PMI will honor the many accomplishments of Barbara "Barb" Higgens, former PMI CEO/executive director, at the Nov. 13 President's Dinner, part of the 2017 PMI Conference, Nov. 13-16, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Sonoma Wine Country, Calif.

Selected to lead PMI in 1998 and serving until June 2017, Higgens revamped the organization from her kitchen table as its first and only direct employee, hiring a dedicated in-house staff, securing office space and equipment, developing a strategic plan, restructuring meetings around key industry issues, and significantly enhancing revenues, reserves and the value PMI provides to its members. She also led the charge toward developing new member services, strong engagement with the PMI Board of Directors and PMI committees, prodigious partnerships, and advances in government relations and advocacy to limit regulatory oversight.

PMI Conference registration includes a ticket to the President's Dinner. Those not registering for the conference who would like to attend the dinner can purchase a ticket here.

Organizations in or affiliated with the plumbing manufacturing industry are invited to become a host sponsor of the special event, which includes a reception, dinner, recognition ceremony and entertainment. Sponsors will enjoy several benefits, including positive brand association with the event and increased exposure for their organizations through press coverage of the event and company mentions and logo placements.

So far, Bradley Corporation, Delta Faucet Company, International Code Council-Evaluation Service and TOTO USA have signed on to sponsor the dinner.

"PMI is grateful for the support of these organizations for the President's Dinner in celebration of Barb Higgens' career," said PMI CEO/Executive Director Kerry Stackpole. Dinner sponsorship packages and benefits are outlined on the PMI website.

In addition, there's still time to register for or sponsor the 2017 PMI Conference: "The Spirit of Collaboration." Hotel registration ends on Oct. 16. Located in one of the most beautiful regions of northern California, the DoubleTree by Hilton will be the backdrop for four days of thought-provoking presentations on issues relating to safe water and plumbing, environmental and economic sustainability, and water and energy policy.