2012 SMA Annual Conference Tools for Success in the Stair industry Reno, NV April 12-15 Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
2012 Conference Daily Activities Wednesday When you arrive on Wednesday the 11 th enjoy a well deserved respite and participate in the preconference activities. Be sure to inquire at the registration desk about signing up for dinner at a casual local restaurant $$$ (Space may be limited so be sure to pre-register before the conference). Thursday Join attendees in the SMA Golf Tournament or the SMA Tour to Virginia City. Please remember to register in advance for the Golf Tournament and Virginia City Tour as on site options may be limited. If you did not register for the Golf Tournament or the Tour to Virginia City there are plenty of other activities. Relax at the Atlantis Resort Spa, winter sports in the nearby mountains, or the many other Reno offerings. Attend the SMA Welcome reception and join us for dinner at a local pub $$ (Space may be limited so be sure to pre-register before the conference). New members and first-time attendees are encouraged to attend the brief Orientation prior to the reception and meet our board members. Friday Bright and early, following a networking breakfast, participate in the Annual Business Meeting, hear reports, be introduced to the newly elected Board members and our new governance structure to providing greater participation in the association. After an update on code issues attend our new Exhibitors Presentations, have lunch with the exhibitors and the view the exhibits. Committee meetings will round out the business portion of the conference and additional exhibit time will lead up the SMA Auction and reception with cash bar and a compliment of food that will energize you for an evening of Reno Style Activity and Celebration. Saturday Enjoy breakfast on your own as we open registration for one day attendees at 7:00a. Throughout the day you ll participate in learning, challenging conversation, networking and exhibits that will culminate in the SMA Awards Banquet where we will install our newly elected directors and honor the stairways you have judged best with the SMA StairCRAFT awards among a historic gathering of the stair industry s top professionals. Sunday Gather for breakfast then dig into the benefits members have experienced with Setup Time Reduction in their implementation of Continuous Improvement/Lean Manufacturing. Following the Code Certification Level III class we will close with a challenge from our new president and head home with new tools to use and sharpen.
2012 Special Conference Events SMA Auction The SMA Auction will be held during the Friday evening reception on April 13. Attendees are asked to donate a small item that might provoke the interested bidding of your peers in a fun-for-all evening for a good cause. Proceeds from the auction will fund the purchase, setup and administration costs of the new SMA communication forum linking our members together with a viable email network. Suitable donations might include: Bottles of wine Merchandise cards Unique non- stair- part- products made by our members Nostalgia Books Signed books, Memorabilia Specialty baskets A trip or stay Artwork or Collectibles 2012 Expanded Exhibits This year we will have expanded exhibit hours that include special programs. You will not want to miss the new Exhibitor Presentations from 11 to 12 pm on the 13th as well as the Raffle during the exhibit hours on the 14th from 3-7 pm. Here are the Exhibit Hours and Special Event times: April 13 11:00-12 pm Exhibitor Presentations April 13 12 pm Luncheon in Exhibit Hall April 13 12-4 pm Exhibits Open April 13 5-6:30 pm Exhibits Open April 14 3-7 pm Exhibits Open, Raffle Tour of Virginia City Thursday, April 12th This tour will take you on a guided bus tour. We will likely be treated to some sights including the unique wildlife frequenting the Nevada Desert high country and the boardwalks and saloons of Virginia City. There are so many experiences you'll want to try. You will be free to explore the many shops and restaurants on your own. What a great way to see the sites while enjoying the company of your fellow SMA Members. SMA Annual Golf Tournament Thursday, April 12th The tournament includes, full breakfast, green fees, cart, lunch, am beverage, transportation and prizes. Once again, it is time for us to break out that newel post driver and make some body s life-long dream come true. For those of you who have never had the opportunity to achieve ultimate fame by smashing a golf ball 30 yards down the fairway with a newel post well here is your big chance. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join us regardless of player level. We have had many people play in this event in the past that had never swung a club before and they all had a great time. We will depart the hotel following a full breakfast promptly at 8:00 am. The all-inclusive cost for this year s event is just $130 per player.
