This year’s Walls & Ceilings Convention Companion lists an expanding roster of trade shows serving our industry. As usual, each of these shows will present its own unique display of exhibitions, seminars, workshops and award ceremonies. Whether you are looking for the latest in products, technology, construction code updates, or education and training, each event offers plenty of value, introductions and even some entertainment.

Look for Walls & Ceilings at these shows in the next 12 months.

NWCB Wall and Ceiling Conference & Trade Show

April 4-6, Green Valley Resort, Las Vegas

The theme of this year’s NWCB 2019 convention is on technology as a tool to help you attract young people to your organization, level the playing field for competitors and make your company more profitable and successful.

We may have a new event name, but this is the same great wall and ceiling industry event you have come to expect from its organizer—the Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau combined with WACA and WWCCA.

The event features a trade show, educational sessions, industry meetings, social events, golf and other outdoor activities. Attendees gain access to the latest must-know information and can take advantage of many opportunities to connect with industry peers and partners.

A key element of the convention is a trade show displaying and demonstrating the latest tools, systems, equipment and services to the wall and ceiling industry in a relaxed environment.

For more information, visit wallceilingshow.org.

AEC BuildTech

April 30-May 2, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.

BNP Media is pleased to announce that over 80 percent of the conference sessions at the inaugural AEC BuildTech Conference & Expo (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) will offer Continuing Education Units, to provide industry professionals with the credits needed to keep their license/certification. The tradeshow and conference spotlighting the latest design and building processes, products and emerging technologies is taking place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.

So far, 32 different educational sessions have been approved by various organizations including The American Institute of Architects, The International Association for Continuing Education and Training, RCI, Inc., The American Institute of Building Design, The American Institute of Constructors, PDHengineer, and BOMI International.

“We are thrilled to partner with leaders in the industry and provide our attendees the professional credits they need in six separate tracks focused on plumbing, HVACR/mechanical systems, flooring, building envelope, roofing and general contracting,” said Scott Wolters, chief events officer, BNP Media, producers of the event. “The editors of our publications have secured an incredible faculty of subject matter experts covering important topics for our attendees to gain the knowledge to leverage tomorrow’s building processes and construction technologies.”

In the Building Envelope Track speakers will explore the latest in designing for energy efficiency as well as ensuring the system performs as specified. LiDAR, BIM, 3-D printing, and artificial intelligence are some of the technologies that will be discussed in these sessions that have been approved for CEUs:

• Assessing Cold-Formed Steel Enclosures vs. Alternative Enclosures
• LIDAR & Mega Projects
• 3-D Construction Printing—What, Where, and How?
• Pulse Air Tracing
• Meeting at the Parapet: It was Transition at First Sight
• Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Explore Better Ways to Build
• Leveraging Building Energy Modeling for Optimized Design Solutions
• Opening Doors to Design Opportunities
• Understanding the Value of Performance Testing of the Exterior Envelope of the Building

In addition to the education program, AEC BuildTech will feature an exhibit hall with leading industry companies including Platinum Sponsors: Oracle Construction and Engineering, and Procore; Silver Sponsor: CMiC; and Bronze Sponsor: Mestek Machinery as well as Education Sponsors: Dodge Data & Analytics, Goodman, Oracle Construction & Engineering, and Tamlyn. To learn more about exhibiting and sponsorship, visit aecbuildtech.com/Become-an-Exhibitor.

More information about AEC BuildTech, can be found at www.AECBuildTech.com.

AWCI - Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry

April 22-26, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Md.

AWCI Beyond 100 Years

You’ll be part of a history-making industry meeting when you attend AWCI’s Convention & INTEX Expo in National Harbor, Md. This year marks an event hosted on the association’s home turf of metro Washington D.C. Along with top-notch education sessions and networking events, AWCI’s post-centennial celebrations throughout the April meeting are like none hosted by AWCI in the past.

White Diamond President’s Reception

The President’s Welcome Reception, sponsored by ClarkDietrich and Hilti, will be held in the Gaylord National Harbor’s unique Pose rooftop lounge on April 24. Thursday morning at AWCI’s Awards Brunch, sponsored by USG, hear from Admiral Mike Rogers, former director of the NSA, about cyber security threats. Thursday evening wear your red, white and blue at AWCI’s Celebration Night Dinner and Foundation Silent Auction sponsored by National Gypsum.

