Architect, Designer, Retailer
Sphere Trending will explore the different consumer generations and how each is reacting to the new economic reality. There are real changes in how we are living and working, with the value equation once again reinventing itself in unique ways that will affect all businesses in the future. Our design trends will speak to the importance of "Raising the Sightlines"?, a Sphere Trending insight that identifies the growing importance of design in remaking environments for our changing needs and desires.

If you believe that price competition is increasing in your Tile Contracting business then this program is a must for you. Bob Langdon, CPA and author of Managing Your Business for Profit, will show you simple techniques to identify your most profitable customers and proven methods to help you generate more business from them. You'll learn how to differentiate your product and service in the marketplace, thus enabling you to achieve a higher gross margin, while increasing sales and profitability immediately and for years to come. And you'll return to your business more competitive than ever with Bob's proven methods of: Identifying and selling to the upscale, service-driven customer Utilizing a seven-step process to closing a profitable sale Increasing gross margin in your business Using pricing strategies to increase profitability Differentiating your product and service in the marketplace

You have taken portions, or all, of your shop into the digital age. Digital templating, inventory management, accounting systems are now in place. How do you use this technology as a means to quantify, measure, and analyze better information about the costs of doing business? This session is geared directly to business owners and how to produce better cash flow, yield, and a host of other financial benchmarks which are now possible by going digital.

This panel of experienced professionals will share both opportunities and obstacles they have faced in their careers within the natural stone industry. After sharing their stories, the panel will open it up for questions so come prepared to share your common interests and network with other women in the natural stone industry. Employers, regardless of gender, will gain new insight into the challenges faced by women in our industry by attending this seminar. Moderated by: Rejeana Ellis, Affordable Stone Products, Inc.

There is no doubt that in today's complex and challenging marketplace, the appropriate use of color has the unique ability to attract and engage the eye, elicit emotion, enhance the product or environment and ultimately tempt the consumer or client. Color is, in fact, the catalyst that can spark the sale, define the space and create the magic and the mood. Choices are as varied as lifestyles, each reflecting a specific point of view and comfort level. Join Leatrice Eiseman, international color expert and consultant as she shares the color palettes and trends forecast.

The MIA is partnering with the NTCA and Tile Council of North America to publish a supplement to the TCA Handbook on Natural Stone Tile Installations. In this very important session, MIA Technical Director Chuck Muehlbauer will provide key components to this publication for the audience.

What are the three most common reasons why fabricators fail in today's market? Learn from the perspective of a supplier who has been in front of thousands of fabricators over the years. Learn about digital templating (non-vendor specific) and gain insight into best and worst practices as several case studies will be presented.

The healthcare environment places many demands on the designer for products that meet diverse needs such as infection control, aesthetics, durability, ease of maintenance and sustainability. Tile seems to be a good fit, so why is the industry reluctant to engage in the benefits of tile? Trends in healthcare design and how ceramic tile can respond to them will be defined. Through a series of case studies, successful installations as well as challenges that arise in the real world environment will be explored. Tile and natural stone can enhance the aesthetics, durability and maintenance of any facility. Use tile as a workhorse in your next educational project to hold up to the roughest abuse from little people, while providing a bold design statement. See successful applications of ceramics and natural stone in various educational applications. Life cycle costs and sustainability will be addressed along with installation techniques and helpful tips to make your next installation last for many school years to come!

Increasing your personal wealth was one of your goals when you became a business owner. Achieving a higher return on investment, from your floor covering business, is the fastest way to improve your personal wealth. In this program, Bob Langdon, CPA and author of Managing Your Business for Profit, will show you proven techniques to increasing gross margin, cash flow and return on investment, while retaining your best customers! After attending this program you'll return to your business more competitive than ever with Bob's proven methods of: Ascertaining price sensitivity for your products; Improving your return on investment with better inventory control Evaluating when to buy additional inventory to receive a quantity discount Selectively increasing prices, while retaining your best customers Differentiating your product and service in the marketplace

Many small businesses struggle to deliver their products and services on time. Many owners spend their time putting out fires instead of growing the business. Many are plagued by costly mistakes. These businesses are in chaos. Chaos exists when important work and critical tasks fall through the cracks as they are either performed incorrectly, at the wrong time, or simply not at all. This happens for two reasons: The Fatal Assumption or The Change Chain Phenomenon. Join Aaron as he introduces you to these two common mistakes and the simple solution you can implement in your small business to reduce the confusion and avoid costly errors.

