The second edition of TISE East, a new trade show targeted towards flooring, tile and stone professionals, will feature 45 continuing education sessions — combined with numerous industry certifications. The four-day event will be held from November 2 to 5, 2015, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. The following list is a look at some of the stone-related sessions that will be offered.
Tuesday, November 3
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Meeting Room N319
“MIA Accreditation Program Immersion Class”
The MIA Accreditation Program Immersion Class is the perfect introduction to the accreditation program and will prepare the attendee to complete all three phases of accreditation. The class includes a section on taking multiple choice exams, extensive review of the exam material and preparation to take the actual accreditation exam. If you pass, that part of the accreditation process will be considered complete. This one-day workshop consists of:
• 20 minutes on the application review and exactly what is required
• 20 minute prep course on taking multiple choice exams
• 80 minutes of sample test questions (group discussion)
• Lunch (provided by the MIA)
• Taking the actual accreditation exam (optional, 5 hours)
What do you have to lose? This course will educate you on what exactly is involved to become accredited and what it takes to pass the exam.
Rates:
• $99 (Companies who have an Accreditation application)
• $199 (Companies who don’t have an Accreditation application and who are NSC affiliate companies)
• $350 (Non-MIA members)
Classes are limited to 20 participants. To register, you must contact the MIA directly. You will not register through the TISE East registration system. For more information or to register, contact cwilkins@marble-institute.com.
Tuesday, November 3
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
MIA Booth #1413
“Beer in the MIA Booth”
Come grab a beer and learn about the newfound MIA & BSI Joint Venture with Industry Leaders. Everyone is welcome.
Wednesday, November 4
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
MIA Booth #1413
“Ice Cream in the MIA Booth”
Come relax and join the MIA for some ice cream. If you are already a member of the MIA, you can network with other current and prospective members. If you are not yet a member, you can learn more about what the MIA has to offer. Everyone is welcome.
Thursday, November 5
8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
Meeting Room N320A
“Residential Fabricator Forum”
Speakers: Duane Naquin, Stone Interiors;
Eric Tryon, Premier Surfaces; Karen Rothenberg, Natural Stone Motif; Buddy Ontra, Ontra
Stone Concepts
This open forum for residential countertop fabricators is an excellent opportunity to discuss with your fabricator colleagues many of the challenges involved in the residential countertop market. It will cover everything from fabrication methods, equipment needs and materials, to customer expectations, personnel and sales strategies. Come prepared to share ideas and discuss opportunities and challenges that you face every day. All attendees are encouraged to participate by presenting a problem or sharing a solution. The session is free, but space is limited, so please register in advance.
At the end of this forum, participants should be able to:
• Describe the residential countertop market
• Explain how other fabricators deal with the myriad of issues involved in the residential countertop market
• Discuss fabrication methods, equipment needs, materials, customer service, personnel and sales strategies
• Increase consumer awareness and understanding of natural stone
Thursday, November 5
8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
Meeting Room N320C
“Attracting More Designers
to Your Showroom
— How to Deliver CEU Courses”
Speaker: Sarah Gregg, Marble Institute of America, MKG Department
Want to expand your outreach to architects and interior designers? Have you ever had difficulty getting an appointment at a large firm in your area? Consider providing CEUs (continuing education units) to the design community. This session will showcase how the CEU program works and how to position your company as the leading expert on natural stone in your marketplace. It’ll also explore how the various CEU programs work (AIA, ASID, IDC, IDEC, IIDA, NKBA and others) and how to get started giving presentations. This “how-to” explanation will help you get started down the CEU provider path. Discuss the history of the CEU program and how other MIA companies are utilizing its resources; learn about the fees for being involved and what benefits you receive; summarize each of the courses currently offered and briefly examine the support and literature available for training; and review how to schedule classes and what to do with the paperwork involved. The session is free, but space is limited so make sure to register in advance.
Thursday, November 5
8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
Meeting Room N320E
“Sustainable and Green Design — Understanding Trends for the Future”
Speakers: Brenda Edwards, TexaStone Quarries; Laura Grandlienard, Rockin’ Teriors
This CEU presentation will provide attendees with general knowledge on the objectives and principles of the NSC 373 Standard, which has recently been finalized and introduced to the marketplace. What sustainable business practices could you implement at your business? Learn how to connect with clients that are looking to do business with “sustainable” thinking businesses. The session is free, but space is limited so please register in advance. At the end of this forum, participants should be able to:
• Learn about the objectives and
development process of the Sustainability Assessment Standard
for Dimension Stone
• Understand the basic principles of
the standard
• Enhance their appreciation for
the use of natural stone as the
leading sustainable building
material
• Examine the benefits of the
standard to natural stone
specifiers and users
Thursday, November 5
9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Meeting Room N320E
“Women in Stone: How to Get Involved”
Speakers: Kathy Spanier, Coldspring; Brie Pfannenbecker, Connecticut Stone; Marcella Prado, Laticrete; Allyson Humphries, Walker Zanger
Join Women In Stone (WIS) for a group of roundtable discussions. Find out how you can get involved in the mission to advance our peers in the stone industry. This meeting will focus on four key objectives outlined by the steering committee: What can you do for WIS and what can WIS do for you, scholarships and awards, mentorship and webinars. This session is free, but space is limited so register in advance. Learning objectives will be:
Engage with your peers in a conversation about the reciprocal relationship between the organization and its members.
Learn about the budding scholarship and award program for women in the industry as a means towards recognizing exemplary contributions to our industry and identifying dynamic professionals, aiding in their continued education, growth and development.
Discuss the best practices for a mentor/mentee relationship and identify mentors and mentees within your own organization as well as the industry as a whole.
Gain knowledge of the webinar program which ensures that all WIS members, regardless of their travel schedules, are afforded the opportunity to participate in continuing education and professional development.
Thursday, November 5
9:45 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Meeting Room N320A
“Silica in Your Shop — New Regulations Impacting Your Employees”
Speaker: Gasper (GK) Naquin, Stone Interiors
How is the stone industry addressing the proposed OSHA silica rule change? What are leading fabricators doing now to reduce silica exposure for their employees? What are the real costs associated with making your shop safer? These and a host of additional questions will be addressed by a panel of fabricators. Make sure you are doing all you can to address silica safety in your facility. This session is free, but space is limited, so register in advance.
At the end of this forum, participants should be able to:
• Discuss silicosis, its origin and its impact on your employees.
• Understand the proposed changes to the employee Silica exposure rules for wet and dry shops.
• Review baseline testing options and how these will protect your employees and company.
• Identify tools available to help employers ensure a safe work facility.
