Once again the New Year will kick off with The International Surface Event (TISE), which will be held from Wednesday, January 18 to Friday, January 20, 2017 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. Additionally, the educational program will commence on Tuesday, January 17.
TISE comprises Surfaces, StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas and TileExpo — making it North America’s largest floorcovering, stone and tile industry event. The exhibition will join buyers and sellers from all over the world to see the latest products, trends, services and technologies. Moreover, the show floor will be alive with hands-on demos, inspiring trends, key manufacturers and industry suppliers. The 2017 edition is expected to include 700 exhibiting companies and a display of more than 1,000 products.
In addition to the exhibits, TISE will also offer visitors a host of show features to enhance their trade show experience. A highlight in the StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas area will be The Cage, which will provide live action demos first hand to see how the latest tools seam-set, texture and polish natural stone products. The Cage is sponsored by the Stone Fabricators Alliance (SFA). All demonstrations are free and open to all TISE attendees.
Associations such as MIA+BSI and Natural Stone Council will also be prevalent on the exhibition floor during StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas. Both groups welcome attendees to stop by and learn more about their efforts in promoting the benefits and qualities of natural stone. A “block party” will be held on Thursday afternoon during the show, and also during that time Stone World will present its annual Fabricator of the Year Award.
The Social Learning Lab provides the perfect place to catch brief education sessions, led by the experts, on the ever-evolving world of social media. Visitors can experiment with blogs, interact with fellow attendees and tweet or post directly from the show floor.
Among other show highlights will be the Trends Hub and Tool Alley. The Trends Hub — sponsored by Floor Focus/Floor Daily and Polycor — will offer an environment filled with inspiration, trend information and a preview of the hottest products, colors and textures for interiors in 2017 and beyond. Tool Alley, which will be sponsored by Tools4Flooring.com, will present all the latest and greatest tools in one convenient location. Tool Alley will feature on-floor demonstrations and an impressive collection from the top tool suppliers in the industry.
Best of Event Awards
The “Best Of” Event Awards is an annual awards program for exhibiting companies whose product, program, service, business practice and/or booth design are considered to be “best of” in their class. Award winners for each show (Surfaces | StonExpo/Marmomac | TileExpo) are determined by a panel of judges appointed by the official publication sponsors: Floor Covering News, Stone World and TILE Magazine.
Winners will be announced and awarded right on the show floor at TISE 2017 on January 19, 2017.
The Best of Event Award for StonExpo/Marmomac, which will be sponsored by Stone World and it sister publication Contemporary Stone & Tile Design, recognizes exhibiting companies whose product, program, service, business practice and/or booth design are considered to be “Best of” in their class within the stone industry. Awards are segmented into five categories: Best Booth (0 to 400 square feet and 400 square feet+), Innovation, Style & Design, Sustainability and Technology.
Best of Product Awards
The Best of Product Awards provide attendees the opportunity to browse the newest industry products before the event and gain additional information from the manufacturer while on the show floor at The International Surface Event. Prior to the show, exhibitors have the opportunity to submit their products, which are then featured in the TISE Product & Trends Lookbook.
Attendees can then view and vote on their favorite submitted products before the event. The top 10 winning attendee voted products will be promoted prior to the event and at the show via event marketing. Three final winners of the Best of Product Award (one for Surfaces, one for StonExpo and one for TileExpo) will be selected from the Top 10. Winners of the Best of Product Award will be presented to exhibitors on the show floor during the 2017 event. The Best of Product Awards will be sponsored by Stone World, Contemporary Stone & Tile Design, Tile, Floor Covering Installer and Floor Trends.
Cutlines
The International Surface Event, slated from Wednesday, January 18 to Friday, January 20, 2017 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, with the educational program beginning on Tuesday, January 17, will include 700 exhibiting companies and more than 1,000 product displays.
The exhibition will join buyers and sellers from all over the world to see the latest products, trends, services and technologies.
Among the show floor highlights in the StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas area will be The Cage, sponsored by the Stone Fabricators Alliance (SFA).
TISE 2017
West Seminar Schedule
Stone-specific and related topics
Last year, The International Surface Event (TISE) introduced a new and unique educational program, IGNITE, which presents learning opportunities that will offer new ideas, positively impact the bottom line, make businesses more profitable and boost careers to the next level. The 2017 program will include more than 55 sessions, featuring the hottest topics and industry experts. The following is a glimpse at the seminars relevant to stone industry members.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
TU01 - The 2017 Residential & Commercial Forecast – Has the
Cycle Peaked?