How do you interpret an artist's work in the mosaic medium? What is the process and complications of the on-site installation? Join Stephen Miotto as he presents an overview of his various mosaic projects, with an emphasis on his award-winning Times Square Subway Station, New York City and Stockton College, New Jersey projects, as he discusses these and other aspects of mosaic art as an architectural enhancement. These two very different projects are examples of the Indirect Mosaic and Direct Mosaic methods which will be discussed in depth. Learn the reasoning for choosing one over the other, depending on the design and venue of a project. Many different types of tessera were used in the making of these mosaics, understand the thought process of choosing these materials, and discuss the different setting products used in the fabrication and installation.

Want to expand your outreach to architects and interior designers? 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, how the various CEU programs work (AIA, ASID, IDC, IDEC, IIDA, and others), and how to get started giving presentations. This how-to explanation will help you get started done the CEU provider path!

Many tile contractors diligently strive to maintain a profitable business during these economic troubled times. Unlicensed competitors, bidding wars, rising material costs, and price conscious consumers all take away from profits that were once realized in years gone by. Cost cutting measures such as minimizing material waste, reducing transportation costs, and utilizing time saving practices and tools all affect the ability of the tile contractor to remain competitive. One practice that should not be overlooked is the importance of an effective safety program within the trade. Accidents, injuries, and illnesses negatively affect the tile contractor by reducing production and employee morale, and increasing insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. The key to an effective safety program is recognizing the hazards, evaluating the exposure to the hazards, and controlling the hazards through training, mitigation, and leadership.

This program provides an in-depth understanding of LEED, CHPS, and ICC-700 rating systems as they apply to tile, and describes efforts that are underway to create a green commercial building code and better definitions for green tile. It emphasizes many ways that tile products and their use can be an integral part of such projects, even when not directly referenced in standard or rating system text. Attendees will better understand the positive impact tile can have on green building projects, and will learn several new strategies in achieving standard and rating system compliance.

Architects are a critical component of any commercial stone project. Yet, the working relationship between a stone professional and the architect is much different than with a residential homeowner. Industry veteran Jeff Matthews will share perspectives about stone selection, installation standards, and what is necessary to assure a good working relationship with the architect. His best practices approach will also showcase a few case studies to illustrate both projects and were successful and unsuccessful.

What will the consumer of 2010 want? What will bring them back to renovations, to upgrades, to new homes, to new offices? Come and learn ten trends that will shape 2010 that you cannot afford to ignore. Attendees will gain a good understanding of what trends will be critical in 2010; learn how to apply these trends to increase your business; and learn what is important to consumers and how you can shape your offer to be successful.

When do you need to use a Medium Bed Mortar instead of a Thinset Mortar? What are the differences between the two of them? What is the new standard regarding medium bed mortars and large format tile installations? Join this session to get the answers to these questions and more.

How are consumers finding you? During this fast-paced session, you'll pick up tips to help you maximize your marketing presence. This course will include demonstrations of proper keyword and tag usage, provide critical insight on how to target your audience to increase website traffic and obtain customers via Search Engine rankings. Gain new insight into the tricks of online search capabilities and what you should be discussing with your webmaster. You'll be better prepared to make sure you are in the right place when customers are looking for a stone contractor in your market.

When it comes to what went wrong on a job everyone seems to have an opinion. Some are based on assumed facts, others based on time honored, even if inaccurate, theories. When the facts need to be established beyond a reasonable doubt forensic investigation is often used to establish a quantitative basis of opinion relative to the cause of failure. There is no hiding of facts when you use the means, methods, and equipment afforded us in the world of standards and science. In this session we will review five typical installation failures and see how scientific methodology firmly establishes cause of failure.

People listen to, take advice from and purchase from people they like. Although this criterion is fallible, people trust people they like. It is not enough to be a skilled contractor, specifier or salesperson, a personal connection with architects or for that matter, any client is needed to rise from good to great. While technical expertise is critical to the task at hand; as in life, job positions, promotions, sales and even elections are awarded to those we like. This session will expose you to the human skills needed to initiate and maintain this connection. The professional relationship between you and your client is only as strong as the personal relationship. Learn the importance of delving beyond the basics and striving to reach an understanding of the architect's emotions toward their work and why it is just as important to familiarize yourself with their business as it is to know yours. This session will change the way you think about the strategies of the project a must for specification professionals, contractors and retailers alike.

