Registration Now Open for the 2024 Annual Conference

It's baaaaaaack! ISFA's signature event, the Annual Conference, is happening November 6-8, 2024, in Miami!

This year’s theme is Crafting Success: Innovate, Fabricate, Dominate.

Innovate: Discover groundbreaking ideas and forward-thinking strategies from industry leaders that can redefine how you approach your goals.

Fabricate: Dive into educational sessions designed to turn visions into reality. Whether it’s new skills, projects or products, leave with tangible results and a toolkit for success.

Dominate: Make powerful connections and gain exclusive insights by networking with industry leaders who can help you overcome challenges. 

The programming is curated to benefit companies of all sizes and scopes and aims to provide fabricators with innovative ideas and tangible takeaways that foster growth and success. The event also includes an Expo to showcase the surfacing industry's latest materials, tools, services and technology innovations.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Fabricator Forums: See You in St. Louis in September

Hey, Fabricators! Doesn't September in St. Louis sound super!?

The September 11-12 Fabricator Forum in St. Louis, sponsored by BB Industries and Vicostone, is a two-day event that includes presentations and discussions about:

• Silica safety.
• Staffing and employee management strategies.
• Fleet management.
• Marketing strategies.
• Quartz cleaning and care techniques. 

On the second day in St. Louis, ISFA will take the show on the road for a fabricator shop tour of Custom Marble in nearby Millstadt, Illinois. 

Take advantage of this opportunity to network with industry leaders who can help you break down barriers in your business.

GET THE DETAILS & REGISTER

ISFA Fabricator Forums are open to all fabricators, including nonmembers. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Got an issue in your business that's weighing you down? Tell us about it and we'll consider adding your topic to an upcoming event, virtual or in-person.

ISFA aims to provide the tools and resources you need to break down barriers in your business. If you've got a problem, we've got answers!

SUBMIT AN IDEA

Fabricators Heat Up Their Skills in Pennsylvania with ISFA's Training Program

ISFA, Worktop Fabricators Federation Partner to Enhance Resources, Advocacy for Fabricators Worldwide

ISFA and the Worktop Fabricators Federation (WFF) are excited to announce a partnership aimed at expanding resources, education and advocacy for surface fabricators across the globe. This strategic alliance will empower fabricators with the tools and support needed to excel in an increasingly competitive industry.

The collaboration between ISFA and WFF will bring a wealth of new opportunities to surface fabricators, including access to cutting-edge training programs, enhanced advocacy efforts and a broader network of resources. By combining the strengths of both organizations, the partnership will create a unified voice to address the challenges fabricators face in today’s rapidly evolving market.

LEARN MORE

Read the Latest Issue of ISFA's Countertops & Architectural Surfaces Magazine 

The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) releases a quarterly magazine supporting the surfacing industry. Find out all the latest news, educational opportunities, material trends and business developments that elevate and perpetuate the industry.

This issue is an ultimate guide to harnessing the power of software and technology to revolutionize your workflow. We dive deep into the ways you can use artificial intelligence on the shop floor, in sales and marketing campaigns, and more. This issue offers practical insights and strategies to supercharge your operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive unprecedented growth. Plus, get inspired by a trailblazing Fabricator in Chicagoland who is coding his own way to success by developing machine tracking software that monitors usage and efficiency.

READ THE MAGAZINE

New Silica Guidance Documents Now Available

In partnership with the Natural Stone Institute, the International Surface Fabricators Association is proud to introduce two guidance documents for workplace silica exposure assessment assembled by the Yale School of Medicine. A recent survey and data collection project with Yale researchers revealed that there is little consistency of information gathered in professional sampling reports.

These two new documents, available in both English and Spanish, define best practices in air monitoring for respirable crystalline silica and give a better understanding of expectations to those companies who haven’t started air monitoring. 

DOWNLOAD THE DOCUMENTS

On Hold: California's AB 3043, the Silicosis Prevention Act

Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley) held Assembly Bill (AB) 3043, the Silicosis Prevention Act, last week. This legislation was introduced to protect workers in the fabrication and countertop industry from contracting silicosis, a fatal lung disease caused by inhalation in silica dust from cutting, drilling, grinding and polishing these engineered stone slabs.

AB 3043 would have required the state to create a public website of fabrication shops operating in California to track their compliance with recently developed state regulations. This bill sought to create a statewide industry standard to prohibit dry cutting, establish a licensure system for fabrication shops and require workers to undergo silica safety training.

“I have decided to hold AB 3043, which I introduced to protect workers from contracting silicosis," stated Rivas. "When I introduced AB 3043 in February, 95 silicosis cases had been reported in California, and 60% of these cases were in my district. Between 2019 and 2022, 52 stone workers were diagnosed with silicosis, 51 of whom were Latino immigrants. Twenty of these patients had advanced stages of silicosis, ten individuals died, four workers received lung transplants and five were under evaluation."

Rivas goes on to say that the roadblock is in creating the tracking system to identify licensed fabrication shops. "While community outreach to educate employees on their rights is important, it is insufficient as the sole mechanism to safeguard workers. My legislation would have guaranteed compliance by only providing manufactured stone to licensed fabrication shops that train workers on safe cutting methods and enforce worker protections. Therefore, I have made the tough decision to pull my bill so that future legislators can continue to monitor the effectiveness of these regulations."

“Preventing silicosis and protecting workers is a high priority of the stone manufacturing, distribution and fabrication industry," stated the Silica Safety Coalition. "Our industry is strong and economically thriving when our workers are valued and protected. While AB 3043 will fall short of the finish line this year, the efforts, partnership and collaboration won’t be lost as we collectively continue to look for opportunities to support the industry in a way that protects our valued workers. There is simply too much at stake to not redouble these efforts in the coming months.”

READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE