ISFA Announces 2023 Conference Agenda

Published

INGOMAR, Pa. – While there’ll be plenty of opportunity for Caribbean fun-in-the-sun at International Surface Fabricators Association’s (ISFA) 2023 Annual Conference, fabricators and other decorative-surface professionals will be exposed to plenty of business growth opportunities.

The conference, set for Oct. 16-19 at the Sonesta Ocean Point Resort in Sint Maarten, will offer an even mix of educational sessions, business-development workshops and networking opportunities.

The conference schedule places education sessions during the morning, allowing for open afternoons to enjoy the resort and other local activities.

Rich Hubner

On the morning of Oct. 17, keynote speaker Rich Hubner will present “Old Dogs & New Tricks: Driving Successful Change in Safety Culture.” Hubner – safety practice lead and associate director of business-standards firm BSI — will explore current trends and the challenges of change within safety programs

Among the topics will be:

  • Silica and new safety approaches;
  • Incorporating technology-friendly business practices without causing distraction by constant change;
  • Anticipating industry trends and facilitating change needed to support them; and
  • Sustainability and ESG, ergonomics, training, air quality and predictive analytics.

Also on the morning of Oct. 17, expert panelists representing a cross-section of the industry will weigh in on “Building a Strong Company Culture.” The audience will also participate in  open conversation about strategies for creating and maintaining a positive company culture. Topics include:

  • How to define and evaluate company culture;
  • How company culture affects productivity and employee engagement and retainment;
  • Creating job postings that accurately reflect and promote a positive company culture; and
  • Asking cultural fit questions to attract and retain ideal employees in the interview process.

After breakfast on Oct. 18, expert-led panelists will lead a roundtable discussion on “Optimizing Software and Systems for Improved Productivity.” Panelists will answer questions from the audience and share their experiences, with a focus on software must-haves, lessons learned during the process, and best practices for customizing and optimizing digital tools.

Also on the morning of Oct. 18, “Implementing New Equipment in Your Shop to Increase Efficiency” allows panelists to share experiences with implementing new equipment and best practices for optimizing efficiency in the shop. Topics include identifying the right equipment for your needs, success stories from other fabricators, and potential pitfalls in purchasing new equipment.

The conference ends on Oct. 19 with a networking breakfast and an open roundtable discussion where they can identify specific challenges in their businesses and share potential solutions.

Activities also include an Oct. 16 welcome reception and dinner, concluding with a celebration that honors the 2023 ISFA Award recipients and the introduction of ISFA’s 2024 board of directors.

“The ISFA Annual Conference is a truly fabricator-focused event,” said Nancy Busch, ISFA executive director. “The association strives to connect members to experts and peers as well as powerful resources to help them overcome challenges and improve their businesses.

“This year’s event is designed to provide a good mix of informative and educational opportunities along with downtime so that attendees can kick back and have some fun in the sun.”

The 2023 ISFA Annual Conference is sponsored by Dal-Tile, Aristech Surfaces, BB Industries, Caesarstone, Cosentino, Durasein, Infinity Surfaces, Integra Adhesives, Laser Products Industries, LX Hausys, Kohler and Park Industries.

Registration for this event is open through Aug. 31, Details are available at www.ISFAnow.org/annual-conference.

Tags: