Article Number : 5252 |
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| Date | 2/3/2010 12:52:23 PM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=5252 |
| Abstract | (ALEXANDRIA, VA – FEBRUARY 3, 2010) – Tile and stone contractors and installers can look forward to a daily offering of valuable educational sessions at Coverings 2010, Tuesday, April 27 through Friday, April 30, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Over 40 sessions are on the docket for... |
| Article | (ALEXANDRIA, VA – FEBRUARY 3, 2010) – Tile and stone contractors and installers can look forward to a daily offering of valuable educational sessions at Coverings 2010, Tuesday, April 27 through Friday, April 30, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Over 40 sessions are on the docket for this vital industry segment, with topics ranging from how to boost profits in a challenging economy to the latest innovations in installation methods and materials. Led by some of the industry’s most respected voices, this year’s seminar lineup demonstrates why the Coverings conference programming, which is all free, is increasingly recognized as one of the highlights of the show. The 2010 schedule spans a wide spectrum of subjects, with a particular focus on tactics and strategies contractors and installers can use to help to bolster their bottom line in the current economic environment. This year’s featured session, “The Seven Steps to Closing a Profitable Sale,” will offer techniques to help contractors and other industry professionals generate greater profits by differentiating their products in the marketplace, thus increasing gross margins in the process. The session, led by Bob Langdon, CPA and author of Managing Your Business for Profit, will commence the conference programming Tuesday morning, April 27. That afternoon, Langdon will also present “Inventory Management and Pricing Strategies,” a guide to growing personal wealth by achieving a higher return on investment. In this same vein, Jim Olson, of the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), a Coverings sponsor, will present, along with John Cox of Cox Tile, “The NTCA Reference Manual: A Look at the New Business Section of this Important Resource.” NTCA collaborated with Coverings in developing the conference schedule for this key industry segment. James Woelfel, technical committee chairman of the NTCA, will join Nyle Wadford, the association’s second vice president, to moderate “The NTCA Contractors Forum: Frequent Topics Commonly Shared Over the Internet,” which will examine the countless benefits of the internet for contractors, and key issues that are influencing the industry. Returning to Coverings for the third year is the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) Certification Program, an intensive 4-1/2 day series for professional installers that includes hands-on skills testing and will yield the industry’s only standards-based accreditation. Enrollment for this program is limited; application to participate must be made to CTEF. However, for those who want to learn more about it and hear first-hand testimonials on the benefits of certification, plan on attending “It Pays to Be Certified.” CTEF executive director Scott Carothers will lead this session and be joined by several program graduates who will discuss their experiences. “We're thrilled to again offer contractors and installers, and all of our attendees, high-quality, timely programming full of valuable lessons they can apply to their own businesses,” said Jennifer Hoff, president of client events for National Trade Productions, which manages and produces Coverings. “The conference sessions continue to be a standout element of Coverings, and we’re proud to present a program that reflects our ongoing investment in this singular facet of the show.” Beyond plenty of guidance for navigating business, the schedule features plenty of other topical sessions. As green issues continue to remain top-of-mind across the industry, the roster includes a variety of programming on the subject, such as “Green Residential Flooring Trends,” which will showcase the best new green flooring products; “Using Tile in Your Next Green Building Project,” a guide to understanding environmental ratings systems; and “Stone in Green Building: Moving the Stone Industry Towards Sustainability,” a three-hour “crash course” workshop. There are also plenty of “how-to” sessions delving into the latest dispatches from the installation and technology frontlines. Seminars like “Field Update: Large Format Tile Façade Systems,” “Recent Developments in Sound Reduction Membranes,” and “Exterior Stone Adhered Veneer Standards—An Industry Update” will arm attendees with the information they need to know to stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive business environment. Coverings is sponsored by ASCER (Ceramic Tile Manufacturers Association of Spain), Confindustria Ceramica (Italian Association of Ceramics), Tile Council of North America (TCNA), Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA), and National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA). For more information on attending or exhibiting at Coverings 2010, visit www.coverings.com or contact NTP, Coverings Show Management, at 703.683.8500. About Coverings Coverings is the premier international trade fair and expo dedicated exclusively to showcasing the newest in ceramic tile and natural stone. It