2025 Fall Meeting
Nestled in the rolling hills and scenic vineyards of California's Wine Country, the Meritage Resort in Napa Valley is a picturesque escape. Enjoy wine tastings, world class dining, pool-side relaxation, rejuvenation in the spa, or a day on the golf course - whatever you enjoy, Napa Valley has something to offer for everyone.
CLICK THE VIDEO TO VIEW THE MERITAGE RESORT
MEETING DETAILS
HOST HOTEL INFORMATION: (Reservations Open June 15)
Meritage Resort ($329 Group Rate)
Deadline for Group Rate: August 28, 2025
Phone Reservations: 888-965-7090
Online Reservations: CLICK HERE
AIRPORT & TRANSPORTATION:
AIRPORTS:
- San Francisco International Airport - SFO (58 miles from hotel)
- Oakland International Airport - OAK (51 miles from hotel
- Sacramento International Airport - SMF (63 miles from hotel)
- San Jose International Airport - SJC (83 miles from hotel)
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS to HOTEL:
- Rental Car
REGISTRATION:
ONLINE: Opens June 16, 2025
VERY IMPORTANT DATES:
- Early bird registration rate ends September 1, 2025
- All registrations are due by September 12, 2025
- Full Refund if cancellation is received by September 2, 2025
- 50% Refund if cancellation is received by September 14, 2025
EVENT CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY
By registering for this meeting, you agree to abide my MTI’s Event Code of Conduct policy found at:
CITY INFORMATION & TRAVEL TIPS:
Things to Do, Shopping, Food & Entertainment: CLICK HERE
Weather: Attendees can anticipate daytime temperatures in the mid to low 80's, and nighttime temperatures in the low 50's (*F).
DRESS CODE:
All events are business casual except for final night. Final night is formal and is a Metallic-themed event this year. Come dressed to impress in the colors of metals: gold, silver, copper, bronze, and black just to name a few! (suits/ties for men - formal dress for women)
NAME BADGE AND MEMBER WELCOME PACKET
Name Badge & Welcome Bag will be available for pick-up at the MTI Check In registration desk located in the hotel near the reservation desk.
MEETING SCHEDULE:
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22:
8:00 am - 4:30 pm: YES Session 4 Training Day
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm: MTI Check-in to Pick up Name Badges & Welcome Packet
Your MTI welcome bag with name badges and drink tickets will be available for your pickup at the MTI Check-in table located in the hotel lobby. If you arrive after 5:30 pm, your welcome bag can be picked up outside the Opening Night Reception.
6:00 pm - 6:30 pm: MTI First Timer Reception
As a first timer, you will interact with the leadership of MTI prior to the full membership arriving.
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm: MTI Welcome Reception & Dinner
Enjoy Napa Valley's signature cuisine and drinks as you connect with members from all across North America.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23:
7:15 am - 8:00 am: Continental Breakfast for Session Attendees
8:00 am - 8:10 am: Welcome from MTI President, Paul Armitage
GENERAL SESSIONS:
8:10 am - 9:15 am: Regulatory Rules Threatening the Heat Treating Industry
Speaker: James Simonelli – California Metals Coalition
Seasoned regulatory expert James Simonelli from the California Metals Coalition (CMC) will provide an in-depth exploration of the evolving landscape of air quality regulations and federal mandates affecting the heat treating and metal finishing sectors. Drawing on his leadership at CMC and collaborative work with industry stakeholders like MTI, Simonelli will dissect critical updates and offer strategic insight on the direction they are headed.
9:15 am - 9:45 am: Longevity…How Not to Age
Speaker: Mary Springer – Thermtech
This Fireside Chat session on longevity and wellness will be facilitated by MTI Member Mary Springer, President of Thermtech. Mary is a former nurse and her heat treat company owns a clinic for their employees. Mary will guide you through a 30-minute discussion on longevity and wellness. Discover simple, science-backed strategies to boost energy, reduce stress, and live healthier longer.
10:00 am - 11:00 am: Labor Shortage… Who Will do the Work?
Speaker: Chris Czarnik
Workforce strategist Chris Czarnik will deliver a powerful session tackling one of today’s biggest challenges: the labor shortage. In his session, Who Will Do the Work?, Chris unpacks the demographic shifts, cultural trends, and systemic issues fueling the crisis. He’ll offer practical, proven strategies for attracting, training, and retaining talent in a shrinking labor pool. Whether you're in HR, operations, or leadership, this session will equip you to compete—and win—in the battle for workforce stability.
11:00 am - 11:45 am: State of the Institute Update by MTI President
9:30 am - 11:00 am: Spouse/Guest Event
One of the greatest elements of MTI meetings is how connected the spouses are. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with other MTI spouses. Details coming soon.
*AFTERNOON & EVENING FREE TO ENJOY NAPA VALLEY
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
7:15 am - 8:00 am: Continental Breakfast for Session Attendees
8:00 am - 8:05 am: Welcome from MTI President, Paul Armitage
GENERAL SESSIONS:
8:05 am - 9:15 am: Economic Chaos… What the Future Holds
Speaker: Michael Fruez – ITR Economics
With market volatility, shifting global dynamics, and evolving consumer behaviors, uncertainty is the new norm. Michael Fruez from ITR Economics will break down key economic indicators, forecast future trends, and provide actionable insights to help your business plan confidently. Whether you're preparing for growth or bracing for disruption, this session offers the clarity and foresight needed to make smart, strategic decisions.
9:15 am - 9:45 am: Effective Marketing Strategies That Drive Top Line Sales
Speaker: Doug Glenn – Heat Treat Today
In today’s competitive landscape, marketing isn’t just about visibility—it’s about results. Doug Glenn, Publisher of Heat Treat Today will share proven, industry-relevant tactics to attract the right customers, build brand authority, and convert outreach into revenue. Whether you're team are seasoned marketers or just starting, this session will equip you with practical tools and strategies to boost engagement, generate leads, and grow top-line sales.
10:00 am - 11:00 am: How to Make Great Decisions in Extreme Circumstances
Speaker: Jeff Strueker – Real Life Character Feature in Black Hawk Down
Sometimes life throws you unbelievable circumstances where you see no way out. The question is “How do you find the way?” Drawing from harrowing combat experiences and high-stakes leadership moments, decorated Army Ranger and real-life hero Jeff Struecker of Black Hawk Down will inspire you in his riveting keynote on How to Make Great Decisions in Extreme Circumstances. Jeff will reveal how clarity, courage, and conviction guide sound decisions under pressure. His hopeful stories and practical insights will inspire you to lead with confidence, stay mission-focused, and make the right call—even when the stakes are life-changing. Don’t miss this unforgettable session.
*AFTERNOON FREE TO ENJOY NAPA VALLEY*
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm: YES Graduating Class Pictures & Reception
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: MTI President's Reception
All Members are invited to the closing night reception to connect experiences, stories, and take-aways from your Napa Valley learning experience.
7:30 pm - 11:00 pm: Final Night Awards Dinner & YES Management Program Graduation (Metallic themed event)
MTI's Final Night Dinner is always full of energy and excitement with dinner, drinks, connection to Members as MTI celebrates the graduates of MTI's YES Management Program and Service and Leadership Award Winners. Come dressed to impress in your metallic formal wear for this year's themed event.
See You in Napa Valley, CA!
QUESTIONS:
Kristen Speer - MTI Director of Member Experience
904-249-0448 x101 - kristen@heattreat.net