January/February 1993
From meetings to Mickey, there's something for everyone at ReMA's annual convention and exposition in Orlando.
When you told the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) (Washington, D.C.) what you thought would improve the association's annual convention and scrap recycling industry exposition, ReMA pricked up its ears—its Mouse ears, that is.
The result is that this year's convention, set for March 13-16 at Marriott's Orlando World Center (Orlando, Fla.), features more networking and educational programs than ever before. These include a number of general sessions featuring well-known business and financial management experts, a scrap grading and sorting workshop, a session on insurance, and a labor law program. (The preliminary program listed on page XXX details more of these workshops, as well as the schedule for ReMA division, committee, and board of directors meetings, which begin on March 12.)
ReMA's also expanded the event's opening reception, and added a second reception, so you can be assured of catching up with all of your colleagues. Add to all that outdoor as well as indoor exhibits of industry products and services, plus the beauty and excitement of this year's setting, and you've got a convention that promises to fulfill its theme—"Expanding Your Horizons."
The Club That's Made for You and Me
Since the convention falls during many schools' spring breaks, and is being held in one of the country's top family-vacation spots, the ReMA show also offers you a chance to expand the whole family's horizons.
Kids from ages 3 to 16 may register for a special children's program, which will offer the younger members of your family a variety of activities (based on their age) to enjoy while you attend workshops, networking opportunities, and social events.
Since there's so much to do in Orlando , and because many general session speakers should appeal to spouses as well as scrap executives, there won't be a separate spouses' program at the Orlando convention. Still, golf and tennis clinics for both men and women are planned, as are mixed and singles tennis and golf tournaments. As well, a shopping shuttle will operate from the Marriott on Saturday, March 13, and Tuesday, March 16, for easy access to Orlando 's many boutiques and factory outlets.
Other social activities set for the Orlando convention include the closing night's theme party, "An Evening with Andrew Lloyd Webber," hosted by the Phantom of the Opera. The evening of dinner and dancing, courtesy of the Florida Symphony and the Orlando Opera Company, will feature music from Cats, Evita, and The Phantom of the Opera.
Come One, Come All
It's hard to imagine Orlando without the theme parks, restaurants, and hotels that have sprung up over the past half-century. Yet, at one time, the area was best-known to Native Americans and citrus growers—and the closest things to Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck were the many types of wild animals and birds that inhabited the area.
Now, of course, Orlando is synonymous with Walt Disney World—and if you haven't been there in a while, you're in for a big surprise. "It's a Small World," Cinderella's Castle, and the Flying Dumbo ride are all still there, but now there's also the cultural and scientific world of EPCOT and the big-screen-themed Disney MGM Studios.
And there's more to Orlando than the Disney attractions. You can do everything from taking a screen test to surviving an "earthquake" to experiencing the Back to the Future "sensurround" adventure ride at Universal Studios Florida, while at nearby Kennedy Space Center, you can see actual spacecraft, tour the space shuttle launch site, and learn how satellites are shaping the future. Cypress Gardens offers world-famous botanical gardens, water-ski revues, and an old-fashioned circus show. Meanwhile, at Gatorland, you can learn about the famous Florida alligators, watch "gator wrestlin'," and sample smoked gator ribs and nuggets.
If it's water action you crave, a number of area water parks—Wet'n Wild, Water Mania, and River Country—feature chutes, slides, and water rides. You might also get wet at Sea World, where a close-up seat at the whale and dolphin shows almost always guarantees you a shower.
If that isn't enough, blimp and hot-air balloon rides, water sports, and even bungee-jumping are all readily available. The Official Visitor Center (see "Traveler's Advisory" on page XXX) can steer you toward some reputable operations.
A good way to wind down after all the activity is to visit the Orlando Museum of Art's permanent exhibits of American, pre-Columbian, and African art, or check out Ripley's Believe It or Not, with its hundreds of "unbelievable" exhibits, themed galleries, oddities, miniatures, and disasters.
Or, stick close by your hotel. Marriott's Orlando World Center is a resort property surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and an 18-hole championship golf course, and features a free-form swimming pool with waterfalls and water slides, health and spa facilities, lighted tennis courts, and a miniature golf course. All of these resort facilities are also available to guests of the Residence Inn, which has blocked rooms for convention registrants requesting affordable one- or two-bedroom suites. And the Walt Disney World Swan, the third hotel that ReMA has reserved space in, has a white sand beach (on Crescent Lake ), a free-form swimming pool, fitness center, and lighted tennis courts. In addition, Swan guests have access to any of the five Disney golf courses.
— Nancy L. Gast
The Natives Speak
Where do Orlandians go for fun and food? We asked these eastern Florida-based scrap recycling executives to recommend their own favorite eateries and attractions, and here's what they told us.
- Bob Chung, TEC Southeast Inc. (Orlando) says golf is great at the Grand Cypress, Bay Hill, Walt Disney World, Grenelefe, and Hunter's Creek courses. Not-to-be-missed restaurants along Orlando 's International Drive are Ran Getsu (which he calls "the best and freshest sushi bar in town"), Caruso's Palace ("with musicians performing Italian folk songs"), and Ming Court ("for people who prefer upscale Chinese cuisine"). While a 15-minute drive from Orlando, Boston Lobster Feast inKissimmee definitely warrants a special trip, Chung says; the restaurant has agreed to give ReMA members a 10-percent discount on its all-you-can-eat Maine lobster buffet.
- Nini Krever, Traders International (North Palm Beach) recommends Sum Chow's in the Dolphin Hotel for good Chinese food. And right in the Swan Hotel—where ReMA has reserved a block of rooms—visit Palio's Italian restaurant, she suggests.