2012 Annual Conference Seminars and Speakers Stair Building Codes Update - Friday, April 13th 9:30 11:00a Dave Cooper, SMA Code Representative Learn what to expect as the most recent versions of the ICC model codes are adopted. Why are some jurisdictions still using 2003 or 2006 versions while others already prepare to move from 2009 and adopt 2012? How are such differences affecting our industry? Learn what changes are in the pipeline for 2015 what the SMA is doing on your behalf and how knowledge of what is coming can help you now! Level I Code Certification - Friday, April 13th 2:15-4:00p William Thomas, Thomas Fine Stairs Level-I is the first step in the SMA Code certification program. It provides an important foundation to understanding the need for building codes by presenting their history, purpose, development process and provides the student with detailed knowledge of the of the International Residential Code as most commonly enforced. William Thomas- Bill has been an active participant in the SMA since joining in 2005. He has demonstrated his wiliness to lead in the role of Education Committee Chair for two years. As the first member to achieve Level I, Level II and Level III Code Certification, we welcome him as a qualified presenter of the Level I Code Certification Program. Integrating Information Flow - Saturday, April 14th 8:00-9:20a Kevin Connors, Colonial Woodworking Member Colonial Woodworking will share how they developed a database using off the shelf software that integrates their operational sales information flow. From inquiry to delivery their solution uses pull-down-menus to generate; proposals, contracts, change orders, work orders, production, delivery and installation schedules, invoices, receipts, purchase orders, CNC G code, and automated updates to QuickBooks from one source. It provides real time information about every aspect of their stair building process. Now in use for use for over six years, they will share the completed project, the development process and cite how this has benefited their operation while showing you how to do it. Kevin Connors Kevin is the Owner Wood You cabinet shop, Washington DC.; Stairbuilder and Shop Foreman, Colonial Woodworking; Architectural Construction Administrator, The Architects Collaborative*,Cambridge, Ma; Project Manager, Stahlman Engineering Corps, New London, NH*; General Manager Colonial Woodworking Inc., Bradford, NH*; General Manager, Van Millwork Custom Division, Fitchberg, MA. *custom departmental or company wide databases using off-the-shelf software on both Macintosh and Windows platforms. Additional Speakers: Paul Saxby, Jean Saxby, Dan Saxby Continuous Metal Railing Systems Options for Woodworkers - Saturday, April 14th 9:25 10:45a Terry Driscoll, Custom Iron Although continuous metal railings and railing components have been around a long time, many stair builders still avoid selling them, particularly when it comes to continuous metal railings. This session will give attendees the information necessary to add this service to their product line and understand how to it can add aesthetic options and more profit to their projects. Terry Driscoll- Starting in 1975, Terry Driscoll developed Custom Iron into a leading national spiral stair and railing manufacturer. Terry has been an active member of the National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association since 1992. He has served as an officer, board member, and as Technical Committee chair Terry was responsible for developing a number of publications including NOMMA s Joint Finish Guidelines. Custom Iron twice received NOM- MA s Top Job Award, for artistry and craftsmanship in metal. Custom Iron has been a member of the Stairway Manufacturer s Association (SMA) since 2001. Terry has been an SMA Board Member since 2010, and is currently serving as SMA Secretary.
2012 Annual Conference Seminars and Speakers Keynote Address - "Swimming to Calmer Waters: The Case for Remodeling Stairs" - Saturday, April 14th 11:00-12p David Wynne, Crown Heritage and Bob Schutte, Schutte Stair Company Most will agree, the heights of record new home construction are behind us, perhaps forever. In an industry driven by the square footage of new home construction, many have rescaled our businesses and accepted our fate that market opportunity will be limited into the foreseeable future. But is there another way? What if there was an opportunity to expand our market, customer base, and revenue stream without counting on new home construction? Remodeling activity offers that opportunity, and in fact, if stairs enjoyed the same level of remodeling activity that other product categories currently enjoy our industry would double in size! This session will explore that opportunity in three parts: a) The macro and micro economic case for remodeling stair cases, b) How we as business owners can capture that demand, and c) the SMA s role in promoting stair remo eling and stair parts to the remodeling industry. David Wynne - David is the President of Crown Heritage and has been dedicated to the stair parts industry since 1992 holding senior management positions in sales, marketing and operations with some of the leading companies in the stair parts industry. Bob Schutte - In 1989 Bob decided to make a living building stairs and started his own business. He had never before in his life, ever, built a stair. He and his son have re-directed the business into stair renovation as well as building stairs for new homes in response to the dramatic changes in our industry over the last six years. Vintage Handrails and Stairs - Saturday, April 14th 1:00-3:00p James Baldwin and Keith Mathewson, Seattle Fine Woodworking As an introduction/review of traditional handrail fittings with their required plan-view stairway designs, this presentation will include various sample reproductions of handrail parts from the mid 1800 s with an overview of both old and new manufacturing techniques. The discussions will include a brief history or evolution of geometric handrail and stairways but the main focus will be on the relevancy of this technology and the potential of incorporating these kinds of parts in the design of today s stairways. Jim Baldwin Jim has worked thirty-five years in the stair industry and continues to do so. For fifteen years he was the owner of a small custom stair shop located in Southern California and for the last twenty years he has been a supplier or source for sculptural handrail parts. Jim has authored two stair related articles in TIC Magazine (thisiscarpentry.com) and was recently the instructor of a four-day seminar entitled Traditional Tangent s Handrailing hosted by Keith Mathewson of Seattle Fine Woodworking www.seattlefinewoodworking.com Keith Mathewson Keith specializes in high-end custom stairs and furniture in the greater Seattle area. Keith is a fairly well known and respected woodworker. He possesses a rare knowledge and skill for traditional hand tools and techniques and enjoys sharing his passion with others. Keith routinely produces instructional You Tube videos which are viewed and appreciated by many amateurs and professionals alike. Code Certification, Level III - Saturday, April 14th 4:00-5:30p Dave Cooper, SMA Code Representative Level III is the final step in the code certification program and focuses on in depth understanding of the aspects of code development and enforcement especially at the local level. Keyed toward the responsible leaders of Design, Production, and Management, this course promotes establishing a culture geared to exceed the minimum standard of quality and safety, and the development of a respected professional stature within the code community through demonstrated expertise and effective education as an SMA professional. David Cooper - A volunteer for more than 10-years, Dave Cooper has represented the SMA in building code and standard development professionally since 2005. Dave has served as chair of the Code and Research Committee, on the Board and is a past President. As the coderep he provides consults to our members code inquires and reviewing projects for code compliance. He also contracts to serve the SMA in administering the association as executive director.
