ISFA is introducing a new educational event it is calling “Knowledge is Power 2014″ that will be held May 14 and 15 in Pittsburgh. The event will feature presentations by and interaction with eight industry experts. Comprising a mix of presentations, Q&A and open discussions, the event is intended to focus on effectively managing fabrication businesses.
Speakers include: Russ Berry, president of A.S.S.T., who specializes in project planning and estimating; Aileen Davis, president of Stone Marketing Systems, who specializes in marketing and networking; Harry Hollander, president of Moraware, who specializes in data management; Jason Nottestad, sales manager for VT Industries, who specializes in manufacturing technologies; Jeff Schurman, consultant at Leading Causes, who specializes in leadership and organizational development; Michael Wood, manager at Education Management Corporation, who specializes in change dynamics; and Chuck Sawyer, executive director of ISFA, who specializes in financial management.
According to ISFA, it is targeting a level of around 20 participants – large enough to ensure plenty of interaction, yet small enough to allow for everyone to participate. Topics will include “Shop Operations,” “Digital Grab Bag,” “Filling That Funnel” and “Be a Leader in a Changing Industry,” with individual presentations from each of the experts, plus discussions of real issues and challenges faced by our participants.
The concept behind the event was to find an effective way to help today’s industry leaders manage their way through the maze of opportunities and obstacles facing them. The program is largely based off of successful ISFA offerings of the past, including its CEO Roundtables, Million Dollar Mentor Program and Business Boot Camp.
Additionally, each participant will be asked to answer questions about the goals, aspirations and challenges facing their companies in advance of the event. The answers and comments submitted will provide the basis for a dialog about what today’s leaders are facing that will be woven throughout the event topics covered.
“As all of us in the decorative surfacing industry are recovering from a tough period for our businesses, the opportunities for growth, efficiency, new markets, new products and new technologies are at our doorstep,” said Sawyer. “The new leaders in the surfacing industry need to be prepared to take advantage of these opportunities for growth and profitability. We believe the Knowledge is Power concept will be an outstanding tool to help the next generation build a more dynamic industry than ever before.”
More information is available by contacting [email protected].
