The 2009 edition of StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas will take place from October 22 to 24 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV (conference program will be held from October 21 to 24).
StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center from October 22 to 24, 2009 (workshops begin on October 21), and it will feature an exhibition of stone and technology as well as an extensive educational and networking program.
The 2008 edition of StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas included 276 exhibiting companies in 113,000 square feet of space, and it was attended by nearly 6,000 industry professionals. Key audience segments had modest growth, including a 3% increase in international attendance and a 2% increase in the architecture and design segments - both attributable to Marmomacc’s increased influence on the event.
Stone Pavilion (New)
Located adjacent to Marmomacc’s Italian Pavilion, this year all of the stone companies will be grouped together in one area on the show floor. The new pavilion stands out on the floor plan and will stand out even more on site. Look for upcoming details on ‘Architect Day’ (Friday, October 23rd), including a walking tour of this pavilion.
StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas gives attendees a chance to become familiar with new equipment by providing hands-on opportunities.
Seeing the newest industry products is consistently ranked as one of the top overall attractions to StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas, show organizers report. Each product featured in the New Product Pavilion is new to the industry within the past 12 months, which gives attendees an excellent snapshot into the industry’s latest and greatest developments. The New Product Pavilion (NPP) will again be centrally located just inside the main entrance for 2009. GranQuartz of Tucker, GA, took top honors in the 2008 New Product Pavilion with its product, Pro-Cart AT1 by Omni Cubed, Inc., which is available exclusively at GranQuartz. “Entering our product in the New Product Pavilion was definitely worth it,” said Amy Livingston, Sales & Marketing Director at Omni Cubed, Inc. “Not only was it additional exposure, but it was an opportunity to show our product before the show opened each day. I highly recommend that all companies with new products participate in the NPP at the next show.”
Marmomacc Meets Design
Additionally, Stonexpo/Marmomacc Americas 2009 will feature an exhibit showcasing images from recent editions of Marmomacc Meets Design (MMD). Launched in 2007, MMD pairs an architect or designer with a stone company to develop a stone prototype reflecting a specific theme, which is then premiered at Marmomacc. The goal of the project is to promote experimental design, by stimulating innovative uses and applications of marble and other natural stone materials.
Stone LIVE!
Featured again this year will be Stone LIVE! for “how-to” demonstrations on the show floor and the only place to get up-close expert instruction on some of the industry’s most challenging stone installation techniques. This portion of the program is sponsored by Stone World Magazine, and these complementary demonstrations are a value-add for all attendees and take place on the show floor. One of the busiest marquee attractions to StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas, the 2009 Stone LIVE! stage is combining with StonExchange and will offer the same great hands-on demonstrations. Stone LIVE! is presented by the Stone Fabricators Alliance. The following is this year’s schedule:
As in past years, the Italian Trade Commission will have a prominent booth with an exhibition as well as educational sessions.
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Templating: Whether you use Luan Sticks, Polystyrene or one of the many digital systems available, a proper protocol and procedure is required to achieve a perfect, error-free template each and every time.
Presenters: Matt Rickard, Brian Briggs
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Laminating and Edge Polishing: Proper lamination is truly an art. Discover how to produce practically invisible lamination lines, precise bookmatching and more. This workshop will demonstrate multiple tips and tricks to achieve the perfect lamination.
Presenters: Eli Polite, Scott Weinbrecht, Scott McGourley
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Material Handling: A perfect countertop can easily become landfill without proper handling. Learn several ways to reinforce the ever-fragile sink bridge, properly brace, support and transport your finished product.
Presenters: Dan Riccolo, Mike Law
Friday, October 23, 2009
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Sink Mounting: Learn different methods for hanging cast iron sinks, porcelain vanities, kitchen sinks and more. We will discuss the pros and cons of each method.
Presenters: Eli Polite, Kent Potter
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Sealers, Cleaners and Glues: An overview of the many chemicals stone professionals use on a daily basis. We’ll discuss the different types of sealers on the market as well as the right glue for specific applications.