Presenter: Mark Boud, Senior Vice President at Metrostudy
Location: Islander A
Gain critical insights and actionable intelligence from Mark Boud, Senior Vice President from Metrostudy. Metrostudy maintains the nation’s most comprehensive database of housing market information. Every quarter, the research teams deliver the most accurate market data on active and future construction in the industry. Make decisions with the confidence knowing you are utilizing the most complete and accurate information available. Join us as we address these and more issues in the residential and commercial real estate markets.
Learning Outcomes:
- What are the ramifications on the real estate markets of the past election?
- How is year 2017 shaping up in terms of residential and commercial demand and supply?
- What is the likely appreciation/inflation rate for real estate in 2017?
- What dangers/risks lurk in both residential and commercial real estate?
- How much demand will there be for remodeling activity?
- In terms of future investments, which regions are still growing/which should be avoided?
Credits: AIA: 1.5 LU; NKBA 0.2 CEU
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
TU02 - Selling the Value of Quality Installation
Presenter: Tom Jennings, Vice President - Member Services at WFCA
Location: Islander B
Poor installation is the gift that keeps on giving. The cost of poor installation to your business is felt not only today, but also into the future, as claims rise and bad reputations spread like wild fire in today’s tech-savvy climate. Learn proven strategies to differentiate both you, and your firm, in today’s marketplace through quality installation.
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn words that you should always use, and words that you should never use, when selling installation.
- Explaining why there is more included in any installation than merely the cost of the material itself.
- Learn techniques to put the emphasis on the “chef and the recipe” rather than just the ingredients themselves.
- Learn the benefits of sometimes telling the customer no — and how to properly do so.
Credits: 0
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
TU03 - Find the Top Three Social Media Sites for your Small Business
Presenter: Barb Burgie, owner of Burgie MediaFusion, LLC
Location: Islander C
In today’s busy marketing world, figuring out where to be and what to say is critical. In this session, you will learn how to evaluate what social media sites are best for your business. Learn what audiences engage in the most on what sites and how to put those sites to use for your company.
Learning Outcomes:
- The top 10 most commons social sites for business owners.
- User engagements for each of the featured sites.
- Ways to convert and receive ROE and ROI using social media.
Credits: 0
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
TU05 - Residential Installation Forum: Interact, Engage, Motivate
Presenters: Hank Strauss, Owner/President/Executive Management at Mountain Marble & Granite, Inc.; Thomas Kilfoyle, United Marble Fabricators; Blake Christensen, Valley View Granite
Location: Islander G
This open forum for installation professionals is an excellent opportunity to discuss with your installer colleagues many of the challenges involved in the residential installations. Hear from some of the top installation professionals as we discuss installation methods, equipment needs and materials. Come prepared to share ideas and discuss challenges you face every day. All attendees are encouraged to participate by presenting a problem or sharing a solution.
Learning Outcomes:
- Gain a better understanding of residential installation projects.
- Explore how other installers deal with the myriad of issues involved in both interior and exterior projects.
- Learn about resources that will help your company meet installation standards during projects.
- Discuss installation methods, equipment needs, materials and personnel matters.
Credits: 0
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
MIAPRO – Utilizing The Natural Stone Promotional Campaign: What It Is (And Why You Should Get Involved)?
Location: Coral B
MIA+BSI recently launched a campaign to promote the use of natural stone among homeowners, architects and designers. During this session, attendees will learn about a new website, www.usenaturalstone.com, and get tips for repurposing content on the site for their own marketing efforts. Attendees will also learn how to contribute content for the site and gain widespread exposure for their work.
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn about The Natural Stone Promotional Campaign and resources contained on the website, www.usenaturalstone.com.
- Discuss tips to effectively repurpose content from this website for your own marketing efforts.
- Review policies for submitting content to the website as a contributor.
- Learn how other companies have used the website to promote natural stone.
Credits: 0
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
10:50 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
TU06 - Are you Having Problems Collecting Your Money? Tips to Getting Paid Faster
Presenter: Angelo DeSanto, owner of Dande West
Location: Islander A
Don’t keep putting your money in jeopardy. Getting paid all starts with having the right agreement and knowing how to ask for your money upfront. This one-hour session will walk you through the basics of running a profitable business, contract negotiation, your rights under the law and getting paid in an acceptable period.