2012 Annual Conference Exhibitors and Sponsors Exhibitors Custom Iron Zumbrota, MN 507--732--7696 www.customiron.com Hardwood Design Exeter, RI 401-294-2235 www.harwoodesign.com Crown Heritage Stairs North Wilkesboro, NC 800-745-5931 www.crownheritage.com WM Coffman Resources Plano, TX 972-312-1707 www.wm-coffman.com Protective Coating Company Allentown, PA 610-432-3543 www.pcepoxy.com Shelter Products Stamford, CT 203-322-0009 www.shelterproducts.net Sponsors Golfer's Breakfast Longest Drive with a Newel Longest Putt with a Baluster Closest to the Pin Welcome Reception Opening Session Breakfast Exhibition Opening Day and Lunch Auction Reception Keynote Breakout Luncheon Exhibition Closing Day Drawing Exhibition Closing Reception Awards Banquet Closing Conference Breakfast Conference Brochure Arcways JRM International Salter Spiral Stairs Mylen Stairs Arcways Fitts Stair Components Crown Heritage Universal Stair Parts Inc. Colonial Woodworking Young Manufacturing Arcways NAC/Cooper Stairworks
Upcoming SMA Conferences & Workshops SMA 25th Anniversary Annual Conference New Orleans April 11-14, 2013 Come Network, Learn, Celebrate!!!! Save the Date!! SMA Fall Educational Workshop Chicago, IL October 19-21, 2012 Early Registration Opens May 2012 Informative Seminars! Earn Learning units toward certification! Exhibit Opportunities...and Much More. Who should attend? Sales and Design Staff Project Managers and Production Managers Drafting and Detailing Personnel Lead Shop and Installation Personnel Exhibitors Welcomed! One Low fee includes all seminars and meals except dinner on Saturday Night. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to learn and network.
Conference Schedule Time Location Wednesday, April 11 SMA Conference Venue Office Opens 1:30p Emerald D Registration Open 3:00-7:00p Pre-Function Area SMA Board of Directors Meeting 3:30-5:30p Boardroom Dinner on Own - sign up for group reservation $$$ 6:30p Off site Thursday, April 12 Registration Open 7:00-10:00a Pre-Function Area Golfer s Breakfast 7:00-8:00a Grand 2 Golf and Alternative Activity Program - Tour Virginia City 8:00a - 3:30p Off site Registration Open 2:00-6:00p Pre-Function Area Exhibitor Setup 3:00-5:00p Emerald AB Exhibiting Presenters Meeting 3:30-4:00p Emerald AB New Member and First Time Attendee Orientation 4:30-5:30p Grand 2 Welcome Reception 5:30-7:00p Treasures ABC Dinner on Own - sign up for group reservation $$ 7:00p Off site Friday, April 13 Continental Breakfast 7:00-8:00a Grand 2 Annual Business Meeting 8:00-9:30a Grand 2 Stair Building Codes Update 9:30-11:00a Grand 2 Exhibitor Presentations 11:00a - 12:00p Grand 2 Exhibits Open - Lunch with Exhibitors 12:00-4:00p Emerald AB Level I Code Certification - 2:15-4:00p Grand 2 Committee Meetings 4:00-5:30p Grand 2, Treasures A & B, Emerald D Exhibits Open 5:00-6:30p Emerald AB SMA Auction - Donate something fun to sell for our cause 5:30-7:30p Emerald AB Dinner and Entertainment on Own 7:30p Off site Saturday, April 14 Breakfast on Own 7:00-8:00a Registration Open 7:00-8:00a Pre-function area Seminar "Integrating Information Flow 8:00-9:20a Grand 5-6 Seminar "Continuous Metal Railing Systems 9:25-10:45a Grand 5-6 Options for Woodworkers" Break 10:45-11:00a Keynote Address - "The Case for Remodeling Stairs" 11:00a - 12:00p Grand 5-6 Keynote Breakout Luncheon 12:00-1:00p Treasures AB Registration Open 12:00-1:00p Pre-function area Stair Design Workshop "Vintage Handrails and Stairs" 1:00-3:00p Grand 5-6 Exhibits Open Exhibition Drawing 3:00p - 7:00p Emerald AB Level I Code Certification 4:00-5:30p Grand 5-6 Reception 6:00-7:00p Emerald AB SMA Awards Banquet 7:00p - 9:00p Treasures BCD Sunday, April 15 Continental Breakfast 8:00-8:30a Grand 5 Discussion Panel - "Real Results of Setup Time Reduction" 8:30-10:00a Grand 5 Level III Code Certification 10:00-11:45a Grand 5 Closing Remarks - SMA President 11:45-12:00p Grand 5