Presenters: Cameron DeMille, Nick Patrona
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Top Polishing, Seam Phantom: Fabricators and Installers are judged by the quality of their seams. Learn how to properly prepare the stone, set and bond the joint and ultimately top polish to create the perfect seam.
Presenter: Kris Jorgensen
Saturday, October 24, 2009
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Repair and Restoration: Come and learn more about the art of stone restoration: scratch repair, top polishing, etc. If you can repair it, you do not have to replace it.
Presenters: Cameron DeMille, Scott McGourley
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Shower Floor and Wall Installation: Learn how to properly set slab walls and floors, fasten the panels to the walls, set the seams and create the proper floor pitch.
Presenters: Joe Little, Dustin Braudway
Showcasing a high presence at the 2008 show, the Brazilian pavilion will again exhibit at this year’s edition.
StonExchange
Listen, speak, learn, meet and exchange ideas, solutions and more in this one-of-a-kind area that has been set aside on the show floor. All sessions are complementary and are open to all attendees. Look for informative sessions from leading associations, including the Marble Institute of America (MIA), Natural Stone Council (NSC) and roundtable discussions with leading industry experts. The schedule this year is as follows:
Thursday, October 22, 2009
12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
Funding NSC’s Future - How to Continue the Critical Work on Brand-ing, Promotion and Sustainability:
The Natural Stone Council (NSC), a collaboration of businesses and trade associations that have come together to promote the use of Genuine Stone in commercial and residential applications, will lead a discussion about how it continues to fund the critical work of branding, promotion and sustainability. The future of the NSC will be determined by future funding sources (check-off, donations, etc) and your input is needed. Plan on participating in this discussion – it impacts you!
Presenters: John Mattke, Mark Fernandes, Gary Distelhorst, Members of the Natural Stone Council (NSC)
Friday, October 23, 2009
12:00- 12:30 p.m.
Home Approved Stone – The Stone Industry’s Solution to Radon/Radiation in Granite: The challenge to the safety of granite countertops is the most aggressive attack the natural stone countertop industry has ever faced. The industry responded with science and now consumers can have piece of mind with the new voluntary “Home Approved Stone” program. Learn about this important industry initiative and how to use it in your business.
Presenters: Guido Gliori, Brett Rugo, Gary Distelhorst, Marble Institute of America (MIA)
2:30- 3:00 p.m.
Diversify Your Business with Stone Carving: A hand-carved doorway, fireplace, fountain or keystone can transform an environment, adding unique value to architectural projects. Stone carving is a timeless art, adapting and changing to fit every period and style. It remains fresh and relevant in the 21st century. Once you are aware of the possibilities and learn how to work with a professional carver, you can easily expand your market by offering this custom service to your clients.
Presenter: Walter Arnold, Stone Carvers Guild (SCG)
Saturday, October 24, 2009
12:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Taking Full Advantage of the MIA: Are you taking full advantage of the resources available? Learn about money savings programs, new technical standards, how your firm can benefit from the accreditation designation and much more - the MIA has so much available to help you succeed in business. You’ll take away knowledge about programs and services you can implement.
Presenter: Jim Hieb, Marble Institute of America (MIA)
Listen, speak, learn, meet and exchange ideas, solutions and more in this one-of-a-kind area that has been set aside on the show floor. All sessions are complementary and are open to all attendees. Look for informative sessions from leading associations, including the Marble Institute of America (MIA), Natural Stone Council (NSC) and roundtable discussions with leading industry experts. The schedule this year is as follows:
Thursday, October 22, 2009
12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
Funding NSC’s Future - How to Continue the Critical Work on Brand-ing, Promotion and Sustainability:
The Natural Stone Council (NSC), a collaboration of businesses and trade associations that have come together to promote the use of Genuine Stone in commercial and residential applications, will lead a discussion about how it continues to fund the critical work of branding, promotion and sustainability. The future of the NSC will be determined by future funding sources (check-off, donations, etc) and your input is needed. Plan on participating in this discussion – it impacts you!
