail)

The eBike & Hike Camelback tour offered by Segways of Scottsdale provides a thrilling and unique way to explore one of Arizona’s most iconic landmarks. This adventure begins with a scenic eBike ride, allowing participants to effortlessly glide through the beautiful surroundings while enjoying the fresh air and stunning views. The electric bikes make it easy for riders of all fitness levels to cover more ground without getting too tired, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the journey.

After the eBike ride, the tour transitions to a hike up Camelback Mountain (Cholla Trail), one of the most popular hiking spots in the Phoenix area. The guided hike takes you along well-marked trails, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the valley below. The hike is both challenging and rewarding, with the summit providing a perfect spot for photos and a well-deserved rest. Knowledgeable guides accompany you throughout the tour, sharing interesting facts about the local flora, fauna, and geology, as well as ensuring your safety and comfort.

Combining the excitement of eBiking with the exhilaration of hiking, the eBike & Hike Camelback tour offers a memorable adventure that showcases the best of Arizona’s stunning landscapes.

About the speakers

Connor Lokar
Senior Forecaster
ITR Economics

Domestic & Global Economic Outlook

About Connor
Few young economists present their insights with the authority, accuracy, and humor that Connor Lokar brings to the stage. From the intimate executive retreat to the standing room-only keynote, he delivers with charm and candor, rousing and enlightening all who attend his talks.

As a millennial, Connor brings a new perspective to the world of economics, delivering ITR’s industry-leading accuracy to current C-suite executives while forging connections with the next generation of business leaders.

Connor specializes in construction but consults and presents to businesses across all industries, helping them grow revenue and remain profitable through an everchanging business cycle.

Tony Hobbs
Associate Vice President
Platinum Advisors

Regulatory & Legislative Insights

About Tony
With over a decade of political and policy experience, Tony provides a breadth of tactical knowledge and expertise on a wide range of issues. Tony provides Platinum’s clients with real-time, in-depth analysis and updates on key policy and political discussions in DC and beyond.

Prior to joining the Platinum team, Tony was the Legislative Director in the office of US Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01). There, he directed the legislative efforts of the Congresswoman’s DC staff, formulated and implemented the Member’s legislative agenda, and managed an expansive legislative portfolio including appropriations, energy, labor, and financial services policies. Tony also has extensive experience in the political arena – directing the field efforts for successful congressional campaigns that involved massive voter outreach and volunteer coordination efforts.

When not in D.C., Tony can be found sailing the Potomac River in his small sloop, Rocinante, or hiking in the Shenandoah forests.

Rob Smith
Senior Vice President
Platrinum Advisors

Regulatory & Legislative Insights

About Rob
A Republican operative who originally hails from Oklahoma but now splits his time between Oxford, MS and Washington, DC, Rob represents a diverse client base, including the defense, healthcare, tribal issues, environmental, financial services and transportation sectors.

Rob began his career on Capitol Hill as the military legislative aide to House Armed Services Committee Member, Congressman Joel Hefley (R-CO), where he worked on defense procurement and military construction issues. He later went on to serve as legislative director for Congressman Wes Watkins (R-OK), a member of the Ways and Means Committee, where he focused on trade and tax issues.

Upon leaving the Hill, Rob joined Sun Microsystems, where he represented the company on numerous legislative and regulatory matters, including domestic and international tax, broadband, employee compensation and benefits and accounting and export controls.

Throughout his time in Washington, D.C., Rob has remained politically active. In 2004 and 2008, he served as a professional volunteer in the Official Proceedings Division of the Republican National Committee. In that role, Rob was responsible for the logistics and hospitality of over twenty members of Congress and VIPs. Additionally, he serves on the steering and finance committees for many elected officials and serves on the Board of Directors of the National Club Association.
Rob earned his B.A. from the University of Oklahoma and M.B.A. from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina.

Josh Waldman, PhD, MBA
Equity Research, Life Science Tools & Diagnostics industries
Cleveland Research Company

Life Sciences Update

About Josh
Josh is currently a Research Associate at the research firm, Cleveland Research Company (CRC) where he and his team are responsible for coverage of the Life Science, Managed Care and Ophthalmology industries. Prior to CRC, Josh held a business development position at Forest Labs (now Allergan) in addition to working with several early-stage biotech start-ups where he held both business development and benchtop research positions.

Josh holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences with a focus on transplantation immunology, and an MBA from the University of Toledo. He completed his undergraduate work in biochemistry at Bowling Green State University. He currently lives in Pepper Pike, OH with his wife Erin and daughter Charlotte.

Not sure what to expect? Click the picture below for pictures of past LPA meetings on our Facebook Page.