This session will address safe, design-oriented and ADA compliant specification, selling and installing of linear/trench drain shower systems. Consideration of waterproofing methods and products for sustainable installations will also be discussed. Bring your questions!

The buzz in the industry is focused on digital technology. What does it mean to be a fully digital shop? Is now the right time to adopt this technology? What impact will digital technology have on your operations and can you make money? This seminar will define what digital technology is in the countertop industry and will provide you with a methodology for analyzing whether or not you should take the fully digital leap in fabrication. In addition, the seminar will help you identify any pitfalls that may arise as a fully digital shop so that they can be squelched to ensure profitability and success.

This informative session is intended for retail owners who want to understand how consumer credit programs can play a critical role in your business strategy to take market share and drive profitable growth in a tough economic environment. Retailers will learn about proven methods to drive consumer traffic, increase sales and profit margins, and create organic growth through customer loyalty. You will also understand how new credit reform regulatory changes in 2010 may impact your customers and your business.

The NTCA Reference Manual, Business Section is a new source for running your contracting business. This session will be your introduction to the business section of the manual and its wealth of information tailored to meet the needs of the tile contractor. Topics to be discussed include change orders, job submittals, how to handle customer complaints, and example of contracts and work proposals.

This session focus primarily on natural stone veneer installations. It will help you obtain useful information for making the transition from countertop-oriented work to light commercial stone work. Case studies about actual installation failures with MIA recommended typical installation details, ASTM guidelines and Building Code requirements will be examined. This session will examine the causes of failures and help you understand the recommended remediation anchorage and techniques. Finally, several recommended alternate details will be examined which could have been used in lieu of failed anchorages.

New technological breakthroughs and trendsetting decorative finishes are changing the way architects and designers can specify tile for use indoors and out. Jen Renzi, author of the book The Art of Tile and a prominent freelance design writer for Interior Design, Modern, Surface and Architecture Record will discuss the wide range of available products including everything from cutting-edge large-format porcelains to hand-made artistic ceramics. Extending far beyond the traditional kitchen and bath applications, Renzi will show innovative design and architectural installations in residential and commercial projects. She will present the latest tile trends and illustrate how they are in step with both the fashion and furniture industries. She will also address the sustainable attributes of tile and how this product can be used towards LEED-certification and green building.

This course addresses ways for interior designers and architects to transition their design firms in going green. Creating a Green Library and how to search for green products is key to attaining a green design business. Networking with Green organizations and seeking green certifications, will all be discussed and appropriately directed to the attendee and their specialty.

Color is one of the most powerful tools in a designer's toolbox. This session will focus on color and how to harness that power when designing a space where tile and stone are among the key material choices. Mathew, one of Benjamin Moore Paints top color experts, will share advice on partnering color palettes of tile and stone selections with painted trims and finishes. She will also address how to create color continuity room-to-room throughout a house. Contributing to the development of this exclusive Coverings presentation is Katherine E. Nelson, former Metropolitan Home, Senior Market Editor.

Architizer.com is the new digital medium for architects to speak about their work to colleagues, suppliers and clients. By energizing the latent connections that exist in the highly collaborative field of architecture, Architizer revolutionizes the way architecture is consumed by the public. Marc, a cofounder of www.architizer.com and a practicing architect, will speak about the challenges of communication in our field and the potential of emerging media to excite the public.

What are the benefits of thin tile systems? What are the differences between thin tiles and regular tiles? Learn about one of the latest innovations in the industry. This session will outline the features of Thin Tiles(3mm-7mm) including the benefits of these sustainable alternative thicknesses and the installation requirements and techniques for successful projects.

Today, it's all about staying in front of your customers. Communicating with them regularly. Reminding them of your value. And, setting yourself apart from the competition. This program provides a comprehensive overview of the core components of online relationship building. We'll examine the four key strategies and explore ways to integrate them effectively with traditional marketing efforts. We'll discuss ways to acquire and connect with customers online. And, you'll learn how to create powerful, targeted email newsletters that turn prospects into customers and customers into raving fans of your business. We'll also explore the somewhat overwhelming world of social networking and share ideas to make it pay off without wasting your valuable time.