In addition to the always popular Doing It Right seminars offered on Friday, the association has education sessions on Thursday and Friday mornings featuring how to get paid and protect your business, modern IT innovations, how to develop world-class communication skills, and much more. And, we are offering more education than ever before on the INTEX Expo floor with Solutions Showcases being offered both days of the expo.

Be sure to stop by AWCI’s booth #845 to enter for a chance to win a free convention registration for AWCI’s Convention & INTEX Expo in 2020 in Las Vegas. And, while you are there, be sure to say hello to Chris Williams, AWCI’s new director of membership development and engagement and ask about member benefits.

For information, call (703) 538-1600 or visit awci.org/convention.

CISCA - Ceilings & Interior Systems Construction Association Convention

April 22-26, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Md.

CISCA promotes and supports the industry by providing a network of opportunities with industry leaders through education and a forum to allow the industry to interact, evolve and prosper. This is in part demonstrated at this year’s largest event for the industry, located in our nation’s Capitol in Maryland.

This year’s Construction Excellence Award winners will be showcased and presented at the Keynote Dinner on April 22. 

Schedule of Events

5:00-7:00 p.m.   Welcome Reception

7:30 p.m.   “Honoring America’s Heroes” offsite tour (optional event, requires pre-registration)

8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Manufacturer Rep Meetings

8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Educational Sessions

12:00-1:00 p.m.   Lunch/Wall and Panel

Committee meeting

2:30-3:30 p.m.   Independent Manufacturer

Rep Meeting

3:30-4:30 p.m.   Small Manufacturer Rep Meeting

4:30-5:30 p.m.   Volunteer Reception (Invitation Only)

April 24

8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Committee Meetings

8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Manufacturer Rep Meetings

8:00-9:00 a.m.   G&S

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.           Gordon

12:30-3:30 p.m.   Hunter Douglas

3:30-4:30 p.m.   Cardinal Acoustics

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.           Educational Sessions

12:00– 2:30 p.m.   Meet the Vendors

1:30-2:30 p.m.   By appointment

2:45-4:00 p.m.   Annual Distributors Meeting Contractor Meeting

4:30-5:30 p.m.   Emerging Leaders Meet and Greet

6:00-7:00 p.m.   Celebration Dinner and Awards Program

6:00-7:00 p.m.   Reception

7:15-8:15 p.m.   Dinner

8:15-9:30 p.m.   Awards Program

8:00-9:00 a.m.   Board of Directors Meeting

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.         Economic Forecast

12:30-5:00 p.m.   INTEX Expo Opens

10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.           INTEX Expo Opens

For additional information on the CISCA convention, visit cisca.org or call (630) 584-1919.

INTEX Expo

April 25-26, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Md.

Expect a great time to be had professionally and leisurely at this year’s INTEX Expo, held in metro Washington, D.C. This time of the year in D.C., expect spring in full bloom and to be introduced to loads of new industry products and accessories. The industry’s biggest trade show will feature new ceilings, drywall related products, EIFS/stucco, steel framing, mixers/pumps, hand and power tools, building material cranes and lifts, insulation and plenty more.

INTEX Expo, which is managed by AWCI and co-sponsored by the Ceilings & Interior Systems Construction Association, continues to be the largest wall and ceiling trade show (and gathering) in the industry. More than 140 exhibitors in more than 270 booths are eager to share their latest innovations with their key buyers.

Exhibitors will be on hand to offer new technologies, products and tools to enhance your productivity and strategies to give you the competitive edge in your market. Meet with the manufacturers face-to-face to discuss their new product lines and company events.

This annual event is held in conjunction with AWCI and CISCA’s respective programs, events and seminars. The whole week, many committee meetings take place, as well. 

Visit intexconstructionexpo.com for a complete list of exhibitors and more information. 

Visit Walls & Ceilings at booth #215 and meet our staff.

AIA National Convention and Design Exposition

June 6-8, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

This year’s annual exposition has more than 200,000 square feet of booths, galleries, and lounges. More than 800 exhibiting companies representing software and technology, energy efficiency, building systems, finishes, lighting, stone and tile, restoration and more. The materials and technologies of tomorrow featured in specialty product pavilions today.

This year’s continued theme is Blueprint for Better Cities. The theme will explore how to design cities, towns and communities that are smarter, healthier, more equitable and sustainable.

AIA Convention 2019 is one of the largest gatherings of architecture and design professionals in the world, and the expo floor is a hotspot of activity. It’s not just an exhibit hall—it’s also a temporary built environment packed with the first looks that will affect your practice into the future.

