2025 Annual Conference hosted in Phoenix, Arizona
ISFA’s premier event for forging connections and blazing new industry paths
Kimpton Hotel Palomar
2 East Jefferson StreetPhoenix, AZ 85004-2573
United States
Join us for the 2025 ISFA Annual Conference, set against the stunning backdrop of Arizona’s desert landscape. With the theme Renewed Connections. Advancing the Path to Success, this year’s event is all about growth, innovation, and shaping 
the future of surface fabrication. Connect with industry leaders, peers, and professionals from across the country.
The conference offers engaging sessions and networking opportunities designed to spark ideas, foster collaboration, and drive your business forward. With our three-track system, you and your team can take full advantage of all the educational sessions available, ensuring there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking to learn, grow, or simply recharge with like-minded professionals, this signature event is your path to fresh insights and meaningful connections.
Agenda
| November 4 | |
| 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM | Registration Open: Check-In & Badge Pick-Up Make your first stop the Registration Desk! Pick up your badge, event materials, and everything you need to make the most of the conference. Our team will be ready to welcome you, answer questions, and get you set for an incredible event ahead. |
| 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Exhibitor Move In Exhibitors—have you purchased a table to showcase your products and services? Be sure to get set up before the Welcome Reception! Start at the Registration Desk to pick up your badge, exhibitor materials, and all you need for a smooth setup. Our team will be there to welcome you, answer questions, and help you get ready for an incredible conference kickoff! |
| 1:00 PM - 5:30 PM | Committee Meetings These meetings cover key topics in Safety, Education, Member Engagement, Advocacy, and Associate Partner. Meeting times and topics are subject to change. |
| 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Welcome Reception Kick off the conference in style at our Welcome Reception! Connect with peers, meet new industry partners, and reunite with friends while enjoying great food, drinks, and conversation. This is your chance to network in a relaxed setting before diving into the sessions ahead—set the tone for an inspiring and productive conference experience! |
| November 5 | |
| 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM | Registration Open: Check-In & Badge Pick-Up Make your first stop the Registration Desk! Pick up your badge, event materials, and everything you need to make the most of the conference. Our team will be ready to welcome you, answer questions, and get you set for an incredible event ahead. |
| 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM | Buffet Breakfast Sponsored by BB Industries Start your day right with a delicious Buffet Breakfast, proudly sponsored by BB Industries! Fuel up, network with peers, and get energized for a full day of learning and connection. |
| 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM |
Great Idea Swap sponsored by BB Industries
Bring your best idea to the table—literally. At this fast-paced breakfast, you’ll share one idea that changed your business or, in a perfect world, one idea you’re ready to implement. |
| 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Break with Exhibitors Take a break between sessions and connect with our exhibitors! Enjoy refreshments while exploring the latest products, services, and innovations that support your business. It’s the perfect time to recharge, network, and discover new solutions. |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Education Sessions - Our education tracks are designed to give you options—pick the session that best fits your interests and needs.
Rick Stimac, CEO of BB Industries, to learn how to foster a positive workplace culture that drives growth through leadership strategies that boost engagement, retention, and success. Erik Rapp, VP of Sales at Hendrix, as he shares insights from top manufacturers, proven ways to maximize purchasing power, reduce risk, and steady your materials strategies—even in uncertain times. |
| 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Networking Lunch with Exhibitors Join us for Lunch with Exhibitors! Enjoy a great meal while exploring the latest products, services, and solutions from our exhibitor partners. It’s the perfect opportunity to network, connect, and discover new ideas—all while fueling up for the afternoon sessions. |
| 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
Education Sessions - Our education tracks are designed to give you options—pick the session that best fits your interests and needs.