has grown to be the largest and most important show of its kind in the U.S., featuring exhibitors from more than 50 countries and attracting thousands of distributors, retailers, fabricators, contractors and specifiers, architectural and design professionals, builders and real estate developers, plus the press and journalists who cover this vital and dynamic industry. Coverings is the stage for introducing some of the most innovative tile and stone products in the world. The exposition also serves as a valuable resource for continuing education for all categories of attendees, with informative, accredited seminars and live demonstration sessions conducted throughout the four days and all free of charge. CONTRACTOR AND INSTALLER CONFERENCE SESSIONS Tuesday, April 27, 2010 8:30 – 10:00 am Featured Session The Seven Steps to Closing a Profitable Sale If you believe that price competition is increasing in your tile contracting business, then this program is a must for sharpening your competitive edge. 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. The session covers: • Identifying and selling to the upscale, service-driven customer • Utilizing a seven-step process to close a profitable sale • Increasing gross margin in your business • Using pricing strategies to increase profitability • Differentiating your product and service in the marketplace Speaker: Robert Langdon, CPA 9:00 – 10:00 am Women in the Stone Business Annual Forum A panel of experienced professionals will share both opportunities and obstacles they have faced in their careers within the natural stone industry. After telling their stories, the panel will take 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 from this seminar into the challenges faced by women in our industry. Moderator: Rejeana Ellis, Affordable Stone Products, Inc. Speakers: TBA 1:30 – 3:00 pm Challenges to Natural Stone Tile Installations The Marble Institute of America (MIA) is partnering with the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) and Tile Council of North America (TCNA) to publish a supplement to the TCA Handbook on Natural Stone Tile Installations. In this very important session, MIA Technical Director Chuck Muehlbauer will present key outtakes. Speaker: Chuck Muehlbauer, Marble Institute of America 3:15 – 4:15 pm Eds & Meds: Challenges and Opportunities for Ceramic Tile The healthcare environment places many demands on the designer for products that meet a diverse range of needs, including infection control, aesthetics, durability, ease of maintenance and sustainability. Tile seems to be an ideal fit, so why is the industry reluctant to take advantage of the material’s benefits? This session will discuss trends in healthcare design, and define how ceramic tile can respond to them. In addition, a series of case studies will showcase successful installations and the challenges that arise in the “real world.” 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 stand up to the roughest abuse from little people, while making a bold design statement. See successful applications of ceramics and natural stone in various educational applications. Lifecycle 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. Speakers: Jocelyn Stroupe, IIDA, AAHID, EDAC, Cannon Design; Russell Fason, Witsell + Evans + Rasco Architects/Planners Mosaic Art as an Architectural Enhancement How do you interpret an artist’s work in the mosaic medium? What are the process and complications of the on-site installation? Join renowned mosaic artist 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. He will discuss in-depth these two very different projects as examples of both architectural enhancement and of the Indirect Mosaic and Direct Mosaic methods. Learn the reasoning for choosing one over the other, depending on the design and venue of a project. Miotto, who was a Coverings 2009 SPECTRUM Award winner, will also detail the many different types of tesserae used in the two installations, and share his thought process in choosing these materials. Finally, he will discuss the different setting products used in the fabrication and installation. Speaker: Stephen Miotto, Miotto Mosaics Using Tile in Your Next Green Building Project This program provides an in-depth guide to the 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 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 to achieve standard and rating system compliance. Speaker: Bill Griese, Tile Council of North America Safety and Profitability: How Safety Can Raise Your Bottom Line Many tile contractors diligently strive to maintain a profitable business during these troubled economic times. Unlicensed competitors, bidding wars, rising material costs, and price-conscious consumers all exert pressure on profits that were more easily gained in years past. Cost-cutting measures such as minimizing material waste, reducing transportation costs, and utilizing time-saving practices and tools all help to bolster the bottom line. One other beneficial practice that should not be overlooked is an effective safety program. Accidents, injuries, and illnesses reduce production and employee morale, and increase insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. This session will discuss the importance of an effective safety program, and provide a guide to recognizing the hazards, evaluating exposure to them, and controlling their impact through training, mitigation, and leadership. Speaker: