Connections Agenda is up!
Remember that being part of one of the 13 associations that presents Connections brings you huge discounts. If you are a Member such as a Platinum LMCCA Member you get a discount plus money you can use towards the event. It more than pays for the cost of going! www.lmcca.org

See you there!

http://www.connectionsconvention.org/
The Agenda for the CONNECTIONS Conference & Exhibition
MAY 4, 5 & 6, 2006,
at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort, Clearwater, Florida
WEDNESDAY, MAY 3rd
9:00 a.m. CONNECTIONS Golf Tournament - Belleview Biltmore Golf Resort, Four Man Super Ball also known as Captain's Choice, Each golfer plays his ball from the best shot of the team until the ball is in the hole. Must register by April 21, 2006 - Cost $75 - includes all golf, tournament fees, cart, and range balls. Trophies will be awarded for 1st place, closest to the pin and longest drive. Call Steve Boyette at 800-334-8418 to register.
1:30 - 6:00 p.m.
BONUS COURSE! EncapFest: Encapsulation and the Commercial World, by Releasit / Excellent - Supply.com, Rick Gelinas. Come hear and share information about Commercial Carpet Maintenance, how to sell, how to set up accounts, and how to clean. PLUS, try hands-on cleaning methods used for commercial contracts. (Open to all cleaners)
6:30 p.m. CONNECTIONS Opening Reception - Sponsored by ICS Cleaning Specialist. Network with your fellow industry members and Association Members. All participants are invited. Come get acquainted and enjoy the opportunity to be on the beach and get to know other industry members in a casual setting. Cash bar and hors d'oeuvres - Beachside.
THURSDAY MAY 4th (Note: Exhibit Hall Grand Opening is from 3:15 - 6:15 p.m.)
Note: The Technical Conference will begin at 12:00 p.m. Two Connections bonus courses have been added to the morning schedule. There is no charge for the Connections bonus courses if you are a full paid attendee - $50 fee for non-registered attendees.
8:00 - 11:45 a.m.
BONUS COURSE! Interlink Rewards Program - Learn about new innovations in the water damage drying industry. TES is turning heads all over the industry with its advanced drying technology. Also, see the Commercial Carpet Maintenance Program that will increase your company's cash flow. Free to full paid attendees, $50 fee for non-registered attendees
8:00 - 11:45 a.m.
BONUS COURSE! Prochem - Advanced Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Workshop. The Formula for Success, the Formula for Cleaning Success
• Carpet Cleaning, Residential - Types of Carpet - Approved Cleaning Processes - Spotting - Commercial Approved Cleaning Processes
• Upholstery Cleaning - Types of Fabrics - Approved Cleaning Processes - Spotting, The Formula for Marketing Success - Successful marketing practices - Finding the Right Customers
• CRI Seal of Approval
Free to full paid attendees, $50 fee for non-registered attendees
12:00 p.m. Connections Technical Conference Opening Session - Welcome to the Connections Conference and Exhibition!
Paul Thompson, Connections Conference Chairman
12:00 - 1:45 p.m. Major KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Cleaning - Emerging Issues in Health and our Industry - Presented by Gene Cole, DrPH, BYU - Cleaning for Asthma and Allergy Control, Cleaning in the Homes of the Immuno-Compromised, and Cleaning and Decon of Specialized Public Environments - An emphasis on emerging infectious agents (Norovirus, Avian Flu, etc).
1:45 - 3:15 p.m. Who Moved My Target (Cheese)? - Good Question! How has the industry changed, where are companies moving their future business and how do you position your company for the future? James Holland, Restoration Consultants will lead this panel discussion. Panelist include John Mosher, Successful Directions, Les Cunningham, Business Networks and Phil Rosebrook Jr., Business Mentors.
3:15 - 6:15 p.m. Grand Opening Exhibit Hall
6:15 - 8:00 p.m. Connections Reception - Sponsored by Bridgepoint Inner Circle - Open House, Cash bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Come meet other attendees and exhibitors. Great time to network, make friends and talk about what others are doing in their business. Come meet the Bridgepoint staff, instructors and inner circle members and learn about their business support programs for cleaning and restoration professionals.
