Positive Outlook, High Attendance Define 2014 ICAA Convention & Trade Show

ORLANDO, FL–September 22, 2014–The happiest place on earth played host to the insulation industry, and the numbers spoke for themselves. Taking place at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the 2014 ICAA Convention and Trade Show boasted over 650 attendees, which stand as the event’s largest turnout to date.

The opening General Session of the convention began with a tidal wave of information on a variety of issues and topics involving the whole of the insulation industry. The presentation that generated the most interest was the discussion of the ins and outs of the Affordable Care Act (better known as Obamacare) by IMG Benefits Group’s Laurie Nicolai, who fielded numerous questions from the audience about the law and compliance with it. Spray Foam was a major focal point in several presentations, most notably during an in-depth panel discussion of spray rig design. The panel featured experts in the areas of trucks and trailers, proportioners and heaters, hoses and spray guns, drums and pumps, and power sources. Additionally, the Spray Foam Coalition updated attendees on its recent work dealing with regulatory issues like the California DTSC’s Product Priority List and OSHA’s National Emphasis Program (NEP).

In the afternoon, the Platinum Education Sessions continued the engaging dialogue, highlighted by an eyebrow-raising presentation delivered by Cynthia Paul of FMI Corporation. The discussion was forward-looking and addressed how on-the-horizon issues like increasing competition, changing demographics, and customer demands will create make-or-break opportunities for companies in the industry. An interesting moment came when Paul asked the audience to indicate whether or not they encouraged their children, or young people in general, about entering the industry. Zero hands went up. She suggested that a look-elsewhere attitude within the industry–which is steadily aging–might be a barrier for incorporating young talent in the future. While that one example could be cause for concern, attitude and outlook were at the forefront of discussions throughout the conference, and were the themes of the next day’s general session.

The second day’s General Session featured a spirited address by ICAA President Todd Sawyer, who emphasized the power of a positive attitude in achieving ultimate success. Specifically, he said it wasn’t so much about being positive all the time, but about learning how to turn bad days–which are inevitable–into good days. Sawyer then transitioned into recognizing Phil Rice with the ICAA Leadership Award and Becky Karam with the ICAA Key Person Award, before introducing keynote speaker Rob Zbierski, who continued the theme of attitude and outlook. Zbierski was energetic and the audience responded well to his discussion of how people at the top of their fields weigh attitudes and actions, favoring the former over the latter. It was a fitting cap to the convention’s slogan: The Future is Bright.

The convention wasn’t purely a sit-and-learn affair, however. The two trade show receptions allowed attendees a bustling yet casual atmosphere to mingle and chat with the 70-plus exhibitors. In fact, reconnecting with old friends and colleagues was the most-cited reason for attending the show. Families also played a major role in attendance, as the Contemporary Resort’s Convention Center was specifically chosen to appeal to families. Considering attendance hit an all-time record, ICAA’s decision to do so wound up being a home run–the future does indeed look bright.

About Insulation Contractors Association of America: ICAA, the trade association for residential and commercial thermal insulation contractors, has been helping insulators and their suppliers for over thirty years. ICAA promotes professionalism in the residential and commercial insulation contracting industry. The organization's mission is to assist our members by developing and executing programs that keep them on the leading edge of valuable information and knowledge in the rapidly changing world of insulation. For more information, please use the contact details provided below.