Presenters: John Mattke, Mark Fernandes, Gary Distelhorst, Members of the Natural Stone Council (NSC)
Friday, October 23, 2009
12:00- 12:30 p.m.
Home Approved Stone – The Stone Industry’s Solution to Radon/Radiation in Granite: The challenge to the safety of granite countertops is the most aggressive attack the natural stone countertop industry has ever faced. The industry responded with science and now consumers can have piece of mind with the new voluntary “Home Approved Stone” program. Learn about this important industry initiative and how to use it in your business.
Presenters: Guido Gliori, Brett Rugo, Gary Distelhorst, Marble Institute of America (MIA)
2:30- 3:00 p.m.
Diversify Your Business with Stone Carving: A hand-carved doorway, fireplace, fountain or keystone can transform an environment, adding unique value to architectural projects. Stone carving is a timeless art, adapting and changing to fit every period and style. It remains fresh and relevant in the 21st century. Once you are aware of the possibilities and learn how to work with a professional carver, you can easily expand your market by offering this custom service to your clients.
Presenter: Walter Arnold, Stone Carvers Guild (SCG)
Saturday, October 24, 2009
12:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Taking Full Advantage of the MIA: Are you taking full advantage of the resources available? Learn about money savings programs, new technical standards, how your firm can benefit from the accreditation designation and much more - the MIA has so much available to help you succeed in business. You’ll take away knowledge about programs and services you can implement.
Presenter: Jim Hieb, Marble Institute of America (MIA)
Educational Program
The 2009 StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas Educational Program is the place to expand fabricators’ knowledge and advance their career and business. With six targeted tracks, courses are available for every level and demographic of the stone industry.
Fabricators, installers, architects, builders, designers, restoration specialists, general contractors, distributors and kitchen and bath specialists can enhance their professional development while earning valuable CEU credits.
The 2009 Educational Program will feature 42 sessions held in a combination of three-hour workshops and 90-minute seminars. Workshops will begin on Wednesday, October 21. The schedule for this year is as follows:
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Track: Business Management
Session: Human Resource Issues for Today’s Economy
Speaker: Shelli Fridenstine, Kennametal Inc., New London, OH
• Discuss pressing human resource issues such as layoffs and furloughs that are currently impacting stone companies
• Discover ways to boost morale and improve employee retention
• Learn best practices for handling tough issues while preparing your employees for better economic times
3.0 AIA CES LU | .3 NKBA CEU | .3 ASID CEU
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Track: Fabrication/Installation
Session: Buying Your Next Piece of Equipment - New or Used
Speaker: Ronald Hannah, Executive Director, Cadenza Granite & Marble, Concord, NC
• Understand how to evaluate features and benefits before you buy your next CNC, waterjet, saw, line polisher, etc.