Join Aaron Davis, National Key Account Manager at Trinseo, as he reveals how counter installations can also grow your bottom line with solid surface shower walls. Gain insights into the expanding wet wall market in commercial and residential construction, and take away practical installation tips you can apply immediately. |
| 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM | Break with Exhibitors Pause, refresh, and explore! Visit our exhibitors during the break to see innovative products and services, spark new connections, and gather ideas to bring back to your business. |
| 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Pick the session that best fits your interests and needs. Joe Sine, Attorney at Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman reveals overlooked contract clauses and strategies to protect profits and minimize risks. Buddy Ontra, Manager at Bostone, about today’s most cited OSHA safety issues and practical steps to prevent silica exposure and slab hazards. Matt DiNorcia, Strategic Sales Manager at UMI Stone, for insights into material trends and what to expect in 2026. |
| 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM | Awards Dinner and Celebration sponsored by Cambria Join us for an elegant cocktail-attire reception and dinner as we kick off our 2025 celebration! Enjoy an evening of great food, conversation, and connections as we raise a glass to the year ahead. |
| 7:45 PM - 8:30 PM | Awards Program Celebrate excellence at our Awards Program! Who will take home the Surface Fabricator Awards and Association Awards this year? Join us as we honor innovation, leadership, and craftsmanship across the industry—and recognize our Board of Directors for their dedication of time and resources plus sour member milestones. Don’t miss this inspiring evening of recognition, celebration, and community. |
| November 6 | |
| 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM |
Annual Membership Meeting and Breakfast sponsored by UMI
Join us for the Annual Membership Meeting and vote on your 2026 Board of Directors. Immediately after, hear from Katie Jensen, Co-Founder & CEO of Triton Stone Group, as she shares insights on the current and future state of the surfacing industry. Gain perspective on how family values, community, and partnerships drive strong businesses, and leave with clarity on the opportunities and challenges shaping the marketplace ahead. |
| 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Break with Exhibitors Take a break between sessions and connect with our exhibitors! Enjoy refreshments while exploring the latest products, services, and innovations that support your business. It’s the perfect time to recharge, network, and discover new solutions. |
| 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
Education Sessions - Our education tracks are designed to give you options—pick the session that best fits your interests and needs.
Massimo Ballucchi, Owner of Ciao! Let’s Connect Discover how to stand out, strengthen client relationships, and engage ideal customers across every channel. Matthew Dusa, Professional EOS Implementer from EOS Worldwide Uncover the six key components proven to drive business growth and stability. |
| 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM |
Networking Lunch with Exhibitors sponsored by Architectural Surfaces
Connect with fellow attendees, industry partners, and friends over food and great conversation. |
| 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Facility Tour *Agenda & activities subject to change |
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Full Access Conference - Fabricator Member
|
$895.00 |
|
Full Access Conference - Nonmember
|
$1,695.00 |
|
Guest Access
|
$745.00 |
|
Full Access Conference - Associate Partner Member
|
$1,145.00 |
|
Wednesday Only Ticket - Member
|
$555.00 |
|
Thursday Only Ticket - Member
|
$395.00 |
|
Wednesday Only Ticket - Nonmember
|
$855.00 |
|
Thursday Only Ticket - Nonmember
|
$645.00 |
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Full Access Conference - Fabricator Member
|
$1,095.00 |
|
Full Access Conference - Nonmember
|
$1,895.00 |
|
Wednesday Only Ticket - Member
|
$755.00 |
|
Thursday Only Ticket - Member
|
$595.00 |
|
Guest Access
|
$945.00 |
|
Full Access Conference - Associate Partner Member
|
$1,345.00 |
|
Wednesday Only Ticket - Nonmember
|
$995.00 |
|
Thursday Only Ticket - Nonmember
|
$845.00 |
Hotel & Room Reservations
Stay at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix — a modern, stylish hotel located in the heart of downtown Phoenix. Relax poolside at the rooftop lounge, Eden, with skyline views, craft cocktails, and fresh coastal-inspired fare. When night falls, the vibe picks up with a lively, sophisticated atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day of conference connections.
Make your reservation now and secure your spot at our special conference rate!
Reserve Your Room Today!
Special Conference Rate: $294/night (plus tax; inclusive of resort fees)
Reservation Deadline: October 3, 2025
How to Book:
Online: Click here to book your room through our exclusive conference link.
Hotel Website: Visit the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix and enter PG7 in the Meeting/Group Code field.
By Phone: Call 1-800-KIMPTON and reference “2025 ISFA Annual Conference” or “PG7”.
Rooms are limited — don’t wait to secure your spot!
Support the Industry. Spotlight Your Brand.
The 2025 ISFA Annual Conference offers sponsors a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders and members.
Sponsorship Benefits:
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Increased visibility through event marketing, signage, and digital media
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Direct access to key decision-makers and industry professionals
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Opportunities to lead sessions, showcase products, and participate in exclusive events
Sponsorship opportunities are limited! Secure your spot today — contact us to get started.
SESSIONS AND SPEAKERS
Industry Outlook
Katie Jensen, CoFounder and CEO, Triton Stone Group
Katie Jensen, Co-Founder and CEO of Triton Stone Group, will share her perspective on the current and future state of the surfacing industry. Drawing from Triton’s roots in family, community, and meaningful partnerships, she will highlight the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead while reflecting on the values that sustain long-term success. Attendees can expect an honest look at where we are today, a thoughtful view of what’s coming next, and inspiration to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Insight from a respected leader on the current and future state of the surfacing industry
Reflections on how family values, community, and partnerships shape strong businesses
Awareness of the opportunities and challenges that will impact fabricators and partners
A renewed sense of clarity and direction for navigating an evolving marketplace
DOMINATE TRACK
Drive impact through leadership, strategic workforce development, and industry influence.