Juan F. Garcia, Redrock Tile & Stone Providing CEUs to Architects & Interior Designers For Natural Stone 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. It will also provide an overview of the various CEU programs (AIA, ASID, IDC, IDEC, IIDA, and others), and explain how to get started on giving presentations, putting you squarely on the CEU-provider path! Speaker: James Hieb, Marble Institute of America Less Chaos, More Cash – Reducing Confusion and Improving Profits in Your Business Many small businesses struggle to deliver their products and services on time: owners spend their time putting out fires instead of growing the business, and 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 Crowley as he introduces you to these two common mistakes, and the simple solution you can implement in your small business to reduce confusion and avoid costly errors. Speaker: Aaron Crowley, Crowley’s Granite Concepts, Inc. Wednesday, April 28, 2010 8:00 – 9:00 am The Forensics of Tile Failures 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, sometimes 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 facts when you use the means, methods, and equipment afforded us by the world of standards and science. This seminar will review five typical installation failures, and demonstrate how scientific methodology firmly establishes their cause. Speaker: David Gobis, CTC, CSI, Ceramic Tile Consultant; other TBA Proper Use and Understanding of Medium Bed Mortars When do you need to use a medium bed mortar instead of a thinset mortar? What are the differences between the two? 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. Speaker: Representative of the Materials Methods and Standards Association Architects and Commercial Stone Projects – Best Practices for Stone Professionals 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 his perspective on stone selection, installation standards, and what is necessary to assure a good working relationship between these two industry professionals. His “best practices” approach will also showcase a few case studies to illustrate both successful and unsuccessful projects. Speaker: Jeff Matthews, Trade International 8:00 – 10:00 am Super Charge Your Web Site: Being in the Right Place When Customers Look for a Stone Contractor How are consumers finding you online? During this fast-paced seminar, you'll pick up tips to help you maximize your marketing presence, including demonstrations of proper keyword and tag usage and critical insight on how to target your audience to increase Web site traffic and obtain customers via Search Engine rankings. Gain new insight into online search capabilities, and what you should be discussing with your Web master. You'll be better prepared to make sure you’re in the right place on the Web when customers are looking for a stone contractor in your market. Speaker: Marty Gould, Focalize Now 9:15 – 10:15 am The NTCA Reference Manual: A Look at the New Business Section of this Important Resource The NTCA Reference Manual, Business Section is a new tool that can assist you in running your contracting business. This session will introduce you 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. Speakers: John Cox, Cox Tile; Jim Olson, NTCA Linear Drain Shower Systems/ADA Compliant Showers This seminar will address safe, design-oriented and ADA-compliant specification, and the selling and installing of linear/trench drain shower systems. Waterproofing methods and products for sustainable installations will also be discussed. Bring your questions! Speaker: Mitchell B. Louch, wedi Corporation Make the Building Green – Not the Shower: Moisture and Mold Management in Sustainable Construction Today’s architects and contractors are being challenged to create more energy-efficient, durable and sustainable buildings that push the limits of reduced carbon footprints and increased use of recycled materials. While the complexities of this challenge are manifold, past experience demonstrates in no uncertain terms that such changes can reduce the tolerance of structures for 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 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. Speaker: Paul Shipp, USG Creating the Impregnable Architect Connection People listen to, take advice from, and purchase from and trust people they like. It is not enough to be a skilled contractor, specifier or salesperson; you need to create a personal connection with an architect, or any client, to rise from good to great. This seminar will expose you to the interpersonal 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 his/her 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 your strategy for a project—a must for specification professionals, contractors and retailers alike. Speaker: Warren Tyler, Motivation Plus 1:30 – 3:00 pm Leaner, Greener, Larger, Lighter: Thin Tile Systems 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. Speaker: Michael Micalizzi, MAPEI Corporation 3:15 – 4:15 pm Field Update: Large Format Tile Façade Systems The ventilated wall façade system has been around since the 1950s. Thanks to advances in technology, the tile industry has been able to create porcelain products that are ideal for this application. This session, moderated by Metropolis Editorial Director Paul Makovsky, will explore the technical attributes and functionality of large format tile façade systems. Energy savings, maintenance, state-of-the- art, self-cleaning titanium finishes, and design applications will be discussed, as will a comparison of a Terracotta Cladding System vs. Large Format Porcelain Tile Façade System. U.S.