• Identify the advantages of owning automation and investing in technology
• Learn how to justify purchasing new or refurbished equipment
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Track: Business Management
Session: How to Leverage the Internet to Grow Your Business
Speaker: Lisbeth Calandrino, Co-Founder and Vice President,
Peachtree Communications, Albany, NY
• Discover important strategies involving pay-per-click advertising and search engine optimization
• Understand the key factors required in the structure and layout of your business’ Web site
• Come away with new, cutting-edge information you can use to build your online presence and increase your profitability
3.0 AIA CES LU | .3 NKBA CEU | .3 ASID CEU
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Track: Care/Maintenance/Restoration
Session: Managing the Big Restoration Job
Speaker: Tom McNall, Great Northern Stone, Huron Park, Ontario, Canada
• Learn to manage the semantics of a stone restoration job that lasts weeks or months
• Understand what can go wrong and how to avoid it
• Learn how to price for outside factors and to prepare for the unforeseen
• Gain insight as to how to manage people and circumstances
• Learn how to keep sales personnel, project managers, suppliers and customers focused and on the same page
3.0 AIA CES LU | .3 NKBA CEU | .3 ASID CEU
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Track: Fabrication/Installation
Session: Moving Beyond the Kitchen Countertop
Speaker: Fred Jackson, Estudio Group, LLC, Austin, TX
• Learn to create unique stone applications using natural stone, engineered stone, green materials, glass, metal and paper
• Discuss new technology which has expanded the options in the use of natural and engineered stone
• Understand how diversification can provide you with new business opportunities and set you apart from your competition in a down economy
• Hear about the latest fabrication innovations as well as modern installation technology
3.0 AIA CES LU | .3 NKBA CEU | .3 ASID CEU
Featured again this year will be Stone LIVE! for “how-to” demonstrations on the show floor throughout the duration of the exhibit. This portion of the program is sponsored by Stone World Magazine, and these complementary demonstrations are a value-add for all attendees and take place on the show floor.
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Track: Sales/Marketing
Session: Advanced Marketing Techniques for a Recession
Speaker: Jon Goldman, President, Brand Launcher, Baltimore, MD
• Discover the single most powerful word to use in your marketing (and it’s not free or you)
• Learn a simple technique for identifying the serious buyers from the tire-kickers
• Acquire a formula for discovering how much you should be spending on marketing
• Learn guerilla marketing tactics to generate immediate cash flow
• Find ways to implement out-of-the-box direct marketing strategies for targeting your best customers
3.0 AIA CES LU | .3 NKBA CEU | .3 ASID CEU
Thursday, October 22, 2009
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Track: Sales/Marketing
Session: Moving Up in a Downward Economy
Speaker: Sam Allman, CEO, Allman Consulting, Kennesaw, GA
• Learn innovative thinking for today’s economy
• Obtain practical tools and procedures to help you succeed
• Hear explanations of proven systems and programs
• Learn why simply taking action, reacting or being proactive is not enough and what you need to be doing to move toward your goals
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Thursday, October 22, 2009
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Track: Business Management
Session: How Automation Can Improve Your Margins and Increase Profitability
Speaker: Mark Lauzon, Advanced Fabrication Solutions/Venetian Stone Works, Seattle, WA
• Discover how digital shop management can benefit your business
• Learn about digital templating, cutting and processes
• Take a closer look at inline polishing solutions
• Obtain an overview of the technology in a modern shop
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Thursday, October 22, 2009
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Track: Business Management
Session: Updates on the Latest Tax Incentives for Small Businesses
Speaker: Bart Basi, Ph.D, The Center for Financial, Legal and Tax Planning, Marion, IL
• Discover how to better understand complex tax laws to keep from losing your profits to the government
• Gain a better understanding of business credits and special deductions that exist to improve the state of the economy and your own business picture
• Find out more about the tax law and succession planning
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Thursday, October 22, 2009
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Track: Business Management
Session: From Call to Collections
Speaker: Brandon Maldonado, Maldonado Tile and Marble, Fullerton, CA
• Take a look at the many ways you can streamline your business from when a client first calls for an estimate all the way through project completion and collection
• Learn the essential questions to ask your customers before you begin a project
• Understand how you can improve efficiency through better organization
• Discover how you can improve customer service and receive better client feedback by employing these simple practices
• Learn how better organization can improve your profits and even help you get more enjoyment from your business
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Thursday, October 22, 2009
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Track: Fabrication/Installation
Session: Taking the Fear Factor Out of Safety Inspection
Speakers: Ted Huppert, Safety Director, Grazzini Brothers & Co., Eagan, MN, and Don Evans, State of Nevada, Safety Consultation and Training, Henderson, NV
• Hear how doing a voluntary inspection can take the fear out of your safety inspection
• Review proper record keeping techniques
• Gain strategies for effectively working with compliance officers
• Learn how your business can earn safety dividends for complying with OSHA regulations
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Thursday, October 22, 2009
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Track: Sales/Marketing
Session: Five Marketing Moves to Make Now!