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn about your rights as a sub-contractor under the law.
- Understand that the viability of your business depends on having well-written agreement.
- The do’s and don’ts when signing an agreement.
Credits: 0
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
10:50 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
TU08 - Millennials – Changing the Game
Presenter: Traci Kloos, Senior Design Manager - Marketing at Tarkett
Location: Islander C
The Millennial demographic group is hitting the marketplace in mass quantity. They are different than any other group in history. They act differently, think differently and most definitely, shop differently. If you are not prepared to deal with their unique needs and approach to retail, you may lose them as a consumer. This session will identify the key strategies in winning with this consumer. Identify their unconventional approach to design, home ownership and remodeling.
We will take an in depth look at who the Millennials are and what has shaped their views. We will explore their approach to work, communication, marketing and brand loyalty. We will review the housing market analytics, as it pertains to the millennial group. We will also review their thoughts behind home ownership, home renovations and the quest to find the home improvement retailer and products that will fit their unique needs and budget constraints.
Learning Outcomes:
- Provide a brief overview of the Millennial demographic group
- Explore how Millennials approach purchase decisions, shopping and home ownership.
- Discuss Millennial-driven home design and decor trends.
- Discuss the top five engagement points that are critical in gaining Millennial loyalty and earning their trust as a customer.
- Recognize potential areas of concern within your own business model.
Credits: AIA: 1.0 LU; IDCEC: 0.1 General
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
10:50 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
TU09 - The Art of Specifying Natural Stone
Presenters: Robert Bacon, Stone Sales Specialist at Daltile + Stone; Kim Dumais, Director of Sales at Miller Druck Specialty Consulting
Location: Islander H
This one-hour session is designed to give architects and designers an overview of how to specify natural stone. There are many factors to consider to ensure you are choosing the proper material for your project. What do you need to know about its species, color variations and finish possibilities? Is the quarry able to produce the sizes and quantities you need? And finally, what factors affect the price of the stone you specify? Get the resources you need to help ensure the stone you choose meets the standards and design intent set for your application.
Learning Outcomes:
- Discuss the responsibilities and liabilities of each pillar in the typical construction project.
- Review resources to find more information about natural stone standards.
- Learn how to plan for the longevity of an installation by specifying appropriate materials.
- Evaluate factors specific to the price of different materials, finishes and methods.
Credits: AIA: 1.0 LU/HSW; IDCEC: 0.1 CEU
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
12:20 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
TU13 - Sintered Surface | The Latest Technology In Surfacing Materials
Presenters: Fred L. Jackson, President at Estudio Group LLC; Mike Lopez, Senior Architectural Representative at Cactus Stone
Location: Islander C
With so many building materials available on the market, it can be difficult to know which is best for your project. Recent technological advances have led to the development of this new and innovative product, sintered surface. This one-hour class is designed for construction professionals to gain a full understanding of sintered surface as an ideal material for countertop and cladding applications.
Learning Outcomes:
- Define sintered surface and compare its characteristics with similar materials such as porcelain, quartz surface and granite.
- Learn about the manufacturing process and how fabrication techniques differ from traditional materials.
- See examples of sintered surface installed in various applications.
- Find out the proper care and maintenance procedures for common sintered surface applications.
Credits: AIA: 1.0 LU/HSW; IDCEC 0.1 CEU HSW
Tuesday, January, 17, 2017
12:20 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
TU15 - Care and Maintenance Interactive Experience: Cause, Cure, Prevention
Presenter: Rod Sigman, Business Development Manager, Technical Installation & Care Systems at Custom Building Products
Location: Islander G
This session offers a unique experience to understanding some of the most common tile and stone related care and maintenance problems; how to fix them and most importantly, how to prevent them. Attendees will choose a small group and be able to help discuss and interact with their group in assessing the cause, cure and prevention, and then provide their conclusion to the entire room for a general discussion. Given the varying backgrounds and experience levels of all attendees, this session will be helpful and practical for anyone interested in learning more about proper care and maintenance and the common pitfalls to avoid. Additional hands-on demos will also be shown by the presenter(s) to further demonstrate proper care and maintenance techniques and problem solving.