Explore the newest and upcoming high-tech products and materials, and experience demos, displays, and galleries. The Architecture Expo isn’t just an exhibit hall—it’s also a temporary built environment packed with solutions that will impact your practice into the future.

There’s also live programming, expo credit courses, and longer dedicated expo-only hours to give you ample time to browse the floor with no scheduling conflicts.

This year’s featured keynote speaker Reshma Saujani is the founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, the nonprofit dedicated to closing the gender gap in tech that has already reached 90,000 girls nationwide. Reshma was the first Indian American woman to run for Congress. Don’t miss her inspiring keynote on closing the gender gap in STEAM and a new model of leadership that embraces risk and failure.

Countless seminars and education sessions are all available at the institute’s website. For more information about this year’s show, visit aia.org.

Regional Shows

Wall and Ceiling Alliance

The Wall And Ceiling Alliance will hold its annual Construction Excellence Awards Show June 6 at Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. The program honors contractors who have performed exceptional wall and ceiling work.

Show attendees represent all areas of the wall and ceiling industry: architects, designers, building officials, contractors, general contractors, suppliers and dealers, manufacturers, industry professionals, along with construction management students. If you are part of the community, and part of our Northern California community, you should attend. 

The association and the Wall and Ceiling Bureau have yet to name a date and location for its annual Wall & Ceiling Expo, typically held in Northern California. The Expo is a regional program designed and intended for all professional levels of the industry. 

For information on sponsorships, please contact Carmen Valencia at (925) 523-3898.

TLPCA Annual Convention

The Texas Lathing & Plastering Contractors Association Annual Convention and Trade Show will be held this year at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, in Gravevine, Texas.

The 67th Annual Convention & Trade Show will offer meetings, receptions, golf tournament, exhibitors trade show, educational program, Annual Design Awards Competition, spouses program, awards banquet, dinners and casino night entertainment.

All members and guests registered for the convention are welcome to attend the President’s Reception. Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served. Network and visit with colleagues and friends and help kick off the convention.

The golf tournament will be held at the Grapevine Golf Course. As usual, the tournament includes lunch. Golf trophies and prizes will be presented at Friday’s Dinner/Awards Banquet.

The convention ends with the Casino Night entertainment event. Play and collect winning tickets. The top three chip amounts at the end of the night will receive cash prizes. Plan to join your fellow colleagues and have fun at the Casino Night event.

Additional information on registration and sponsorship opportunities will be available at tlpca.org or call the association office at (817) 461-0676.

FWCCA Annual Convention and Trade Show

The 2019 Florida Wall & Ceiling Contractors Association will hold its Southeastern Wall & Ceiling Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Marriott Sawgrass Resort in Ponte Vedra, Fla., July 12-13. This year’s show will feature approximately 100 exhibits from throughout the nation with many new as well as returning exhibitors.

The Annual Golf Tournament will take place on the renowned TPC Sawgrass Golf Course. There will be prizes, a raffle to benefit our scholarship program full of great golf items and exhibits on the golf course with member companies giving away great items to all players.

The Trade Show will open on July 13 at 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the association’s annual Industry Awards Luncheon and presentation on incoming officers and directors.

There will be industry educational programs on both July 12 and 13 commencing at 1:30 p.m. and continuing until the President’s Cocktail Reception on Thursday and the exhibition opens on Friday.

Last year’s show saw 1,000 attendees over the two-day period and the association anticipates this year’s event in Ponte Vedra will be even greater.

For more information on this and more, call (407) 260-1313 or visit fwcca.org.

CONSTRUCT (CSI)

October 9-11, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, in National Harbor, Md.

After a well-attended event in Long Beach, Calif., in 2018, The CONSTRUCT Show is headed back east this year. This trade show is your most cost effective strategy for combining educational opportunities with practical, real-world, product and service solutions for your business success. This event is dedicated to the institutional, industrial and commercial building industry. If you design, build, specify, engineer, renovate or operate in the built environment, this is your event.

CONSTRUCT offers a relevant, accredited education program, an expansive exhibit hall floor filled with the latest services, products and technologies, as well as a myriad of networking opportunities. In conjunction with the CSI Annual Convention, the event is coupled with technical tours, activities and special events. The trade show is dedicated national event specifically designed to provide the commercial building team real-world, practical products and education solutions.

