ISFA Sets Agenda for Annual Confab

INGOMAR, Pa. – The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) unveiled its detailed agenda for its 2024 annual conference, scheduled for Nov. 6-8 at The Palms Hotel & Spa in Miami Beach, Fla.

The event will bring together fabricators, manufacturers, suppliers and other industry professionals to discuss the latest trends, technologies and innovations shaping the future of the surfacing industry.

The conference’s theme is “Crafting Success: Innovate, Fabricate, Dominate,” and expert-led panel discussions and presentations will focus on those themes, while offering multiple networking opportunities.

The keynote breakfast is entitled “Stress Less, Achieve More: Turning Pressure into Productivity” with Dr. Sharon Grossman, an executive coach, business consultant and author. With more than 20 years of experience, she will share strategies to turn stress into a strength, find work-life balance, and boost productivity without burnout.

Under the track “Innovate,” attendees will discover groundbreaking ideas and forward-thinking strategies from industry leaders to help redefine goals. Topics include:

  • Exploring Surfaces: The Value of Adding Solid Surface and Porcelain to Your Shop;
  • Marketing for Fabricators;
  • A Fabricator’s Inspiration, a bilingual session, and;
  • The Life Cycle of a Project.

The track “Fabricate,” dives into educational sessions that turn visions into reality, looking at new skills, projects and products. Sessions include:

  • Safety First: Best Practices and Leadership in a Safe Shop;
  • Eight Steps to Improving Your Sales Team’s Capacity;
  • Shop to Office Transition, and;
  • OSHA Update: What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond.

The track for “Dominate,” will help attendees establish powerful connections and gain exclusive insights that help overcome challenges. Topics include:

  • Policies, Practices and Protection: Does Your Handbook Have What It Takes?
  • Make Your Life Easier with Data-driven Decision Making;
  • Accountability in the Stone Industry, and;
  • Recruiting and Retaining Stone Industry Talent.

Numerous networking events are also on the schedule. They include a welcome reception, partner party and offsite curated activities. The ISFA Recognition and Awards Luncheon will celebrate this year’s ISFA Award winners.

In addition, an expo will feature leading suppliers and manufacturers showcasing the latest tools, materials and equipment tailored for fabricators in the surfacing industry.

Marissa Bankert, executive director of ISFA, says the goal of the conference is to provide attendees with the information they need to hit the ground running in 2025.

“Our goal is to provide fabricators with actionable insights, practical skills and valuable connections to help them thrive in this ever-evolving market,” Bankert says. “We want everyone to walk away with something tangible.”

Registration is now open to members and nonmembers, and anyone interested in attending can find more details at www.ISFAnow.org/annual-conference. Those who register before Sept. 20 can take advantage of early-bird pricing.