Speaker: Jon Goldman, President, Brand Launcher, Baltimore, MD
• Learn to succeed in today’s economy by implementing powerful marketing tools that generate sales fast
• Receive five powerful eye-opening marketing tips to put to use immediately
• Discover the worst marketing mistake most businesses are making
• Learn how to stretch your marketing dollars by targeting “hungry fish” and how to make powerful offers using “irresistible bait”
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Thursday, October 22, 2009
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Track: Building/Design
Session: Trends and Directions: Kitchen & Bath
Speaker: Mark Woodman, Mark Woodman Design and Color, Laurel, MD
• See how kitchen and bath aesthetics are extending to other rooms, influencing design, materials, finishes and colors
• Discuss, share and excite the world of design with emphasis on kitchen and bath trends and futures
• Obtain ideas for expanding your expertise as well as your personal and professional goals
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Thursday, October 22, 2009
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Track: Business Management
Session: Managing Finances and Planning for Profit
Speakers: Scott Lardner, Rocky Mountain Stone, Albuquerque, NM, and Owen Kingman, President, Kingman & Associates, Inc., Grand Junction, CO
• Review the basics of financial management, including how to read an income statement and how to budget
• Understand what key performance indicators need to be reviewed
• Learn how to create break-even and return on investment analyses
• Explore the numbers behind production and show ways to make money through production efficiencies
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Thursday, October 22, 2009
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Track: Business Management
Session: Simplifying the New Tax Laws, If That’s Possible!
Speaker: Bart Basi, Ph.D., The Center for Financial, Legal and Tax Planning, Marion, IL
• Discover what the new tax laws are
• Learn to make the most of your tax situation by staying abreast of the tax code and the changes as they come
• Discuss where the estate tax is going and how it affects you
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Thursday, October 22, 2009
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Track: Care/Maintenance/Restoration
Session: Walking the Fine Line Between Maintenance and Restoration
Speakers: Tom McNall, Great Northern Stone, Huron Park, Ontario, Canada, and David Bonasera, Environmentally Safe Products & Procedures, San Jose, CA
• Understand where maintenance ends and restoration begins
• Learn how to identify proper care and when to call in the pros
• Discuss how to specify the proper procedures
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Thursday, October 22, 2009
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Track: Fabrication/Installation
Session: Avoiding Countertop Failures by Offering Solutions
Speakers: Brian Briggs, GranQuartz, Ft. Pierce, FL, and Dan Dauchess, Owner/President/Executive Management, Signature Stone, Toano, VA
• Determine the major causes of countertop installation failures and how to avoid them
• Learn to identify failures in drawing, blueprints or jobsite inspections
• Discuss when to repair or replace countertops due to structural damage
• Examples of structural damage will be shown
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Thursday, October 22, 2009
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Track: Sales/Marketing
Session: Delivering Customer Delight
Speaker: Steve Zipkoff, Owner, Zipkoff Solutions, Richardson, TX
• Discover ways to increase employee performance, improve morale and reduce customer complaints
• Understand how to delight both internal and external customers, clients and guests
• Learn how to build lasting relationships with customers in order to make them customers forever
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Friday, October 23, 2009
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Track: Building/Design
Session: Natural Stone Veneer: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Speakers: Rodney Harvey, Curtain Wall Design & Consulting, Dallas, TX, and Ken Bownds, P.E., Curtain Wall Design & Consulting, Dallas, TX
• Obtain useful information for making the transition from countertop-oriented work to light commercial stone work
• Contrast actual installation failures with MIA-recommended typical installation details, ASTM guidelines and Building Code requirements
• Identify the causes of failures and understand the recommended remediation anchorage and techniques
• Examine several recommended alternate details which could have been used in lieu of failed anchorages
• Hands-on anchorage examples and mockups will be available for review and discussion