Credits: AIA: 1.0 LU
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
1:40 PM – 3:10 PM
TU17 - What Stone is This? Learn How to be a Rock Sleuth
Presenter: Karin Kirk, Geologist, Education Consultant, Freelance Science Writer
Location: Islander B
The variety in natural stones can be dizzying, and how can anyone keep them all straight? In this lab-like session, geologist Karin Kirk will show you the essential methods of rock identification. This session is hands-on, fun and empowering. You’ll learn the basic differences between rock types, and you can bring these skills home and to help you understand many of the varieties of natural stone.
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn about what properties to look for when diagnosing different types of natural stone.
- Learn how to determine a rock’s hardness with the glass test and the knife blade test.
- Learn how to do the acid test and the powdered-rock acid test.
- Understand what the different test results mean, particularly in differentiating quartzite and marble.
Credits: AIA: 1.5 LU; IDCEC: 0.1 CEU/HSW
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TU21 - Let There be Light | Coordinating Natural Stone with Lighting Design
Presenter: Vincent Marazita, Owner of Stone Trends International
Location: Islander A
This seminar will concentrate on the inherent design qualities of natural stone and the value it brings when designing with natural and artificial light. From sunlight to LED, from textures to translucency, natural stone can add significant value to the lighting concepts and finished designs.
Credits: AIA: 1.5 LU/HSW; IDCEC: 0.1 CEU/HSW
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TU23 - Ten Ways to Attract Customers and Increase Foot Traffic for Your Business
Presenters: Lisbeth Calandrino, Associate Publisher & Social Media Director at Fabulous Floors Magazine
Location: Islander C
Most every business person knows that developing relationships is the best way to build business. Bringing in new customers isn’t actually that difficult to do; it’s keeping them after the sale where businesses fail. Since 85% of business comes from referrals, you must work those ‘sold customers’ to bring in new ones. Have you noticed how many communities are on LinkedIn and Facebook? People with ‘like’ hobbies are congregating, having fun and increasing their connections. Think about how bars are continually trying to reinvent themselves with trivia and karaoke nights to build communities of people. One of the most powerful ways for a business to grow and increase their customer base is to make your business a gathering place for perspective and previous customers.
This session will give participants 10 of the most powerful and fun ways to drive traffic to their business and grow their community. We will combine community networking with your online social media and quickly help you develop a new group of customer. These two powerful tools have huge payoffs when it comes to increasing your customer base. The tools are inexpensive if not free, and if done correctly and consistently, can bring a continuous stream of traffic to your business.
Each participant will also be given a white paper on “10 Tips on How to Hold a Successful Event.”
Learning Outcomes:
- Participants will be able to identify creative ways to use the Internet to market their next event.
- Take away at least three inspired events they can use to drive traffic to their business.
- Learn how to combine traditional marketing with new technology to create their next event.
- Learn to identify three opportunities in their community that are appropriate for their events.
Credits: 0
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TU24 - Converting from Subcontractors to Employees
Presenter: Scott D. Perron, Principal at 24-7 Floors LLC
Location: Islander H
Think that subbing your labor saves you money? Worried about the ever-changing and confusing independent contractor laws? Learn how converting from subcontracting to in-house labor can save you money, claims and heartache. Not to mention take you out of the risk of being caught up in a battle with the federal government.
Learning Outcomes:
- Benefits of in-house labor.
- Steps to take to convert from subs to employees.
- Methods of identifying quality installers when you are looking at a new hire.
Credits: 0
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
WE03 - Managing a Successful Family Business Forum
Presenters: Tony Malisani, owner of Malisani, Inc.; Jacqueline Tabbah, Vice President at International Stoneworks, Inc.
Location: Islander C
One of the biggest challenges faced by family businesses today is the generational divide — how to keep your business running smoothly and successfully when generations work side-by-side or begin the succession process. How do you keep family and work balance? What is the influence on business structures and policies? What role does technology play? What does gender have to do with it? Real life family members from different segments for the stone industry will share their experiences and encourage you to share yours in this interactive town hall discussion.
Learning Outcomes:
- Describe the effects on family and work balance as a result of multi-generations in a family business.
- Identify how the various generations influence business structures, policies and technology within their businesses.
- Discuss how gender may impact roles and experiences within a family business.
- Develop methods for successfully communicating across the generational divide within a family business.