Find hundreds of exhibitors with the newest trends and practices on the show floor and, with non-conflicting hours, attend your choice of more 50 accredited courses. The education program sessions, taught by experts, offer AIA LUs and HSWs and GBCI CE. Unparalleled networking opportunities include the Welcome Reception, the CSI Night Out event and other social events.

For more information, please visit constructshow.com.

ICAA Convention and Trade Show

October 10-12, Arizona Grand Resort & Spa, Phoenix

The three-day ICAA Convention and Trade Show features educational programs that target new technology, essential business skills, and ever-changing industry regulation and opportunities. And the ICAA Trade Show is an outstanding once-a-year opportunity for suppliers and contractors to network and talk business.

Again this year, ICAA strives for record-breaking participation by trade show exhibitors who assemble an impressive diversity of insulation products and services for prospective customers. These exhibitors represent leading insulation manufacturers; suppliers of materials, equipment, and technology; and complementary businesses such as closet shelving, firestopping, health and safety equipment, infrared imaging systems, and computer software. Attendees have access to more than 100 booths as part of our industry show on Thursday and Friday.

This is ICAA’s 41st Convention and Trade Show. With four decades of leadership in the insulation industry, ICAA proudly presents a dynamic and information-packed, three-day assembly in which business strategy and skill building are paramount.

Executive Director Michael Kwart says of this important industry event, “Attendance at the annual ICAA Convention and Trade Show is a very important annual business decision for ICAA member-contractors and suppliers. It is an opportunity for participants to fuel their businesses and generate growth. It is an unparalleled professional experience that features reviews of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

For more information, please visit insulate.org/convention.

The Remodeling Show

November 6-8, Kentucky International Convention Center, Louisville, Ky.

In many ways, The Remodeling Show is a similar and complementary show to the larger IBS show, yet has its charm and clear focus to remodeling contractors. The Remodeling Show | DeckExpo | JLC LIVE (R|D|J) is a co-located annual trade-only residential construction event that provides remodelers, deck builders and other industry professionals with a vibrant exhibit hall filled with nearly 300 products and services from leading industry manufacturers, a strong educational conference program with business and job site training, and networking events every day of the event.

This year, the show will be held in new territory in Louisville. This great Kentucky city will offer a great venue and an opportunity to see one of the state’s—and nation’s—great cities.

Among the hundreds of exhibitors, the exhibit hall features live installation clinics presented by leading industry professionals, interactive, hands-on workshops, and instructional exhibitor-led product demonstrations.

To view registration information, visit remodelingdeck.com.

STAFDA Annual Convention & Trade Show

November 10-12, Music City Convention Center, Nashville

The Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association will welcome “Big” Kenny Alphin and John “Rich”—Big & Rich—to play a private, 90-minute concert for STAFDA attendees on Sunday night, November 10, in the Nashville Municipal Auditorium for the Opening Party of STAFDA’s 43rd Annual Convention & Trade Show, held November 10-12, in downtown Nashville.

STAFDA returns to Nashville this year to offer another three days of informative sessions, meetings, trade show and entertainment.

Big & Rich have blazed an indelible mark on modern country music, not simply by breaking the rules, but by setting them on fire. Big & Rich have captivated a multi-generational community of listeners with their sterling songcraft and recorded performances.

From their 2004 debut, the triple platinum Horse of a Different Color, the duo has evolved into one of country music’s most auspicious partnerships. Garnering multiple Grammy, ACM, CMA, and CMT Music Award nominations, subsequent best-selling collections which delivered three consecutive Top 10 hits and their most recent collection, Did It For The Party, debuted at #1 on the sales charts.

Prior to STAFDA’s Big & Rich Concert, there will be a dinner buffet in the Municipal Auditorium along with other musical entertainment. In addition, STAFDA has done a buyout of the adjacent Musicians Hall of Fame. As attendees walk around the Hall of Fame, two of Nashville’s songwriters will be stationed in front of their exhibits. These hitmakers will tell STAFDA members about the creative process behind their songs and the deep-rooted history behind the music.

Glenn Knowlton, vice president of sales and marketing, Norton|Saint-Gobain Abrasives North America, of Worcester, Mass., will present the Associate State of the Industry address during the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association’s General Session, Monday, on November 11.

In his role with one of the world’s largest manufacturers of innovative material solutions and building distribution, Knowlton is responsible for Sales, Organizational Growth, People Development, and Customer Service of a 300+ Sales and Marketing Organization. He manages all channels which focus on the Industrial, Construction, DIY Retail, and Automotive Aftermarket.