The ventilated wall facade system has been around since the 1950's. Because of advances in technology, the tile industry has been able to create porcelain products that are ideal for this application. This session will explore the technical attributes and functionality of large format tile facade systems. It will consider energy savings, maintenance, state-of-the- art, self-cleaning titanium finishes and design applications. Also covered will be a comparison of a Terracotta Cladding System vs. Large Format Porcelain Tile Fa?ade System. U.S.-based case studies will be discussed. Moderated by Paul Makovsky, Editorial Director, Metropolis.

What can you expect of the U.S. ceramic tile market in 2010? What is the impact of the global economy? Join Mr. Grosser as he returns to Orlando to present his forecast of the U.S. ceramic tile market to the Coverings audience. Don't miss out on this look at consumption, manufacturing, imports, and distribution across the ceramic tile industry.

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media tools are engulfing the world of communication today. User demographics show that it's not just the 20-something age group using these communication tools. This session will cover some easy to implement strategies to get your stone business into the social media world. Several case studies will be presented to showcase best practices that will demonstrate that how to get started and manage existing and new relationships through social media.

This fast-paced session will cover: stone origins and processing, coatings vs. impregnators; stone installations and various protection/maintenance challenges; and, restoration. Gain insight from an industry veteran into a subject that is critical long after the initial stone was installed.

One of the keys to a successful tile job is the development of adequate bond strength between the thinset and the underlayment. Gypsum floor underlayments are being increasingly used in the flooring industry. New technologies that are used in today's gypsum floors provide higher performance levels versus those of past years. In an effort to provide the industry on more information as to the characteristics of these new generation gypsum floors, USG embarked on a test program to evaluate the sheer bond strength between the thinset and the underlayment.

The positive side of project warranties and field inspections include the opportunity to assist and consult with contractors for pre-construction and in-field project conditions. Actual project conditions are often different from the written specs or drawings, causing controversy or unapproved changes in the installation materials and methods. By providing warranties backed up with personal service, the integrity of the installation is improved and the contractors become more familiar with our industry standards and requirements of other trades.

What's hot in retail? How is tile and stone incorporated into the design? Where do these architects see the future of retail with the economy supposedly on the upswing? Join our panel to discuss these issues as well as see samples of their latest work from boutiques to malls from Atlanta to Paris.

In this panel discussion, foreign and domestic industry members will explain worldwide environmental efforts pertinent to tile. Attendees will obtain a better understanding of green building standards around the world and different steps being taken by tile associations to address global needs for green tiles. The panel will discuss the importance of harmonizing messages in green education and green marketing, such that information is accurate, useful and consistent among all facets of the tile industry.

The future is here. How has it changed consumer behavior and what should retailers do? The mediocre are no longer with us. The smart have survived. Now is the time to capitalize on marketing for profit and growth.

Epoxies have long been the answer to commercial and industrial tile installation that required very high bond, compression strengths and nearly impervious grout surfaces for health and maintenance requirements. This program will help explain the advantages and technology of epoxies, misconceptions of epoxy and when and why to use them, as well as best practices to avoid challenges of epoxy product.

This open forum is designed for fabricators to get answers to questions or problems they may have with regard to being successful in today's business economy. In today's business climate, diversification is a critical step many fabricators are taking. This panel is well versed in both residential and commercial topics and what it takes to be successful in both arenas. Costs, stone supplier relationships, collections, employee development and meeting customer expectations are just a few of the business-related topics that will be part of the panel discussion. This forum will be moderated by GK Naquin of Stone Interiors.

Interest in sound reduction membranes has grown with increased enforcement of building codes and awareness of the need by developers, owners and designers. New tests help quantify product performance. Sound reduction membranes can also contribute to LEED points. Learn how to identify and specify products that meet requirements for your projects.

From countertops to skyscrapers, the use of natural stone is booming in the U.S. Get an overall view of the market and market trends by attending this ELEVENTH ANNUAL State of the Industry presentation on the dimensional stone market in the U.S. This session will cover information, sourcing, marketing and application trends in the stone industry over the last year, including examples of award-winning projects that have been recognized for their use of natural stone. Recommended for any company who holds or aspires to obtain MIA Accreditation.