Credits: AIA: 1.5 LU; IDCEC: 0.1 CEU
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
WE05 - Building Your Online Professional Brand
Presenter(s): Rebecca Vertucci, Senior Customer Success Manager at LinkedIn
Location: Islander G
Most of us consider ourselves reasonably adept at using LinkedIn, but need lessons on how to truly maximize this free tool. Here at TISE 2017 you are brought straight to the source. Join expert from LinkedIn, Rebecca Vertucci, for this high-level overview and interactive session packed with tips and tricks for networking and career development using your LinkedIn profile. Get a leg up on your competition and gain market share by optimizing your use of mobile technology, leveraging your use of LinkedIn Groups, and crafting a communication strategy that keeps you “top of mind” for hiring professionals. There is so much to be doing on LinkedIn — join this session to learn how you can be doing more to take your career to the next level.
Credits: AIA: 1.5 LU; IDCEC: 0.1 CEU
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
MIAACC - MIA Accreditation & Exam
Location: Coral A
The MIA Accreditation Program Immersion Class is the perfect introduction to the accreditation program and will prepare the attendee to complete all three phases of accreditation.
The class includes a section on taking multiple choice exams, extensive review of the exam material and preparation to take the actual accreditation exam. If you pass, that part of the accreditation process will be considered complete.
This one-day workshop
(9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.) consists of:
- 20 minutes on the application review and exactly what is required
- 20-minute prep course on taking multiple choice exams
- 80 minutes of sample test questions (group discussion)
- Lunch (provided by MIA+BSI)
- Taking the actual accreditation exam (optional, five hours)
Credits: 0
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Islander C
MIABM - Business Metrics & Benchmarking
One of the most important aspects to running a successful business is understanding what metrics are important to measure and how to measure your company against competition. This session will define business benchmarking and discuss what metrics should be measured to insure a company’s success. The session will also discuss resources for finding industry benchmarks so a company can better measure their metrics against others in the industry.
Learning Outcomes:
- Have a better understanding of business metrics and how these measurements affect a company’s efficiency.
- Create a plan to identify and measure important metrics that are tied to a company’s success.
- Discuss sales techniques that will help fabricators assure a profit from their work.
- Find industry benchmarks that will help a company measure important metrics against industry norms.
Credits: 0
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
MIACEU - Attracting More Designers to Your Showroom — How to Administer CEU Programs
Presenter: Robert Bacon, Stone Sales Specialist at Daltile + Stone
Location: Islander H
Want to expand your outreach to architects and interior designers? Have you ever had difficulty getting an appointment at a large firm in your area? Consider providing CEUs (continuing education units) to the design community. This session will showcase how the CEU program works and how to position your company as the leading expert on natural stone in your marketplace. We’ll also explore how the various CEU programs work (AIA, ASID, IDC, IDEC, IIDA, NKBA and others) and how to get started giving presentations. This “how-to” explanation will help you get started down the CEU provider path.
Learning Outcomes:
- Discuss the history of the CEU program and how other MIA companies are utilizing its resources.
- Learn about the fees for being involved and what benefits you receive.
- Summarize each of the courses currently offered and briefly examine the support and literature available for training.
- Review how to schedule classes and what to do with the paperwork involved.
This session is free, but space is limited so please register in advance.
Credits: 0
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
WE10 - The War on Independent Contractors
Presenter: Jeffrey King, Partner at JKing Esq.
Location: Islander G
The proper classification of independent contractors continues to be a key issue for this industry. No issue is more confusing and potentially more costly than the proper classification of independent contractors. There is no single test to ensure a worker is properly classified. A worker can be independent for the IRS, but not for the Wage and Hour Division. The law is under constant flux and there are significant rulings and regulation that will impact the attendees. There is currently proposed legislation before Congress on this issue. This session will provide you with a practical approach to minimize the risk of misclassifying a worker as an independent contractor. Presenting a suggested approach and applying it to real situations, participants will work together to examine their own situations and develop a solution.
Credits: 0
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
MIACS - Why Specify Certified Stone — How the Natural Dimension Stone Sustainability Standard can Assist Green Building Projects?
Presenters: Daniel Wood, Sales/Marketing Manager at Lurvey Landscape Supply; Kathy Spanier, Director of Marketing at Coldspring
Location: Islander A
This course highlights how the dimension stone sustainability standard (ANSI/NSC 373) can assist projects with sustainability goals. The standard examines and verifies through a third party, numerous areas of stone production such as: water usage, custody and transportation, site and plant management, land reclamation, corporate governance, energy, waste, chemicals, worker health and safety and innovation credits. It also includes a companion Chain of Custody (COC) program, which ensures traceability of certified stone from the quarry to processing and throughout the supply chain and ultimately to their journeys end.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the basic principles of the standard’s Chain of Custody (COC) to recognize efforts natural stone quarries, processors and their distribution chains make to verify a dimensional stone product has been produced and transported in an environmentally preferable manner consistent with the principles of sustainability.