He has more than 37 years of experience with Norton|Saint-Gobain in high-profile leadership positions, an outstanding track record of achievement, strategic development and building strong teams to drive customer-centricity to maximize sales and growth opportunities. 

He understands distribution as well by serving as President & CEO of Norandex Building Distribution (owned by Saint-Gobain) from 2013 – 2015 accelerating growth and profits resulting in a successful sale of the business to a former competitor.

Knowlton has been the recipient of the “Reshaping Your World Award” for Growth of the Industrial Channel in 2018, the Saint-Gobain “Innovation Award” for excellence in the Automotive Aftermarket, and a two-time winner of “The Winner’s Circle” award for superior Sales Performance.

STAFDA’s 43rd Annual Convention & Trade Show in Nashville is for members only. Registration opens June 24 from the members-only section of stafda.org.

For more information on the STAFDA Convention & Trade Show or membership, please contact Catherine Usher, cusher@stafda.org.

Greenbuild International Conference & Expo

November 20-22, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta

Greenbuild offers a truly unique experience. It is the place to be to get inspired and find yourself among other like-minded people in the sustainable building and construction industry. Planning for the 2019 event is well underway and we hope you’ll join the celebration this November in Atlanta.

Educational Opportunities

By attending Greenbuild, not only can you attend the 200-plus courses that keep you up-to-date with your LEED certification and everything going on in the industry, but you get to actively participate by asking questions and speaking with other attendees in the multiple education sessions offered in the core conference program, and the education available on the expo hall floor. Here are some highlights to this year’s event:

International Summit returns

Expanded offerings for the residential community

At Greenbuild, you are going to see a vast array of sustainable building supplies that you may have not known to exist.

Pavilions on the show floor and the return of the Net Zero Energy Zone

Networking and having a great time with your colleagues. Making connections with those in the know, people who can provide you with ideas and answers, making new friends.

Waterbuild: The Water Summit at Greenbuild

• Plenary speakers and celebration entertainment announcements coming soon
• Endless opportunities for networking throughout the week
• Women in Green Breakfast

Visit greenbuildexpo.com for show information, hotel reservations and sign up to be notified when registration opens soon.

NAHB International Builders’ Show

January 21-23, 2020, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

More than 67,000 home building professionals from around the world filled the exhibit halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center as NAHB hosted the 75th anniversary of the International Builders’ Show February 19-21.

IBS and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show once again combined for the annual Design & Construction Week, which drew a total of more than 100,000 attendees.

Exhibit space for IBS also expanded from last year’s 583,000 square feet to more than 608,000 square feet, where nearly 1,500 exhibitors displayed the latest in building products and technology.

In all, DCW featured more than 2,000 exhibitors occupying more than one million square feet of indoor and outdoor spaces. Many of the exhibitors noted the increased foot traffic this year.

This year’s show in Orlando brought out many companies from the industry and associations, including those that represent drywall, trims and molding, EIFS, stucco, steel framing, housewrap/waterproofing products and so much more.

“Everywhere you go at IBS, there’s something to see, something to learn,” said Brandon Hines, owner of Hines Homes in Maumelle, Ark.

Next year, IBS will return to Las Vegas, Jan. 21-23, 2020.

World of Concrete

February 3-7, 2020, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

World of Concrete 2019 exceeded expectations across the board and concluded its 44th year as the largest World of Concrete in over a decade. This signature annual event for the international concrete & masonry industries drew 60,511 registered professionals and featured more than 1,500 companies (including 259 brand new companies) exhibiting across more than 776,800 net square feet of exhibit space.

Group Director, World of Concrete Jackie James, says: “This year has been a very successful event–World of Concrete 2019 attendees, both domestic and international, experienced the newest products, technologies and educational offerings. Having our largest event in 10 years proves that the construction sector is strong globally. The education program was well received with a 5 percent increase in attendance. We want to thank all the exhibitors and attendees who made WOC a must-attend event for 2019, and we look forward to a successful WOC 2020.”

“We are very excited with the results. The positive energy indicates a strong year ahead,” says Show Manager Kevin Archibald. “This year brought in record breaking attendees, exceptional exhibits, and a very solid rebook rate of just over 538,000 net square feet of exhibit space, rebooking 70 percent of the total 2019 square footage onsite for next year’s show.”

Highlights of the 2019 edition included the Bob Weatherton Award established by World of Concrete to honor his contributions to the concrete industry. The award includes a $2,500 scholarship and was presented at the CIM National Board Meeting at WOC 2019. This year’s recipient of the Weatherton Award was Paige Silva, who attends California State University - Chico.