-based case studies will also be included. Moderator: Paul Makovsky, Metropolis Speakers: John Penta, Marazzi Tile; Other TBA E-Marketing Mastery – Learning to Market Effectively Online 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. You’ll learn the four key strategies and discuss ways to integrate them effectively with traditional marketing efforts, as well as strategies 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. You’ll also explore the somewhat overwhelming world of social networking and share ideas on how to make this new medium pay off without wasting your valuable time. Speaker: Kim Jones, CSK Meridian Group, Inc. Forecasting the U.S. Ceramic Tile Market What is the outlook for the U.S. ceramic tile market in 2010? What is the impact of the global economy? Join esteemed Coverings veteran Donato Grosser as he returns to Orlando to present his forecast to the Coverings audience. Don’t miss out on this look at consumption, manufacturing, imports, and distribution across the ceramic tile industry. Speaker: Donato Grosser, D. Grosser and Associates Shear Love of Gypsum Floors 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 are being applied to today's gypsum floors to provide higher performance levels versus those of past years. In an effort to provide the industry with more information as to the characteristics of these new-generation gypsum floors, United States Gypsum embarked on a test program to evaluate the shear bond strength between the thinset and the underlayment. Join this session to learn the findings. Speaker: Dennis Socha, United States Gypsum The Value of Warranties and Project Inspections The positive side of project warranties and field inspections includes 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. Speaker: Dave Debear, Custom Building Products Natural Stone: Protection, Maintenance, & Restoration 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 installation. Speaker: Joe Salvo, Miracle Sealants Introducing Social Media into Your Stone Company’s Marketing Plan Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media tools are engulfing the world of communication today, and user demographics show that it’s not just the 20-something age group taking advantage of these networking tools. This session will cover some “easy to implement” strategies to propel your stone business into the social media world. Several case studies will be presented to showcase “best practices” that will demonstrate how to get started and manage existing and new relationships through social media. Speaker: Garen Distelhorst, Marble Institute of America Unified Tile Industry Environmental Initiatives In this panel discussion, foreign and domestic industry members will explain worldwide environmental efforts pertinent to tile. You’ll gain a better understanding of green building standards around the world, and the different steps being taken by tile associations to address global needs for “green” tiles. The panel will also discuss the importance of harmonizing messages in green education and green marketing, so that information is accurate, useful and consistent among all facets of the tile industry. Speakers: TBA Thursday, April 29, 2010 8:00 – 9:00 am Ultimate Waterproofing Techniques 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. Speakers: Michael Byrne, MB&A; David Gobis, CTC, CSI, Ceramic Tile Consultant Epoxy Mortars and Grouts 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, as well as the misconceptions about them; when and why to use them; and best practices for employing epoxy product. Speaker: Dale Roberts, Custom Building Products Recent Developments in Sound Reduction Membranes Interest in sound reduction membranes has grown with increased enforcement of building codes, and awareness of the need for them among developers, owners and designers. New tests help quantify product performance, and sound reduction membranes can also contribute to LEED points. Learn how to identify and specify products that meet requirements for your projects. Speakers: Fred Jackson and Richard Maurer, The Noble Company 8:00 – 10:00 am Stone Trends 2010 From countertops to skyscrapers, the use of natural stone is booming in the U.S. Gain a valuable overview of the market and market trends by attending this 11th annual “State of the Industry” presentation on the dimensional stone market in America. 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. It’s especially recommended for companies that hold or aspire to obtain Marble Institute of America (MIA) accreditation. Speaker: Vince Marazita, Marazita & Associates 9:15 – 10:15 am Performance, Energy Efficiency, and Improved Indoor Environmental Quality with Tile, Marble, and Terrazzo This presentation will examine the value of the “whole system” of design and construction for tile, marble, and terrazzo materials. Particular attention will be paid 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 systems address 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 will be reviewed. Tile, marble, and terrazzo’s contribution to LEED-NC-designed building will be explored using a design checklist tool that breaks down each LEED credit by its design intent, including opportunities for exceptional performance. Speaker: Maria