International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) invites fabricators and other professionals within the decorative surface industry to explore new “Waves of Innovation” at the ISFA’s 2022 Annual Conference, which will be held October 17-19 in Clearwater, Florida. Attendees will enjoy three days of educational sessions, business development workshops, new product presentations, networking opportunities, and more at the stunning Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort.
This signature event will kick off with a welcome reception and dinner, including a celebration that honors the 2022 ISFA Award recipients and the introduction of ISFA’s 2023 board of directors.
In subsequent days, attendees will benefit from powerful presentations and workshops that focus on fostering a growth mindset in business with insights from experts regarding industry trends, marketplace insights, business model strategies, software and technology solutions and integration, and more.
Programming includes:
Tuesday October 18, 2022
THE TECHNOLOGY OF A GROWTH MINDSET
Are you making decisions based on the last 12 months or the next 12 months? Is your technology telling you what needs to be done, or are you just trusting your gut? With an unprecedented labor shortage and a recession looming, we need technology now more than ever. Tim Saddoris, president of Grand Onyx, a firm dedicated to building world-class fabricators by helping them streamline processes and implement growth strategies using digital solutions, breaks down how you can transform your business with the right approach to technology. In this session, Tim covers:
• A new kind of power tool: Transforming your business with technology
• Better late than never: Why it’s sometimes better to delay tech onboarding adoption
• Tech fatigue: What is it and how do you avoid it
• Review, rinse and repeat: Did I make the right tech decision, or is it time to pivot
INDUSTRY TRENDS, MARKET FORECASTS AND A ROCK-SOLID BUSINESS MODEL
Join Mitch Henderson, CEO of Clear Seas Research, for firsthand data and consumer insights within the stone industry. Mitch will showcase more than 15 years of overall stone market trends to demonstrate how customer centricity
leads to success. In this session, learn the logic behind:
• The reasons customers are drawn to the most preferred brands
• Key drivers behind stone equipment purchase plans
• Essential factors in selecting stone-related equipment and products
In addition to market trends, learn about the not-so-surprising model that leads to success in virtually every segment of the stone industry.
Wednesday, October 19,2022
A PANEL DISCUSSION: HOW SOFTWARE & TECHNOLOGY DRIVE GROWTH FOR THE SURFACING INDUSTRY
A panel of industry experts shares their experiences implementing technology in a fabrication shop. Gain powerful insights, best practices and more on:
• How software and technology can add value to your business
• What you should be doing out of the gate to ensure success
• The best bolt-on solutions that increase efficiency
This open discussion will provide real-world examples of successes and failures, arming fabricators with the best path forward in a challenging time when digital innovations are proving to be a top driver for growth.
MARKETING MATTERS: HOW FABRICATORS CAN ELEVATE THEIR BUSINESSES
Are you putting marketing on the back burner in favor of the day-to-day rush? Join Stephen Alberts, owner of the Countertop Marketing Co., to learn the most critical communication strategies you should be doing right now, regardless of how packed your production schedule is. From website optimization to social media management to tracking sales leads and everything in between, Stephen will break down the best practices in marketing and communications that any fabricator can apply. Learn the benefits of implementing marketing tactics now that could offset potential challenges ahead.
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION: EOS IMPLEMENTATION + CONFERENCE TAKEAWAYS
In this session, ISFA Board Member Travis McDermott shares his experience onboarding an Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) at his fabrication shop, McDermott Top Shop. Get a high-level overview of how EOS systems foster growth and how it has transformed his business. This session will wrap up with a recap discussion about additional insights around implementing digital solutions and other key takeaways from the Annual Conference.
In addition to workshops, attendees will learn about some of the latest innovative materials, tooling and other products in the decorative surface industry. The New Product Lunch & Learn will showcase innovations from material manufacturers, tooling distributors, technology and solution providers, and more. In between workshops and presentations, attendees will have the chance to network with their peers over great food, entertainment and a breathtaking resort backdrop that enables everyone to kick back, relax and enjoy each other’s company.
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