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2009 Las Vegas Connections Convention and Trade Show report
LAS VEGAS — A combination of interest in creative business building tactics and a new approach to hands-on training has — despite a worrisome slow economy — helped this year''s Las Vegas Connections Convention and Trade Show become a success story.
"The Experience was a tremendous success," said Connections President Craig Kersemeier. "It will be what other shows in our industry will be judged by … owners and technicians alike always love to learn in a hands-on experience, over a classroom and PowerPoint environment. The show''s registration started slower than past years, but really the last 30 days, registration was phenomenal."
Although official numbers are not yet tallied, Kersemeier said this year definitely exceeded last year, and noted that on the first day of the show, there were more than 75 "walk-ups" (late registrants).
Dan Taylor, Connections treasurer, commented: "With all the positive feedback we received, we have some great ideas for our Florida conference and can''t wait to see the expanded program in Las Vegas."
Kersemeier echoed Taylor''s comments. "We listened to our attendees and will continue to adapt our show to what our manufactures, distributors and cleaning and restoration companies want."
Gary Glenn, Connections vice president, noted a change in outlook for the industry. "It was a great opportunity to see our cleaning and restoration industry connecting and see the positive outlook for the future of our industry in this economy," he said. "We really have an opportunity to build on this show for future shows."
Kersemeier stated: "One the most interesting things I noticed is the new trend of the participation by some other industries, such as duct cleaning, pressure washing and hard floor surfaces."
The Connection Conference and Exhibition is slated for April 29-May 1, 2010, in Clearwater Beach, FL.
Xactware announces first user conference
SALT LAKE CITY — The first Annual Xactware User Conference is scheduled for February 4-5, 2010, at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center.
The Xactware User Conference sessions will include complex roof sketching, power estimating tips and tricks, Xactimate and technology showcase, integrated third-party solutions, estimating green buildings and catastrophe management.
Attendance will be limited in order to provide ample opportunities to connect with colleagues, Xactware experts, related industry professionals and other industry leaders.
CRDN named fastest-growing private company
BERKLEY, MI — The Certified Restoration Drycleaning Network (CRDN) has been named one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States for the third year in a row by Inc. magazine.
Founded in 2001, CRDN reported growth of 72.1 percent, which has resulted from ongoing education of the insurance industry about the cost-effectiveness of restoring damaged textiles instead of replacing them.
Paul Davis Restoration franchise receives top honors
SANTA CLARA, CA — Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling franchise office owners in Santa Clara and the San Francisco Bay area recently received top honors during Paul Davis Restoration Inc.''s national convention held in Huntington Beach, California.
The office, owned by Donn and Diane Peacock, received the Top Franchise of the Year Award in the company''s western district which includes Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Idaho and Hawaii along with a community service honor for helping those in need in the service territory.
Additionally, Ryan Peacock, a newly named partner, was honored as Loss Mitigation Associate of the Year for the third year in a row and as the youngest associate in the franchise network.
Mikefest 2010 going to Nashville
NASHVILLE, TN — Mikefest 2010 will be held at the Dri-Eaz Products Inc. training center in Nashville February 19-20, 2010.
An Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT) course will be taught on Wednesday and Thursday prior to the Fest; a water damage class will be taught the following week.
The event, free to carpet cleaners, features an exclusive upholstery cleaning class by Jim Pemberton, a comprehensive market thesis presentation by Bill Yeadon, Wayne Miller and Mark and Andrechelle Cermak and a color and carpet repair presentation by Tony Wheelwright.
VacAway Products, Mytee Products Inc., Prochem, Masterblend, Judson Company, Grout Perfect and Nordic1 are companies that will display products at the event.
Visit www.mikeysboard.com for more information.
