2025 Annual Conference hosted in Phoenix, Arizona

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. 

Sponsor Today

Sponsorship Benefits:

• Increased visibility through event marketing, signage, and digital media

• Direct access to key decision-makers and industry professionals

• 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

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.

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.

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.

Contracts and Clauses for Fabricators

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.