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Friday, October 23, 2009
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Track: Business Management
Session: Employment and Labor Law Updates
Speaker: Richard Alaniz, Esq., Senior Partner, Alaniz & Schraeder, Labor & Employment Law Firm, Houston, TX
• Learn how top business owners succeed by effectively understanding and avoiding risks, specifically labor and employment
• Explore “real world” ways employers can remain in compliance and steer clear of legal trouble
• Receive updates on changes in labor and employment law delivered in plain language
• Learn effective defenses against legal claims
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Friday, October 23, 2009
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Track: Business Management
Session: Moving from the Shop Floor to the Front Office
Speakers: Jim Hieb, Special Projects Director, Marble Institute of America, Cleveland, OH, and John Cogswell, Owner, Cogswell Stone, Palmyra, VA
• Gain strategies for moving into management
• Learn how to implement a cross-training program
• Understand how to make the workforce and yourself more valuable
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Friday, October 23, 2009
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Track: Care/Maintenance/Restoration
Care and Maintenance Forum
Moderator: Rod Sigman
Panelists: David Bonasera, George O’Regan and Dave Walton
This open forum for care and maintenance professionals changes with the audience. Share ideas and discuss opportunities and challenges that you face everyday. All attendees are encouraged to participate by presenting a problem or sharing a solution. Bring your topics and we will provide the forum.
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Friday, October 23, 2009
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Track: Building/Design
Session: Exploring Life-Cycle Methodology
Speaker: Jack Geibig, P.E., Center for Clean Products, Knoxville, TN
• Hear explanations of the typical considerations behind life-cycle inventories (LCI) and receive guidance on decisions for how the information can be applied, particularly with respect to a life-cycle assessment
• Gain a better understanding of LCI and its translation to a life-cycle assessment (LCA)
• Learn about the limitations and advantages of LCA
• Gain a basic comprehension of life-cycle data and the ability to identify misuse of such information
• Take a closer look at how LCI and LCA can be used to communicate the environmental profile of a product
1.5 AIA CES LU, HSW, SD | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Friday, October 23, 2009
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Track: Sales/Marketing
Session: Advanced Selling Skills for Modern Fabricators
Speaker: Mark Lauzon, Advanced Fabrication Solutions/Venetian Stone Works, Seattle, WA
• Examine needs-based selling
• Learn how to generate referrals
• Gain strategies for landing large accounts
• Take away tips for expanding your customer-base
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Fabricator forums held at the show invite stone industry professionals to discuss the latest and most relevant topics of the industry.
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Track: Building/Design
Session: The Geology of Dimensional Stone
Speaker: Chuck Muehlbauer, Marble Institute of America, Cleveland, OH
• Back by popular demand and updated for 2009
• Learn how to determine the origin and composition of natural stone and how it can be used in your next project
• Understand how these factors determine the characteristics of stone
• Review different types of natural stone and compare the different classifications
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Friday, October 23, 2009
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Track: Business Management
Session: How to Diversify for Growth
and Stability
Speaker: Tony Malisani, Malisani Inc.,
Great Falls, MT
• Hear how and why a stone fabrication company should diversify
• Learn how to logically diversify by identifying growth opportunities within your existing business
• Understand how the planning and implementation of change can help you increase your customer base and product offerings
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Friday, October 23, 2009
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Track: Business Management
Session: Are You Cheating Yourself? A Review of Cost vs. Price
Speaker: G.K. Naquin, Stone Interiors, Loxley, AL
• Gain a better understanding of the costs associated with operating your shop
• Learn how to determine your actual cost for raw material, labor, transportation, travel time, etc.
• Understand how to determine the price for service, installation, etc.