Viteri, AIA, LEED, AP, International Masonry Institute Comfort Zones A theory, dating back to the early 1990s, is that our minds prefer comfort over success or return on investment. The session covers comfort zone theory and applies it to real-life situations. Learn to be aware of comfort zones, and to make conscious decisions on ways to prioritize activities based on their return potential. Speaker: Paul Bumblauskas, PFC Services, Inc. Thinset Mortars What makes a mortar? Join Mike Micalizzi and Sam Biondi as they present live demonstrations, mixing and spreading different mortars, explaining the processes involved and the best uses for each. Bring your questions! Speakers: Michael Micalizzi and Sam Biondi, MAPEI Corporation It Pays to Be Certified Scott Carothers, Executive Director of the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, will discuss the benefits of becoming a CTEF-certified tile installer. CTEF administers the only certification program that comprehensively evaluates hands-on skills, is standards-based, and recognized nationally. Certified contractors will also share their experience with the program, how it has helped them, and how they are actively promoting it to their customers. Speaker: Scott Carothers, CTEF Exterior Stone Adhered Veneer Standards – An Industry Update This session will provide an industry update on adhered natural stone veneer systems. As various groups debate the merits of engineered design versus empirical design, industry-wide consensus doesn’t appear to be in the near future. This session will offer an overview of a number of the contentious topics that 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. Speaker: Chuck Muehlbauer, Marble Institute of America 10:30 – 11:30 am Ceramic Tile Specification: Facts, Myths & Tools 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 20 years, ceramic tile technology has literally reinvented 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. Speaker: Patti Fasan, Professional Attention To Tile Installation 1:30 – 3:00 pm The NTCA Contractors Forum: Frequent Topics Commonly Shared Over the Internet The internet has become one of the most frequently used vehicles for sharing ideas and thoughts related to the trade. Many NTCA Members now share industry standards with contractors via this essential medium. This forum will feature discussion of the myriad benefits of the Web, and will highlight several key issues that have generated debate and positively influenced the industry. Speakers: James Woelfel and Nyle Wadford, National Tile Contractors Association 3:15 – 4:15 pm The Science of Sealing: What to Know, What to Use and Why This seminar focuses on the science behind stone and tile types, and the compatibility of different sealers and their overall performance. Different stones and tile have varying densities, porosities, mineralogy and finishes that exaggerate these differences. Learn how to select which sealer types to use when for optimum sealing performance, explore the advantages of water-based vs. solvent-based sealers, and discover what sealers do and what they don’t do. Speaker: Rod Sigman, Aqua Mix The Need for Professionalism in Inspecting Unfortunately, there are people advertising as inspectors of ceramic tile installations who have limited or no training in the field. Proper inspections involve a long checklist of elements, including standards, traditional methods, industry resources, contracts, bedside manner, potential performance risks, report writing, and effective inspection techniques. This lecture will provide a roadmap to addressing this issue through proper training and certification. Speaker: Robert Daniels, Team of Flooring Inspectors, LLC Wholesale/Slab Distributors Forum Back by popular demand…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 many more. An update on how distributors are supporting the granite industry on the radon/radiation front will also be included. Moderator: Scott Lardner, Rocky Mountain Stone Speakers: Jonathan Zanger, Walker Zanger; Saket Hans, OHM International; Rup Shah, MS International Friday, April 30, 2010 8:30 – 10:30 am Installer Workshop and Demonstration This two-hour workshop with hands-on demonstrations will cover a wide range of skills, including 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. Speaker: Gerald Sloan, National Tile Contractors Association 8:30 – 11:30 am Stone in Green Building: Moving the Stone Industry Towards Sustainability This three-hour workshop should be on every natural stone professional’s 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.), and • 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: • Gain 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, and • Share perspectives from projects you have worked on. After 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 at the forefront of this effort. Speakers: Jack Giebig, Center for Clean Products at the University of Tennessee; and several members of the Natural Stone Industry’s Sustainability Committee 9:00 – 10:00 am Trends in the Use of Tile and Stone in the Landscape: A Showcase of Various Landscape Works Across the Globe that Embrace Culture, Theme, and Sustainability This seminar 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 just some of the applications in which tile and stone will be showcased via case studies during 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. Speaker: Rob Hutcheson, ASLA, EDSA |