- Interpret how compliance to the Natural Dimension Stone sustainability standard’s environmental, ecological, human health and social responsibility requirements for stone quarrying and production satisfy the growing demand for products that exhibit high performance in Life Cycle Assessment.
- Compare attributes of the certified natural stone to sustainability measuring requirements of the most widely accepted green building programs such as LEED — Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, LBC — the Living Building Challenge and IGCC — International Green Construction Code, to enhance appreciation for the use of natural stone as a leading sustainable building material.
- Design/landscape architects and specifiers will benefit from understanding how this standard supports the growing demand for rigorous environmental documentation for building product material.
Credits: 0
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
3:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
WE12 - The Top 10 Social Media Trends for 2017
Presenter: Christine Whittemore, Chief Simplifier at Simple Marketing Now LLC
Location: Islander B
Wondering what’s happening in social media for 2017? Attend this session to get the lowdown on what’s happening socially online and what you need to pay attention to in 2017 for your business.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand how social media is evolving.
- Discuss the implications of social networking in 2017 for your business.
- Identify which trends to monitor closely in 2017.
- Discuss how to apply social media to your business.
Credits: AIA: 1.5 LU; IDCEC 0.1 CEU
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
3:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
WE15 - Fabricator Forum: Interact, Engage, Motivate
Presenters: Duane Naquin, Founding Partner and CEO at Stone Interiors; Kimberly Homs, owner of Great In Counters; Blake Christensen, Valley View Granite
Location: Islander G
This open forum will offer insight on important issues challenging countertop fabricators today. The topics will change depending on questions from the audience, but will include areas such as: fabrication methods, equipment, sales strategies, importing slabs, compliance and liability, ultra-compact materials, legal issues, OSHA, design, the commercial market and managing customer expectations.
Credits: 0
Thursday, January 19, 2017
3:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
TH13 - Finding Your Sales Unicorn: How to Recruit and (Keep) Your Next Great Sales Associates
Presenter: David Romano, President at Benchmarkinc
Location: Islander C
Are you tired of going to classes about recruiting and retaining employees taught by someone who has no experience in that field? If so, don’t miss this one. This class is presented by someone who owns a recruiting and consulting company that places hundreds of flooring employees each year and has assisted over 1,400 flooring clients increase sales and profits.
According to Inc. Magazine, the total cost of a bad hire, including hiring, total compensation, eventual severance pay and other factors such as legal fees can be nearly $840,000. Get your attention? During this session you will learn what it takes to find and recruit top sales associates, keep them engaged and productive, and how to pay them so they sell like crazy. Covered will be proper onboarding procedures, sales training plans, setting expectations and minimum standards — all things that have worked like a charm for tons of flooring retailers.
Learning Outcome:
- Expose participants to systems and procedures to effectively manage the performance of a sales staff.
Credits: 0
Thursday, January 19, 2017
3:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
TH15 - Maintenance & Restoration Forum: Interact, Engage, Motivate
Presenters: David Bonasera, owner of ESP/Environmentally Safe Products and Procedures; Lucas Willemse, New Business Development at Castel-Mare Marble Care
Location: Islander G
Join your fellow stone and tile maintenance and restoration professionals to share challenges and solutions. We’ll start with a discussion of sealers and cleaners and then move into the business side of natural stone restoration, including selecting the jobs that create the most profit. But, we won’t stop there because a lot more goes into being successful in the maintenance and restoration business than just cleaners and sealers. We’ll also cover some topics that you must understand in order to protect yourself, such as how granite fabrication, man-made countertop materials and even the adhesives used on the countertop can affect maintenance and restoration. Finally, we’ll cover tile installation methods, proper show assembly and how to identify potential problems before they become your problem. This is a can’t miss session for any stone or tile maintenance and restoration professional.
Learning Outcomes:
- Determine how to select the proper sealers and cleaners, techniques and methods for each type of stone or tile.
- Identify new ways to increase their profitability in the stone refinishing business, from selecting the most profitable jobs to standardizing projects.
- Describe how maintenance and restoration can be affected by the stone fabrication technique, material used and even the adhesive used for the countertop.
- Recognize how to identify tile installation failures that could adversely affect the maintenance or restoration job.
Credits: 0