This session will describe the methods used by master installer, Michael Byrne, to provide maximum waterproofing and crack isolation protection for residential and light commercial tile installations. It will cover all types of waterproofing membranes.

The theory back to early 1990s is that our mind prefers comfort over success or return on investment. This session covers some comfort zone theory and then applies it to some real-life situations. The objective is to have the attendee aware of comfort zones and make conscious decisions on ways to prioritize activities based on their return potential. This is very popular right now as companies seek new ways to positively influence the business.

This session will run from 9:15 - 11:30 am with a 15-minute break. The oldest Boomers turn 65 in 2011! A large majority of older persons want to remain in their homes as they age. Attendees will learn: What is aging in place? Why is aging in place part of the solution for aging populations? Design recommendations for flooring based on normal aging processes. This course consists of three parts: Essential background information about aging Part 1: Selecting Flooring for Seniors Part 2: Principles of Wayfinding, including special consideration for older persons and the partially sighted person. This course will include a description of the demographics of aging, the challenges of an aging population, and the normal aging process. We will discuss why aging in place is part of the solution for the challenges presented by an aging population. Part 1 will include design recommendations to be used in the selection of flooring materials for an older client and commercial institutions. Part 2 includes a discussion of the principles of wayfinding and special design considerations for the older client and partially sighted individuals. In addition, this course will help you to make flooring decisions that will enable seniors to stay in their homes for as long as possible. We will also discuss how to help seniors and the partially sighted individual to find their way.

An industry update on adhered natural stone veneer systems. As various groups debate over the merits of engineered design versus empirical design, the goal of industry-wide consensus doesn't appear to be in the very near future. This session will discuss a number of the contentious topics which are currently stalling development of standards for this widely used system of stone attachment. Substrate rigidities, adhesive contact, stone varieties, and known paths to failure will be addressed.

Scott Carothers, Executive Director of the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation will discuss the benefits of becoming certified. Certified contractors will be present to discuss their experience with the program, how it has helped them, and how they are actively promoting it to their customers.

Today's architects and contractors are being challenged to create more energy efficient, durable and sustainable buildings that push the limits for reduced carbon footprint and increased use of recycled materials. The complexities of this challenge are manifold but we know from past experience that such changes can reduce the tolerance of structures for poor moisture management. Attention must be paid to designing and constructing buildings that manage design moisture loads properly to avoid the problems that will result in mold growth, increased maintenance and reduced durability. Such factors take on a special importance in high-moisture areas such as baths and kitchens where the correct installation of tile surfaces is essential to keeping mold at bay.

This presentation will focus on the value of the whole system of design and construction for tile, marble, and terrazzo materials. Particular focus will be given to the main principles of energy efficiency and sustainability as stated in LEED 2009 New Construction and Commercial Interior guidelines. The presentation will also incorporate the AIA's 50 to 50 principles that address measures to achieve carbon neutrality. Learn how tile, marble, and terrazzo system addresses thermal performance, protect against moisture, address air leakage, and support strong sustainable practices. Insulation, air barriers, and material choices that are incorporated in tile, marble, and terrazzo, including Thermal Resistance (R-values) will be discussed. Thermal mass recommendations and thermal storage strategies are reviewed. Tile, marble, and terrazzo's contribution to LEED-NC designed building is explored using a design checklist tool that breaks down each LEED credit by its design intent, including opportunities for exceptional performance.

Retailers struggle to stay ahead in today's demanding environment. Consumers are time-starved and increasingly value-oriented. There is an expanding proliferation of choices in product, price, format, brand, location and experience. More than ever, a retail business needs clear differentiation: the right items, in the right place, at the right time. Are you a participant in The Amazing Race or does it feel more like an episode of Survivor? It all depends on how you are choosing to deal with the obstacles. Everyday the choice is up to you. This seminar will foster ideas and provide tools and resources to help you meet the challenge. Discover optimum strategies, emerging trends, and innovative technologies that will keep you focused on your goals and help you turn obstacles into opportunities. In this vibrant presentation find ways to keep customers engaged, knowledgeable and wanting to purchase.

Know what you are buying. What makes up a mortar? Join Mike and Sam as they present live demonstrations, mixing and spreading different mortars, explaining the processes involved and the best uses for each. Bring your questions!

