2016 Spring Convention & Annual Membership Meeting

Once a year, the AWO membership gathers in our nation’s capital for a week of prime advocacy, compelling meetings, and great networking opportunities. We are pleased to invite you to register now for this impactful week. The meeting is open only to members, and it is a free benefit of membership. The 2016 Spring Convention, Annual Membership Meeting, and Barge-In will be held April 19-21, 2016. Click here for the Spring Convention Schedule-At-A-Glance.

Don’t miss the chance to:

Participate in compelling meetings on hot-button issues
Participate in Tuesday's full day of committee meetings, roundtable discussions, and panels to learn about upcoming legislation, current regulations, and association issues.

Network with key players and industry professionals
Join more than 150 members, agency personnel, and Congressional staff for the Spring Convention Reception on Tuesday evening.

Meet with Members of Congress
The AWO Barge-In on Wednesday, April 20, is a premiere opportunity to demonstrate to Congress the importance of the tugboat, towboat and barge industry to the United States. It is essential that our voice be heard. The Barge-In is our opportunity to remind lawmakers about the national economic and security benefits the maritime industry provides to the United States. Your presence on Capitol Hill will be critical to forging relationships with Members of Congress and building support for national priorities. A preparatory session on Tuesday will give you all the tools you need to have a productive meetings on Capitol Hill.

Lead AWO into the future
Sit in on the Annual Membership Meeting and the Board Meeting Thursday morning. As a member-led association, it is vital that every member take a responsible role in the governance of the Association. The Board Meeting is open to all members of AWO.

Official 2016 Spring Convention Hotel:
Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C.

If you have not yet booked your accommodation for this year’s Spring Convention and Barge-In, please note that the block of rooms we had reserved at a preferential rate at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel has now completely sold out.  However, there may still be rooms available at the hotel if you enquire directly with them via the reservation line at (202) 554-8588.  Alternatively, there are many hotel options located near our event venue.

Spring Convention Sponsorships Available

If you would like an extra level of exposure among industry peers, a sponsorship is the opportunity that you have been seeking.  To get your company name recognized and to show support of the AWO mission, become a meeting sponsor by completing the form here.