The 17th Annual SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 World Championship brought in crowds full of spectators from across the globe. Twenty-seven bricklaying teams traveled from all over North America and Australia to Las Vegas to compete for the title of World’s Best Bricklayer. This year’s winner Mason - Mario Alves – A&M Masonry, Hamilton, Ontario with the help of Tender – Kevin Avila took home the coveted title and went home with over $120,000 in cash and prizes, including a 2019 FORD F-250 4x4 truck and a John Deere Gator Crossover Utility Vehicle.

World of Concrete 2020 will be held February 4-7; Seminars 3-7, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information, visit worldofconcrete.com.

EIMA - EIFS Industry Members Association

March 20-22, The Woodlands Resort, The Woodlands (Houston), Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas and the 2019 EIMA Annual Meeting was bigger and better than those in the past. The Woodlands Resort near Houston welcomed leaders of the EIFS industry in March. The EIFS industry has created a common message of “One Industry Team: Headed for the Future.” 

This meeting was a blend of informative panels, expert discussions, current announcements, networking and more. “EIFS in the Residential Market” featured a group of industry professionals and homebuilders offering attendees a look at the latest trends in the residential market. Additionally, “Start With Why” was presented by keynote speaker Heath Slawner. He defined the process of driving change by outlining what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and how we progress. “The EIFS Contractors’ Committee Breakfast” again met with one another to discuss pressing challenges and tools for success that help to progress each individual and company. New this year, and easily one of the most anticipated events in years, the EIFS Hero Awards Ceremony showcased and honored outstanding EIFS projects. This ceremony occurred during the EIMA Members Dinner. 

Attendance at the 2019 EIMA Annual Meeting providing networking opportunities and information that exceeded all expectations. 

Headlining the Opening General Session on Wednesday, March 20 (2:45–3:45pm), Heath Slawner will highlighted Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why” concept. Driven by the belief that people thrive when they are united by a shared sense of purpose, Slawner joined the Start With Why team in 2015. His keynote highlighted who we serve and how we’re getting there, something that offered value and fulfillment to attendees. 

Sessions on EIFS in the Residential Market

PANEL DISCUSSION: EIFS IN THE RESIDENTIAL MARKET

For the past 12 months, EIMA has been working with the Homebuilders Innovation and Research Labs to take an in-depth look at EIFS in the residential market. The research, which is currently in the field, includes survey responses from hundreds of homebuilders and other experts within the market. A panel of experts gathered to discuss the findings of this research and help chart a course for success that highlights the advantages of EIFS in the residential market.

RESEARCH FINDINGS ON EIFS IN THE RESIDENTIAL MARKET

Director of Market Research for the Homebuilders Innovation and Research Lab Ed Hudson reported on the EIMA funded research on use of EIFS in the residential market. The presentation expanded on the initial phase that included 11 interviews, and now incorporates the opinions of 400 decision-makers from the residential market. The responses and findings were presented for the first time and will likely guide future efforts for the residential use of EIFS. Look for more information in an upcoming issue of W&C soon.

Education Sessions

Presented by Dr. Pradip Krishnadevarajan and Dr. Senthil Gunasekaran, “Marketing Best Practices—Developing Relevant Channel Value Propositions” discussed the four principles to determining value. The value proposition begins with examining the motivating factors that help guide forces of change through to channel transformation, which will continue into a look at how sales and marketing evolve based on a customer value proposition. Value targets, driving profitable growth, and how the perspectives between customers and companies align, were all be highlighted during different sections of this highly anticipated presentation.

The European Association for ETICS held its 10th annual meeting last autumn. Its Managing Director Ralf Pasker gave an overview of the organization’s formation, what ETICS are, and who the members of EAE are. He discussed information on the accomplishments of the EAE and on how his members are working together to harmonize the differing European requirements for the varying external insulation systems as well as commenting on how similar the European ETICS and North American EIFS markets are.

Since establishing his own consulting firm, EIFS industry veteran John Edgar has been providing advice and guidance to ISO in its efforts to develop EIFS standards that can be used worldwide. He reported on the purpose of ISO, how it develops standards, and its importance to marketplaces around the world. Edgar spoke on the current status of developing standards for EIFS and how much they may change how EIFS are designed and applied in the United States.

As of press time, next year’s convention has yet to determine its dates and locations. For more information, visit eima.com.