Do you have confidence matching a ceramic tile to performance expectations? What type of ceramic body and glaze is appropriate to withstand different traffic situations? What tile is best for exterior applications? In the past twenty years ceramic tile technology has literally re-invented this age old material. Dedicated research, development and innovation have led to enhanced user livability, unparalleled aesthetics and superior performance specifications. However, the speed of technical advances can be a double edged sword. New products require adequate training to prevent inappropriate use, inaccurate specifications and project failures. A lack of technical knowledge of the most advanced products can create confusion in the marketplace and allow lower value tile programs to compete on par by simply adopting a quality moniker. This presentation will arm you with: pertinent facts; expose myths; and review the tools used to select the best tile for every type of ceramic tile installation.

As a designer currently working with residential new construction and remodel clients, we are seeing a lot of trends towards green consumer awareness and a need for green and sustainable products in the flooring industry. Our seminar focuses on the trends we see with our current clientele and our flooring vendors, what products are available and how to use green products and stay in budget.

One of the hallmarks of early Modernism was an exploration of new materials. Architects whose names have become synonymous with one of the most revered movements in history also covered new ground by using tried-and-true materials in exciting ways. Alberto Alfonso, Rene Gonzalez, Chad Oppenheim and Guy Peterson, the architects whose works are featured in the new book Four Florida Moderns, will discuss how they continue to bring these traditions forward as they draw from new materials and search for cutting-edge ways to use traditional materials in their projects. The panel will be moderated by the author Saxon Henry.

The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), with several leading contractor members, will creatively engage the audience to share their technical concerns, ideas, and issues. Several eye opening photographs of installation failures and beautiful installations will lead the discussion and the NTCA will moderate and encourage audience participation.

The designers involved in the featured bathrooms as part of the Coverings Installation Design Showcase will be on hand to talk about their design choices. In addition, they will discuss what they see as the next trends for bath designs for 2010 and beyond. Moderated by: Elisa Agostinho, Luxe Interiors + Design

A panel of some of the country's leading design and lifestyle publications plus a top design blogger or two will share ideas and wisdom on how to get your projects and name out there in their pages and on their postings. You'll gain new insights on how to publicize your work and maybe even be inspired to start your own online forum.

As a fabricator, do you know your true cost of doing business? How much are you making on each job? Can you analyze your cost by each component of your business (template, fabrication, install, overhead, etc)? How does a new piece of equipment affect your bottom line? It isn't rocket science, but if you haven't had a course on this subject then this is a must-attend seminar. Learn as the instructor helps you understand how to get started so that you can get a handle on your costs of doing business.

Changing consumer values over the past five years has radically changed what influences today's consumer to buy. Providing product and getting the job done right is the "price of admission" if you want to sell your product. You must be better, faster and more caring then ever before if you are to keep present customers and attract new ones. Find out what is influencing your customer and what you need to do to deliver the "outstanding" rather than the old "ordinary."

There are people advertising themselves as inspectors of allegedly failed ceramic tile installations who have limited or no training in this field of endeavor. Proper inspections involve many aspects of this work including standards, traditional methods, industry resources, contracts, bedside manner, potential performance risks, report writing, inspection techniques, etc. Proper training and certification is the right way to address this issue.

This session focuses on the science behind stone and tile types and the compatibility of different sealers and their overall performance. Different stones and tile have different densities and porosities, mineralogy and various finishes that exaggerate these differences. Learn which sealer types to use and when for optimum sealing performances, water based vs. solvent based, what sealers do and what they don't do.

This session discusses the drivers of the green purchase decision from the decision-makers perspective. Most companies know the green attributes of products - but how do they actually convert to sales? We teach easy methods to recognize the green drivers regionally (as green is a very regional issue to the decision-maker) and we show them how to take green and convert to sales.

Back by popular demand! Join us for the third annual discussion of strategic issues critical to running successful wholesale/slab distribution companies. This open discussion will cover a host of operational issues including building strong fabricator relationships, networking with the design community, freight issues, and much more. An update on how distributors are supporting the granite industry on the radon/radiation front.

This three-hour workshop should be on every natural stone professionals list of business critical sessions to attend. During the presentation portion of this workshop, you will: Explore the use of stone materials in building applications Learn more about the activities of the industry's effort to assess the sustainability of stone Obtain information about environmental profiles for stone materials as compared to other material alternatives (pre-cast concrete, aluminum, etc.) Learn more about the results of life-cycle assessment that compares common materials used for external cladding During the panel discussion portion of this workshop, you will be able to: Get perspectives on why the work on natural stone sustainability is critical to the evolution of building codes around the world Ask questions and provide input into the ongoing effort Share perspectives from projects you have worked on With this session, you will be better positioned to speak with clients about sustainability, get involved with this vital industry initiative, and position your company to be in the forefront of this effort.

Let?s do this Hollywood style! Are you attending networking events and not getting customers from it? Do you struggle with how to start a conversation with a stranger? You will not only know what to do by the end of this session but will have practiced it many times. We will begin with a short lecture outlining the seven essential steps in the networking process: homework, presentation, icebreaker, questions, pitch, action agreement and follow up. Then break out in a work session to come up with your pitch. In speed dating style you will sit across from your peers and alternate playing the client and the company rep in short two minute sessions. Your networking will be evaluated by your peers and pointers given on how to improve.

This two hour workshop with hands-on demonstrations covers: Expansion joint placement and installation Large format tile installation Proper troweling method Grouting methods and substrate preparation Bring your questions and be prepared for lively discussion and interaction.

This packed three-part, three-hour workshop takes the retailer through today's real issues and offers real solutions for making marketing efforts and dollars work harder in today s economy. Part One: Branding Basics - foundational to everything - from identity to positioning in the marketplace. Part Two: Advertising and Promotion - surefire strategies and tactics that you should know about and use. Part Three: Social Media - the hottest way to communicate and bond with your customers. Don't miss this if you want to seize the opportunity to build your business in times like these.

This workshop blends together three aspects important to every fabricator and wraps up with a traditional fabricator's forum of your industry peers responding to questions. The presentation will focus on: Being OSHA compliant and operating a safe shop environment. You'll learn more about the steps necessary to bring your shop into compliance today, as well as find out how many thousands of dollars of potential fines may be stting in your shop. A safer workplace the goal of every fabricator. Identifying the right infrastructure for water recycling. Hear about the differences in the various water recycling systems that are currently available, and learn how you can not only benefit from using the best water cycling system that fits the needs of your shop from a fabricator's perspective Learn how important it is to have the right compressed air system and infrastructure for your fabrication shop. See why so many shops are going all wet and why the right air system enables fabricators to be more efficient, but save money on tool repairs and energy costs. The latest tips will be offered. These nuts and bolts topics and the wrap up forum are perfect for today s economy where efficiency and cost savings are a must! Fabricator's Forum will commence at 10:00 am featuring: Scott Lardner, Rocky Mountain Stone Company; Other speakers TBD Moderator: Kevin Padden, AZ School of Rock This open forum is designed for fabricators to get answers to questions or problems they may have with regard to being successful in today's business economy. In today's business climate diversification is a critical step many fabricators are taking. This panel is well versed in both residential and commercial topics and what it takes to be successful in both arenas. Costs, stone supplier relationships, collections, employee development, and meeting customer expectations are just a few of the business-related topics that will be part of the panel discussion.

This session will address the applications of stone and tile in landscape architecture from hotels and resorts to campuses and urban settings. Pools and water features, sculptures, porte cocheres, walls and columns, and custom works are all some of the areas in which tile and stone will be featured in case studies this presentation. Sustainability and applications related to sustainable design, the use of local materials in projects, and the use of recycled materials in projects will also be addressed.

The focus of this presentation is how to use Google SketchUp Pro in your design process and the benefits of 3-D rendering as a sales and installation tool. Many clients have a difficult time visualizing their completed bathroom. SketchUp can be one of many great tools for demonstrating the finished bath space to your client as it allows you to communicate every aspect of the design in detail. Most importantly it is a great way to communicate the scope of the project in great detail with the building team, most specifically the tile installer. Learn how to use this rendering tool to produce accurate tile layouts, including tile and grout joint sizes, to eliminate awkward cuts or transitions in another part of the room and how to calculate field tile square footage, border lengths, numbers of decos to use, etc. to quickly produce a tile order and installation quote. Understand the benefits of 3-D renderings to your portfolio and how you can build client confidence and trust that their project will be beautifully constructed.