- Frank Giglia Jr., Allied Scrap Processors Inc. (Lakeland) gives high marks to the unique Bubble Room Restaurant in Maitland, the decor of which Bon Appetit magazine has termed "delightfully goofy." Other favorite Giglia eateries are Rachel's in Casselberry (for steak and "adult entertainment") and Caruso's Palace (Italian). If you tire of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, the Orlando area offers a chance to see some horse action: Arabian Nights in Kissimmee serves up a four-course prime-rib feast during a two-hour horse show, and Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament—also in Kissimmee —is the place for "jousting and feasting," Giglia asserts.
- Chuck Grossman, Aaron Scrap Metals Inc. (Orlando) says that although many of his favorite places are a little out-of-the-way, they're "worth the drive." He cites Maitland's Great Steaks for steaks that aren't just great but "outstanding," and Ruth's Chris Steak House in Altamonte Springs . Exceptional Italian cuisine can be found atLa Sila (Orlando) and Enzio's (Longwood), he notes. Grossman also recommends the AAA 4-Diamond- and Mobil 4-Star-rated Maison & Jardin ( Altamonte Springs ), whichOrlando 's Official Visitor's Guide says is "the local's first choice for special occasions." —N.L.G.
Traveler's Advisory
- Travel. Convention delegates qualify for special discounted fares from the primary carrier into Orlando, Delta Air Lines. To inquire about fares and make your reservations, you or your travel agent should call 800/241-6760 and use ReMA's identification number, File J0960.
- Getting around. ReMA will operate a shuttle service from the Swan Hotel and Residence Inn to the Marriott convention headquarters. Because taxis are not readily available in the Orlando area, if you have extensive travel plans, consider renting a car. Alamo Rent a Car offers ReMA members a 15-percent discount off Alamo's standard lease rates; with an ISRI/Alamo membership certificate, delegates may earn a free upgrade. (Certificates are available from the ReMA membership department, 202/466-4050.) To make reservations, you or your travel agent should call 800/354-2322, and use ReMA's identification number, BY245303. All hotels with rooms blocked for the ReMA convention offer free-self-parking.
- Weather. It's not called the Sunshine State for nothing. In March, daytime highs average from the low 70s to well into the 80s, while nights often cool to the low 50s; light jackets and sweaters should be sufficient for those "cooler" times. And remember that the Florida sunshine can be very intense—even in March—so be sure to pack a good sunscreen.
- Information. Discounted attraction tickets, road maps, directions, brochures, guide books—and Orlando souvenirs, to boot—are available from Orlando 's Official Visitor Information Center at 8445 International Drive , in the Mercado Mediterranean Shopping Village. And for up to 50-percent discount prices to many of the area's attractions, restaurants, car rental agencies, and shops, call 800/255-5786 at least two weeks before your trip for the Orlando Magicard. You can also pick one up at the Visitor Information Center. —N.L.G.
The Preliminary Program
(includes ReMA division, committee, and board of directors meetings, as well as convention events)
Friday, March 12
Ferrous Division Executive Committee
Nonmetallics Division Executive Committee
Issues Briefing
Aluminum Committee
Plastics Committee
Shredders Committee
Nonferrous Division Executive Committee
Wire Choppers Committee
Nonferrous Specifications Committee
State Committee
Rubber Committee
Glass Committee
Ferrous Domestic Trade Committee
UBC Committee
Ferrous Specifications Committee
Consumers Council
Precious Metals/Minor Metals Committee
Safety Committee
Phoenix Subcommittee
Stainless and Alloys Committee
Environment and Legislative Committees
Young Executives Council
National Association Supply Cooperative
Exhibitor Briefing
Copper/Brass Committee
Lead/Zinc Committee
Saturday, March 13
Processing and Equipment Committee
Men's Golf Clinics
Women's Tennis Clinics
History and Archives Committee
Education and Training Committee
PSI Chapter Meeting
Insurance Committee
Government Sales Committee
Membership Committee
Planning Committee
Recycling Research Foundation
Women's Golf and Tennis Tournaments
Bylaws Committee
Chapter Presidents
Transportation Committee
Public Relations Committee
Finance Committee
Nonmetallics Division Executive Committee
Ferrous Division Executive Committee
Nonferrous Division Executive Committee
Nonmetallics Division
Ferrous Division
Nonferrous Division
Childrens' Welcoming Party and Dinner
Opening Reception and Theme Party
Sunday, March 14
Buffet Breakfast
President's Annual Report on the Industry/Town Meeting
Keynote Address
Nonmetallic Workshop
Insurance Workshop
Nonferrous Workshop
Environment Workshop
Convention Committee
General Session
Young Executives Workshop
Stainless and Alloys Workshop
Grading and Sorting Workshop
Reception in Exhibit Hall
Legislative Workshop
Young Executives Reception
Monday, March 15
Nonferrous Workshop
Storm Water Update
Ferrous Workshop
Insurance Workshop
Public Relations Workshop
Buffet Brunch
General Session
Mixed Tennis and Golf Tournaments
Tuesday, March 16
Board of Directors
Labor Law Workshop
Environment Workshop
Rubber Workshop
Men's Tennis Clinics
Women's Golf Clinics
General Session
Men's Golf and Tennis Tournaments
"An Evening with Andrew Lloyd Webber"
Wednesday, March 17
Convention Committee
From meetings to Mickey, there's something for everyone at ReMA's annual convention and exposition in Orlando.