Regional Countertop & Surfaces Summit Brings Fabricators and Industry Leaders Together in Cleveland
From May 12–14, 2026, fabrication professionals and industry leaders from across the region gathered in Cleveland, Ohio for the Regional Countertop & Surfaces Summit—an intimate, high-impact event focused on the real challenges and opportunities shaping today’s fabrication businesses.
With 40 engaged attendees—including fabricators, shop owners, and industry sponsors—the Summit delivered a highly focused environment for meaningful discussion, practical learning, and peer connection.
Day 1-2: Hands-On Training That Builds Real-World Skills
The Summit kicked off with a dedicated fabricator training session, giving attendees the opportunity to sharpen their skills through hands-on learning.
Led by Aaron, Chief of Education at the International Surface Fabricators Association, the training took place at RockSolid Surfaces and focused on solid surface fabrication techniques.
Through ISFA Academy training, participants were immersed in practical, real-world applications designed to elevate craftsmanship and improve efficiency on the shop floor. From foundational techniques to refined finishing skills, the session provided valuable takeaways that attendees can immediately implement in their own operations.
Day 2-3: Industry Leadership Takes Center Stage
The Cleveland Summit featured insights from leading voices across the industry, each bringing a critical perspective on where fabrication is headed.
Laurie Weber, CEO of the International Surface Fabricators Association, addressed the growing complexity of the regulatory and legal environment. Her session highlighted ISFA’s ongoing advocacy efforts—from pushing for a national licensing standard to representing fabricators at both state and federal levels.
A key focus was H.R. 5437, legislation aimed at protecting suppliers from lawsuits tied to workplace injuries. As this bill advances, ISFA continues working to ensure fabricators and distributors have a voice in decisions that directly impact their operations.
Weber also emphasized the urgency surrounding silica safety, workforce development, and trade policy—issues that are evolving rapidly and require industry-wide engagement.
Roberto Contreras, CEO of MightySlab, brought a forward-looking perspective rooted in nearly four decades of innovation within the surfacing industry.
His session focused on how material trends—particularly the continued rise of porcelain—are reshaping fabrication shops. Contreras outlined where forward-thinking businesses are finding growth and how shops can expand into new applications without significantly increasing overhead.
Attendees gained practical strategies to:
- Diversify offerings with emerging materials
- Identify new revenue streams
- Adapt to shifting customer demand
Rounding out the program, Martin Bermudez, Safety, Regulatory & Compliance Director at ISFA, delivered a highly actionable session centered on real-world compliance.
Bermudez broke down what OSHA inspectors are actively looking for today and highlighted the most common operational gaps that expose shops to financial and legal risk.
His session provided attendees with a clear roadmap to:
- Strengthen safety protocols
- Improve compliance readiness
Better protect employees and long-term business operations
Across all sessions, one theme remained consistent: the industry is at a turning point.
With tightening regulations, increased scrutiny on safety practices, and evolving material trends, fabrication businesses must be more proactive than ever. The Summit equipped attendees with the clarity and tools needed to navigate these changes before enforcement and market shifts force reactive decisions.
Beyond the sessions, the smaller format of the Cleveland Summit created space for deeper, more meaningful conversations. Attendees were able to connect directly with peers, share challenges, and exchange ideas in a way that larger events often can’t replicate.
These interactions continue to play a critical role in strengthening the industry from within.
Join Us Next in Salt Lake City
The conversation doesn’t stop in Cleveland.
Join us for the next Regional Countertop & Surfaces Summit, taking place June 10–11, 2026 in Salt Lake City. This upcoming event will continue to deliver the same high-value insights, expert-led sessions, and meaningful connections designed to help your business stay ahead.
Whether you’re navigating regulatory changes, exploring new materials, or looking to strengthen your operations, this is your opportunity to stay informed and engaged alongside your peers.