The Restoration Industry Association is planning another big conference, this time in sunny Palm Springs, Calif. The 2017 Restoration Industry Convention and Industry Expo is happening April 5 – 7 at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel. Conference organizers have been working for months to put together a robust array of sessions focused on current issues and topics relevant to the restoration industry.
Education
For those choosing to arrive early, there are several pre-conference workshops available on project and risk management, contents and science theory, and the ever-popular mold remediation refresher course.
There will also be breakout sessions on everything from the new RIA Forensic Guidelines and infection control to legal issues, the future of the claims industry, restoring high-end furniture, a look at the future of disaster restoration and more. Some of the classes will include in-class demonstrations and hands-on activities.
The association also drew in a heavy- hitting keynote speaker: Randy Hetrick, the creator of the TRX workout system.
Networking
If you’re looking for more than just some educational opportunities, RIA always offers many opportunities to network with fellow restoration contractors and leading minds within the industry.
This year, the banquet celebration is included in the registration, and it is open to everyone. The awards banquet is an annual celebration of the restoration industry as a whole – a chance to talk about where the industry has gone in the last year, and what is ahead. It is also a time to recognize some of the leaders in restoration and rebuild work through the RIA’s Phoenix Awards, and other accolades.
With RIA’s membership now going global, the organization anticipating a big contingent coming from Australia for this year’s conference. Eighteen percent of RIA’s membership is from outside the U.S. It is the hope of the RIA to continue expanding globally to create a worldwide network of restorers who can work together toward innovations and strides in restoration and remediation work.
For the younger members of RIA, there will be a Young Professional Restorers’ Committee networking event Thursday evening before the awards banquet.
Industry Expo
And of course, the show includes a large expo of restoration industry-related vendors and service providers, many of whom have worked within the industry for many years. The expo hours will offer more time for restorers to learn about products and innovations in today’s marketplace, and network with each other and companies.