FRIDAY, MAY 5th – Restoration and Remediation Emphasis
(Note: Exhibit Hall is open to the public from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.)
8:30 - 10:00 a.m. KEYNOTE Address: Restoration Marketing Strategies for your Company, both Residential and Commercial - Presented by
John Mosher, Successful Directions. Is it time to shake up your marketing efforts related to restoration? Is it time to become far less reliant on the insurance industry? This session will open the door to expanding your marketing efforts to increase your restoration business.
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Optimizing Structural Drying - Presented by Larry Carlson, Dri-Air Technology. Since the advent of Structural Drying in the late 90's, the techniques and principles of the system have continued to evolve. The newest innovations in procedures and equipment will be examined, including high temperature techniques, desiccant, advanced LGR dehumidifiers and air movers. The program will include the mechanics of drying and how to boost performance and accelerate the drying process. Attention will also be given to hardwood, plaster, concrete and other difficult drying scenarios.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Contractors, Presented by Les Cunningham, Business Networks. How to assert your control and influence successfully. This session will discuss:
• How to identify your direction and goals
• How to allocate your time and resources and reduce crisis management
• How to build teamwork at work and at home
• How to negotiate agreements from a strong "win-win or no-deal" position
• How to invigorate your commitments
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 - 2:15 p.m. Advances in Drying, Tools, Techniques and Processes to Advance Your Companies Effectiveness and Profitability, Presented by Brandon Burton, Dri-Eaz Products and Chairman of the IICRC S500 Psychrometry Chapters. He will discuss the use of new tools, techniques and processes in your drying practices for a more efficient and accurate way of drying structures and to be more profitable.
2:15 - 3:00 p.m. IICRC Update: The Newly Revised Standards S500 and S520. Presented by Howard Wolf, HW3 Consulting, Chair of the New S500 Standard.
3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Opens
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Sand Castle Building Contest for Children - On the beach
6:30 p.m. Reception and Dinner - Beach party, volleyball, horseshoes
SATURDAY, MAY 6th – Cleaning Emphasis
(Note: Exhibit Hall is open to the public from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)
8:30 - 9:45 a.m. KEYNOTE Address: Managing Your Business, Presented by Tom Hill, T. Hill and Associates. It is not just a business, it is your
life. A discussion on how to make your business work for you instead of your business working you. How to say goodbye to some and make more money at the same time. Tom will also discuss opportunities to get involved in referrals by being an IICRC Certified Firm.
9:45 - 10:30 a.m. Preparation for the Challenges of Upholstery Cleaning - Presented by Shawn Bisaillon, Steam Way International. This workshop will cover the challenges of preparing the work area as well as preparing and selling high-end performance upholstery cleaning services.
10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Carpet and Rug Institute Updates - Presented by Carey Mitchell, Shaw Industries. CRI is involved in testing of products and chemicals for our industry. Hear what is going on in attempting to reduce poor product performance that causes resoiling or doesn't clean.
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Adjourn to Exhibit Hall - Lunch will be provided for full paid attendees.
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Lunch
2:00 - 3:15 p.m. Specialized Carpet Spot Cleaning Techniques and Guaranteed Odor Removal - Presented by Darrell Fronczeck, CTI. Darrell will discuss methods and technologies to enhance your success rate for removal of spots and odors. Utilizing these practices will increase your company's profits and enhance customer satisfaction.
3:15 - 4:30 p.m. Carpet Construction - What's New in Fibers, Backings, Latex and Installation? A panel of experts, moderated by Larry Cooper, Textile Consultants, Senior Carpet Inspector. Panelist include: Carl Williams, Academy of Textiles and Flooring, Mark Violand, Mark Violand Inspections and Claudia Lezell, Inspections Too. Some products work really well and some are only marketing hype - get the scoop from the carpet inspectors!
(NOTE: A US Products Portable Carpet Cleaning Machine - Value $3,995- will be given away to one of the attendees in this session. All registrants are eligible, but You MUST be present at this session to win!)
4:30 p.m. CONNECTIONS Convention and Trade Show - Looking Forward to Las Vegas, September 20-23, 2006 at the Las Vegas Hilton
4:45 p.m. CONNECTIONS Conference and Exhibition Closing (Free night for networking and beach Fun!)