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Friday, October 23, 2009
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Track: Care/Maintenance/Restoration
Session: Restoration Panel Forum
Moderator: Brian Briggs, GranQuartz, Ft. Pierce, FL
Panelists: Joseph Salvo, Miracle Sealants Corp., Arcadia, CA, and David Gelinas, 1800MARBLEGUY.com, St. Peters, FL
A panel of seasoned industry professionals will address a wide range of issues regarding stone restoration. The intent of this session is to share ideas as well as work out solutions to everyday problems and challenges.
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Friday, October 23, 2009
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Track: Fabrication/Installation
Session: Fabricator/Installer Forum
Moderator: Ronald Hannah, Executive Director, Cadenza Granite & Marble, Concord, NC
Panelists: Mark Lauzon, Advanced Fabrication Solutions/Venetian Stone Works, Seattle, WA, and Brandon Maldonado, Maldonado Tile and Marble, Fullerton, CA
This open forum for countertop fabricators changes with the audience. Share ideas and discuss opportunities and challenges that you face everyday. All attendees are encouraged to participate by presenting a problem or sharing a solution. Bring your topics and we will provide the forum.
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Friday, October 23, 2009
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Track: Sales/Marketing
Session: The Art of Selling - Ways to Improve Your Bottom Line
Speaker: Maura Schreier-Fleming, Best@Selling, Dallas, TX
• Back by popular demand and updated for 2009
• Learn to identify and use cues to persuade and motivate your customers
• Adapt your selling message using these cues with perspective customers
• Build rapport with customers to avoid sales resistance and objections
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Saturday, October 24, 2009
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Track: Business Management
Session: Taking Back Control: Do You Control Your Business or Does It Control You?
Speaker: Jerry Brown, Sr., RSI & Associates, Inc., Corpus Christi, TX
• Discover how to create an efficient and productive operation
• Hear how to effectively and profitably take your company to the next level
• Learn how to build an operation that has a significant, realizable value, therein creating options for an effective exit strategy
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Saturday, October 24, 2009
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Track: Business Management
Session: Obtaining Financing in a Difficult Credit Environment
Speaker: Roman Basi, Attorney at Law, The Center for Financial, Legal and Tax Planning, Inc., Marion, IL
• Learn how to show specific uses of the funds to your lender
• Gain strategies for getting the most out of your financial statements
• Discover techniques to enhance your credit worthiness
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Saturday, October 24, 2009
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Track: Fabrication/Installation
Session: Liquid Applied Sealants and Their Affect on Porous Substrates
Speakers: Fred Kramer, Tremco, Inc., Hales Corners, WI, and Stu Snell, Tremco, Inc., Beachwood, OH
• Identify the most suitable sealant type for your substrate/project
• Evaluate the staining potential of different sealants over common porous substrates
• Understand the differences between available sealants and what advantages each may provide
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Saturday, October 24, 2009
8:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Track: Fabrication/Installation
Session: Solutions to Dealing with Resin Treated Slabs
Speakers: Filippo Emanuel, Tenax USA, Charlotte, NC, and Rod Sigman, Custom Building Products/Aqua Mix, Corona, CA
• Understand why slabs are resin treated
• Understand the various applications and different manufacturing equipment used in the process
• Learn numerous solutions for the most common problems with epoxy-resined slabs
• See samples of resin-treated slabs in various stages of the material process
1.5 AIA CES LU | .2 NKBA CEU | .15 ASID CEU
Saturday, October 24, 2009
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Track: Building/Design
Session: Design Exploration and Technological Innovation with Natural Stone
Speaker: Christian R. Pongratz, Texas Tech University, College of Architecture, Lubbock, TX
• Hear about craft in parametric design as it is directly related to the digital fabrication of complex building components and their application
• Examine various computational design and numerically controlled fabrication processes
• Explore the development of compound curved stone surfaces, planar relief stone surfaces and patterned stone surfaces
• Learn about file to factory issues in the stone industry
• Discover digital fabrication techniques
1.0 AIA CES LU | .1 NKBA CEU | .1 ASID CEU