Creating a Thriving Business Culture
Ric Stimac, CEO, BB Industries
Rick Stimac dives into what it really takes to create and maintain a healthy company culture. Drawing from years of leadership experience, Rick will share practical strategies to strengthen workplace environments where employees thrive and businesses grow.
Practical leadership strategies to improve employee engagement and retention.
Ways to build a workplace where people thrive and companies succeed.
Maximizing Fabricator Profits Through Strategic Contract Drafting
Joseph Sine, Attorney, Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman
Joe will discuss the various ways that fabricators and installers can maximize their profits and decrease the risk through contract drafting and risk management. He will address commonly misunderstood clauses that are critical to avoiding catastrophic losses, including indemnification, waiver, and liquidated and consequential damages provisions. He will further show how these provisions could impact your business using real-life examples to stress the importance of contract drafting.
How to protect profits and minimize risks through sharper contracts.
Real-world case examples showing how small adjustments prevent major losses.
Winning Both Sides of the Market: How to Connect Business-to-Business and Business-to-Consumer
Massimo Ballucchi, Owner, Ciao! Let's Connect
Join industry leader Massimo Ballucchi for an energizing session on how to position your shop for success in both the business-to-business market (builders, designers, distributors) and the business-to-consumer market (homeowners and end users). With years of experience driving brand growth in the surfacing industry, Massimo will share fresh, strategic approaches that go beyond traditional sales tactics. You’ll leave with actionable ideas to strengthen partnerships, stand out in competitive markets, and engage your ideal customers—whether they’re across the trade counter or walking into your showroom.
(homeowners, end-users) markets.
How to stand out in competitive markets and strengthen client relationships.
Actionable tools to engage ideal customers across all sales channels.
Strengthen the Six Key Components of Business
Matthew Dusa, Professional EOS Implementer, EOS Worldwide
Ready to supercharge your business? In this dynamic session, we’ll explore the Six Key Components™ that fuel growth and long-term success — all through the proven EOS Model®. Designed with the surfacing industry in mind, you’ll gain practical tools, clear disciplines, and fresh insights you can put to work immediately. Let’s unlock the strategies to help you run a stronger business, deliver exceptional projects, and create the freedom to live your best life.
How to apply EOS® tools and disciplines to surface fabrication businesses.
Fresh strategies to deliver stronger results, scale effectively, and free up time to focus on long-term
goals.
Strengthen business insight with sessions focused on strategy and growth opportunities.
Economic Stability During Market Fluctuation
Erik Rapp, Vice President of Sales, Hendrix
Join Erik for a behind-the-scenes look at the major manufacturers and suppliers he’s partnered with over his 20+ year career. He’ll share real-world insights and proven strategies to help you maximize purchasing power, manage variables, and minimize risk—especially in unpredictable economic times. Blending sharp industry knowledge with his signature “infotainment” style, Erik uses humor (often at his own expense) to keep the room engaged while delivering practical takeaways. You’ll leave with clear, actionable steps to steady your purchasing and materials acquisition strategy—no matter what the market throws your way.
Proven strategies to maximize purchasing power and reduce risk.
Actionable steps to steady purchasing and materials acquisition strategies during uncertain economic times.
Material Trends & What to Expect in 2026
Matthew DiNorcia, Strategic Sales Manager, UMI Stone LLC
Matthew DiNorcia brings insights from his years on the ground with fabricators across the East Coast to explore today’s material and market trends. This session looks ahead to 2026, breaking down how design preferences, product innovations, and global events will shape the surfaces we see in showrooms and homes.
How global events will impact surface materials and design trends.
Clear ideas to prepare their businesses and showrooms for the next wave of demand.
Elevate your craft with cutting-edge insights on safety, training, and best practices from industry leaders.
Uncovering Safety Issues in Shops: What is being cited most?
Buddy Ontra, Manager, Bostone
Industry veteran Buddy Ontra leads an interactive session on the three biggest safety concerns for countertop fabricators: silica exposure, slab handling, and OSHA compliance. With over 40 years of experience and a background as an NSI safety trainer, Buddy blends his expertise with audience participation to deliver practical takeaways every shop can use.
How to identify, prevent, and address silica exposure and slab handling hazards.
Practical, compliance-ready takeaways to create a safer workplace.
Maximize Your Profits with Solid Surface Solutions
Aaron Davis, National Key Account Manager, Trinseo
Join Aaron Davis as he covers:
If you're installing counters, why not add sales to your bottom line with solid surface shower walls?
Overview of the existing wet wall market in commercial and residential construction and expected growth.
Helpful installation tips.
Thanks to our Sponsors
